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THE EXPANSE: ORIGINS #1

The Expanse: Origins #1 is a prequel. Yes, I am aware of the sentiment that comes with uttering that word. Prequel. Ugh. It does make one feel like they’re watching Anakin talk about sand, or pod-racing. Though there is a difference between a “bad” prequel and a “good” one; I would categorize The Expanse: Origins as one of the good.

Origins is a series of four issues focusing on the four major characters of The Expanse series of novels. This first issue focuses on the backstory of the captain of The Rocinante, James Holden, and his time as a lieutenant in the United Nations Navy.

Having only cursory knowledge of the characters, the books, and the show, I read The Expanse: Origins #1 as a primer, to see if the characters would be intriguing enough for me to revisit the books and to finish them with this new interest. Issue 1 portrays a man who is not right for the military, yet he is there by choice. There is an event that unfolds which shows Holden is in the right, but the restrictions and restraints of command are not for him.

Yes, Holden eventually becomes a Captain. Yes, he involves himself in a major conflict. Of this, I am aware, but how does this short backstory come into play with his future self? Do the events that occur in Origins predict the character and actions to come? 

Beginning with The Expanse: Origins provides a unique opportunity for those of us who are not fully involved with The Expanse novels – we can read from the absolute beginning. For those who have finished the latest book, Origins is more – more content, more backstory, more connection to the characters.

Will I be returning to the novels? Yes. Will I be read the remaining Origins stories? Of course. Will I continue to wish that we were 200 years into the future commanding a spaceship? Damn right. 

Dane Cypel really wishes he can command a spaceship. If it was named Enterprise, that would be even better.

New on comiXology today – THE EXPANSE ORIGINS #1

Based on the bestselling books and tying into the hit television series, THE EXPANSE ORIGINS reveals the untold origins of the crew members of The Rocinante. As interplanetary tensions reach an all-time high, the crew of The Rocinante finds themselves at the center of a conflict that threatens to destroy all of human civilization. But before they were heroes, each member of the crew faced moments that would come to define them and brought them one step closer to the ship they now call home. Featuring a story by author James S.A. Corey that explores the past of each character and what set them off on the winding roads that led to The Rocinante, this series is a must read for fans of the books and show alike. Before James Holden was a member of the crew of The Rocinante, he was a lieutenant in Earth’s navy on board the UNN Zheng Fei. When their ship met an unidentified belter cargo vessel suspected of OPA ties, Holden faced a choice that would come to define his time in the navy.