GUMAA: THE BEGINNING OF HER #1, from Jeehyung Lee on Kickstarter, introduces readers to Khalida, an indentured, drug-addicted prostitute whose bid for freedom from the Luciel cartel has Hellish consequences for the future of the world.
The Details
- Written by: Jeehyung Lee
- Art by: Nabetse Zitro, Jeehyung Lee
- Colors by: Jeehyung Lee
- Letters by: Jeehyung Lee
- Cover art by: Jeehyung Lee
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $10.00 (digital pack, issues #1-#5)
- Release date: December 2022 (estimated)
Is It Good?
Well, we’re not quite sure what to make of GUMAA: THE BEGINNING OF HER #1, but this is one Hell of an intriguing first issue. Jeehyung Lee’s tale about a lowly woman who evolves into a central figure for the coming Apocalypse has the cinematic makings of a dark, twisted, urban fantasy for the ages.
Jeehyung Lee’s script centers on Khalida, a drug-addicted prostitute indentured to the Luciel cartel. The only way to freedom for Khalida and her daughter is with money she doesn’t have and promises Behema, the cartel’s leader, never intends to keep. To be sure, Jeehyung Lee paints a grim picture of a woman living a terrible life without a reason for hope or salvation, so the scene is ripe for dark, mystical forces to do their work.
As this is the first issue in a five-issue collection, the majority of this issue is setup, so you don’t get much in terms of fantasy or supernatural elements. However, a brief prologue shows readers the world fifteen years later and Khalida’s almost godlike status in a city on the verge of collapse. If not for the prologue, you’d wonder where this story is going with some frustration, but the prologue elevates this first issue immeasurably to give readers a tantalizing tease about where Khalida’s journey will take her.
Nabetse Zitro and Jeehyung Lee’s pencils/inks are sketchy, rough, raw, and powerful. There are times when clean lines are necessary, and then there are times, like in this issue, when the ragged edges amplify the jagged harshness of the world the creators have constructed. This issue is composed of gorgeous art because it is so raw, and every panel is memorable for it.
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 set in 1999. A man is attacked in the streets by a black-eyed Maagi. A nearby woman witnesses the assault, but the man jumps the Maagi before it can turn on the woman. He warns her to run to the monastery where a regal woman waits in the doorway with the powers of a god to stop the Maagi in their tracks.
In 1984, Khalida prays to God in her room for safekeeping for herself and her daughter. She works for the Luciel cartel as a prostitute, unable to leave while she remains hooked on the cartel’s drugs and Behema, the cartel leader, has her daughter. Khalida’s roommate, Marsha, offers Khalida a way out, and she takes the offer gladly. Unfortunately, Behema is not known for keeping his promises of freedom when paid in full.
We conclude the issue with a warning to the staff, a deadline, and a backup plan.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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GUMAA: THE BEGINNING OF HER #1 begins the journey of a woman existing in a grim and hopeless world, not realizing her journey will raise her to godhood against the evils of Hell. Jeehyung Lee’s story paints a depressing picture of a woman at the end of her rope, but the teases of Khalida’s future let the reader know you’re in for one Hell of a journey.
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