Three Worlds / Three Moons: Shift #1 (Dark Horse Comics, 9/30/26): Writer Jonathan Hickman & artist Mike del Mundo imagine worlds and moons in a galaxy far, far away where the acolytes of science and magic are in a constant cycle to wrest control from the other. Fans of Hickman’s deep lore and world-building will find a lot to like here. Verdict: A solid start.
Credits:
- Writer: Jonathan Hickman
- Artist: Mike del Mundo
- Colorist: Mike del Mundo, Marco D’Alfonso
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Cover Artist: Mike del Mundo (cover A)
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
- Release Date: September 30, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $9.99
- Page Count: 68
- Format: Triple-Sized Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Three Worlds / Three Moons: Shift #1:
First Impressions:
I went into this issue cold, and despite one or two repetitive bumps, I like where Hickman is taking this original story. That said, followers of Hickman’s work may find that this title is a little too familiar.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
The issue begins on a moon of the faraway world of Therra. The Moon – Ordo – houses the Institute, an abandoned bastion of the Orders of Science. Science is now considered outlawed as the Orders of Magic are in control of Therra. Anyone who dabbles in science is labeled a heretic and put on trial to be executed. An old man awakes from his statis chamber to feed the slumbering AI in the Institute with a rare element called Khor. One day, the AI is prophesied to awaken and shift the balance of power.
Years ago, a young boy named Markus was arrested and labeled a Heretic for experimenting with powders that create explosions. Instead of execution, the wise and thoughtful judge brings Markus into his home and under his protection. Years later, after the judge’s death, Markus, the judge’s son and wife – Fyg and Kyraa – and Fyg’s son – Syg – are ordered to leave the judge’s abode because the family members are not suitable to replace the judge. The night before the move, Syg secretly escapes rather than become an acolyte of the Academy, and he asks Markus to come with him to escape execution.
What follows is a series of vignettes where Syg and Markus make ends meet by farming Khor beneath the ocean and evade the Academy’s hunters. They learn, through rumors, that a powerful machine holds answers to their futures on Ordo. Syg and Markus find the Institute, but not before they are ambushed by Academy wizards. Syg is captured, but Markus escapes into the Institute, carrying a container of Khor. The issue ends with an awakening.
How is the story in Three Worlds / Three Moons: Shift
If you’re not a follower of Jonathan Hickman’s work, he has a tendency to get lost in the world-building. Thankfully, that’s not much of a problem here. Markus and Syg have clearly defined personalities, motivations, and goals that come through clearly, leading them to an (almost) obvious fate. The pacing is fairly solid, and the cliffhanger leaves you interested in what happens next.
That said, there are two areas where this launch gets a tad clunky.
First, there are multiple, repetitive flashbacks to the old man coming out of his stasis chamber to keep the AI “fed.” After the third time seeing that scene play out over the years, you realize it adds nothing to the story and comes off as padding.
Second, the description of the world may sound awfully familiar if you’re familiar with Hickman’s Marvel work. That’s right, the nature of conflicting factions is eerily similar to Hickman’s work on G.O.D.S., wherein the forces of Science and Magic are locked in eternal conflict for control of existence. Yes, sure, the characters and settings are vastly different, but the idea is the same. Admittedly, it’s executed much better here.
How is the art in Three Worlds / Three Moons: Shift #1?
Mike del Mundo’s artwork is visually impressive, imaginatively impressive, and a beauty to behold. Markus regularly interacts with alien life – both sentient and non-sentient – in his quest to be left alone and find some sense of peace. Syg – an anthropomorphic stag – acts as his “nephew” and amazingly powerful wizard to aid in their travels. The worlds look suitably alien and whimsical, which elevates the core concept of science and magic co-existing (or not) perfectly.
Plus, Marco D’Alfonso’s colors and Rus Wooton’s lettering are first-rate.
Characters
From the opening scenes, you’d get the impression that Markus is the focal point, but not so. Markus’s journey is clear, concise, and relatable, but Syg’s half of the journey carries with it the weight of family dysfunction and expectations that make the stag a bit more relatable. Both protagonists are fleshed out, but Syg has the extra ingredients to make him a standout hero.
Originality & Concept Execution
As mentioned above, the issue is almost entirely original, barring the concept of Magic and Science opposing each other in practice and ideology. Still, all the pieces work together with a sense of momentum that keeps you invested in what happens next. At the end of the day, hooking the reader is job number one.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 4/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2
Final Thoughts:
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Three Worlds / Three Moons: Shift #1 sets a pair of adventurers out on a quest to be free from the Order of Magic by seeking out the dormant keepers of Science. Jonathan Hickman’s fantasy tale masterfully blends sci-fi and magic with intriguing characters, and Mike del Mundo’s whimsical art is a standout.
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