Orbiter, written by Warren Ellis
Ten years ago, a space shuttle vanished from orbit with seven crewmembers, and the Earth ceased all manned spaceflight in response. Then the shuttle returns, fundamentally changed, and a space program that has given up on reaching the stars must pull itself back together long enough to figure out what happened. Orbiter presents itself as a mystery, but more than anything, it’s the story of a world that learns to dream again.
As much as the writing is great, it’s the artwork that makes the book. Colleen Doran brings the characters to life with a wonderful subtlety of expression and gesture; you know exactly what everyone is feeling, and you’re right there with them.
Like most of Ellis’ best work, you come away with the sense that he universe is stranger than we have ever imagined, and that is terrifying, and that is awesome. If you’ve ever looked up into the sky and felt an ill-defined longing, you’ll enjoy this one.
Violence: The book starts with a bang, literally; there’s an accident that kills a large number of people. At another point, a disturbed character attacks a pair of soldiers, and there are a couple other minor incidents. None of these events is drawn gratuitously.
Sexualized violence: None.
Gender: Isn’t much of an issue. Both men and women play important roles.
Bechdel’s law: Passes
Depiction of minorities: Pretty decent. Outside of minor characters, the lead astronaut is a black woman (and she isn’t the only black, female astronaut we meet in the book).
Parents may wish to be aware: Explosions, language, general “This comic may contain mature themes unsuitable for children.”
–Recommended by Oddkaren
