ANTARCTICA #1, from Image Comics on 7/12/23, begins a sci-fi tale of heartbreak and determination when a young woman sets out to find out why her father never came home after his mission to Antarctica.
The Details
- Written by: Simon Birks
- Art by: Willi Roberts
- Colors by: Willi Roberts
- Letters by: Lyndon White
- Cover art by: Willi Roberts
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: July 12, 2023
Is It Good?
ANTARCTICA #1 is an intriguing little tale that starts slow but builds to a final page that pops with anticipation for the second issue. It’s unclear exactly where or when the story is headed, but we’re eager to find out.
Simon Birks’s script centers on Hannah Curtis, a young woman who becomes homeless and aimless after her father fails to return from a top-secret mission to Antarctica. Through fateful opportunities and a mentor’s kindness, Hannah clears a path to get to Antarctica, where answers are waiting.
What’s great about this issue? Birks’s tale wisely spends the majority of Hannah building up her character, establishing her motivations, and walking readers through the pivotal moments that shaped the trajectory of her life. Hannah’s path is one of pain and struggles, so you can respect her resolve and root for her to succeed in what some may see as an impossible quest.
What’s not so great about this issue? As the only minor down point, Hannah’s succession from homeless teen to top-notch mechanic selected for an important post in Antarctica happens very quickly and a little too easily. If Hannah’s father disappeared during a mission, presumably somebody would know about it and would have figured out Hannah is related. That discovery should have caused some resistance, but Hannah reaches her destination without questions and under almost total anonymity.
How’s the art? Excellent. We’ve reviewed other comics by Simon Birks under the Blue Fox Comics brand, and this issue is the best we’ve seen coming from his team of creators. Hannah is an instantly recognizable character, and her mission to the frozen reaches of the Earth looks authentic and foreboding.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a prologue montage to introduce Hannah Curtis and her unending love for her father, who leaves home for long stretches on secret missions. On one such mission, Hannah’s father doesn’t come home. The grief over her father’s disappearance sends Hannah into a downward spiral of depression and aimlessness.
Hannah makes the acquaintance of a coffee shop owner, Jim, who makes sure Hannah has food, clothes, and a place of refuge. Through Jim’s kindness, Hannah finds the opportunity to enter trade training to become a specialized mechanic. Slowly, Hannah formulates a plan to become part of a crew operating out of the same Antarctica facility where her father disappeared.
We conclude the issue with a new recruit, strange lights, and a familiar face in the snow.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
ANTARCTICA #1 begins a heartfelt, sci-fi tale about a daughter determined to find her father when he didn’t return from a mission in Antarctica. Simon Birks’s character development is outstanding, and the last-page twist is a banger.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.