Geeky Recommendations, 7/3/19

Comics

The Underfoot, Vol. 1, Ben Fisher, Emily Whitten, Michelle Nguyen

I took a risk on this one based on its blurb on Comixology, and I didn't regret it. The main characters are uplifted hamsters left behind after a mysterious cataclysm wipes out human civilization -- a superficially ridiculous premise, but one that actually works because of the quality of the writing and the lovely art. There is, I should note, a vague environmentalist undertone in the world building, but it's subtle and - at least for me - completely unobjectionable because the storytelling here is clearly coming first. Each character is distinct and well-drawn, the adventure is legitimately gripping to read, and the book's themes of friendship and sacrifice are - thankfully - universal in scope.

William the Last, Vol. 1, Brian Shearer

This is another middle grade fantasy adventure that's definitely worth your time. Here, the title character is an orphan who discovers upon his grandfather's death that there's an entire kingdom beyond his isolated beach that he never knew existed -- and that he is more important to that kingdom than he ever realized. Once again: good writing, good art, distinct and lovable main characters. If you like the traditional hero's journey as much as I, you will enjoy this book.

---

Weeb Stuff

The Promised Neverland, Kaiu Shirai, Posuka Demizu

I'm not going to discuss the details of this story because I don't want to spoil the twist. What I will say? This manga reminds me of the original, unsanitized, creepy fairy tales. If you like that sort of thing, this is definitely written and drawn for you.

---

Now Streaming

And now, before we close out today's post: Let's talk about the second season of The Orville.

I find the opening of season two rather boring, to be honest. As a matter of fact, unless you're super invested in learning about Moclan elimination habits and divorce customs (or are, like yours truly, a completist), I think you can start with "Home" (2.3) without missing much at all.

Speaking of which: "Home" starts off a little slow as well, but stick with it. When the twist happens, it's legitimately frightening.

What's else? Okay:

This season features heavy world building for the Moclans -- with mixed results. I'm disappointed that the homosexuality analogy in "Deflectors" (2.7) isn't handled as subtly as the gender reassignment episode in season one (and I say this as someone who's willing to compromise on the whole keep-government-out-of-the-bedroom thing). On the other hand, the realpolitik dimensions of "Sanctuary" (2.12) are solidly written (though, granted, it's stupid for the Union to rely on one race for weapons development). Heveena is absolutely my queen -- the definition of a strong female character who doesn't let her life of persecution warp her morality or her pragmatism.

Of course, the two-part "Identity" (2.8/2.9) is a standout. As I posted on Facebook, "That escalated quickly." It's interesting that the Kaylons are a formerly oppressed race that's now out for revenge -- and that this is portrayed as evil.

Actually, in this season, this is a theme that pops up repeatedly: what is the proper response to injustice? What is the proper response when you're objectively wronged? In "Identity" and the equally excellent "Blood of Patriots" (2.10), we encounter characters who choose the route of anger and vengeance. In "Sanctuary," we encounter a character (the aforementioned Heveena) who fights for her rights while also maintaining her dignity and her principles. Which approach does the show clearly prefer? The latter. That's good. That's very, very good.

The episodes I haven't mentioned here rely on common sci-fi tropes, but despite their familiarity, they are entertaining.

The one thing I definitely missed, though? This season sadly lacked another trenchant satire like "Majority Rule." Come on, Seth: there's certainly more stupidity in our society that you can make fun of! I hope you do so in season three.