5 out of 5

Brilliantly understated sci-fi.

The science fiction genre certainly has its many subdivisions, and as Planetoid creator Ken Garing notes in his first issue editorial, the market for comics in that genre has ballooned exponentially since the publish of his first Planetoid series in 2012 (Which I’ve yet to read, but now absolutely look forward to doing so…).  But of course, quantity doesn’t equal quality, and while I’m also happy to see more options in the shelf, I’m openly critical of the overwhelming majority of them for various reasons.

While my tastes generally walk the path of “harder” sci-fi, I have a particular love for writers who can, in a way, pull off the illusion of that level of world-building without actually getting us all caught up in the particulars; the story comes first, and you realize that you’re seamlessly immersed in the tale because it feels (in context) real.

And Planetoid is an example of this.  Garing traces some common themes of strife and struggle – kids fighting against the legacy of their parents; individuals against the stereotypes of their race; the independent company versus big business – and seemingly effortlessly gives it a huge sense of history, while also maintaining several compelling character plothreads and one main one: Big ol’ corporation Heliocorp finds a new planetary home and decides that the existing colony there – led by Onica – should abide by Heliocorp dictates.

There are so many potential story-telling faux-pas that Garing carefully navigates by focusing on impact as opposed to blanket mythology; in the last issue’s letters, he mentions how the story, to him, is essentially a drama, genre trappings aside – while also freely admitting to he-knows-his-stuff influences (Tsutomu Nihei!) – and this blend of focus and inspiration appreciation is clear in the end result.  The open-ended aspects that would feel like letdowns in lesser-creators hands are instead intensely satisfying or compelling; the response to such aspects, in-story, feels grounded, so we don’t feel like we’re being choked with unnecessary mysteries, and at a higher level, the choices made are all reflective of themes of history and change.

Praxis isn’t without action (a pretty badass sequence at that), but the thrills are more from the drama: how Onica will lead her colony against the immovable Heliocorp force.  And as with the realism imparted throughout the series, the conclusion feels thoughtful.  An ending, but also one rife with a third (or more) Planetoid series opportunities.

Caring also handles the art, lettering and colors.  His colors are a nicely-balanced set of flats and blends, well juxtaposed in any given panel so our eyes hits the right focused.  His lettering sits well against this, in amply padded, nice round bubbles that are an appropriate juxtaposition to his sharper line work.  More studied eyes can bring up better references, but there’s a nice streamlined simplicity to Garing’s pencils – energized by his inks – that reminds of of ultimate X-Men era Adam Kubert.  Which is a good thing: It’s a great grasp of panel: Where to detail, where to spare it.  But most memorably for a strip like this, it perfectly captures emotional nuance.

Mr. Garing, without a doubt, has my dollars for whatever his next project may be.