Sera and The Royal Stars #1
Writer: Jon Tsuei
Artist: Audrey Mok
Colorist: Raul Angulo
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Vault Comics
I love a good story based in myth and folklore. Tales passed down from generation to generation explaining how the universe came to be or how our ancestors conquered some threat (supernatural or otherwise) are exciting, enriching, and critical for our development as humans. Sera and The Royal Stars #1, Vault Comics’ newest fantasy adventure, fits perfectly into that category.
Writer Jon Tsuei and artist Audrey Mok bring the kingdom of Parsa to life with incredible detail. Mok’s artwork and Raul Angulo’s colors paint a gorgeous landscape that immediately draws you in. With Jim Campbell’s clean letters, the pages flow perfectly.
When it comes to the story, Tsuei masterfully creates a fully formed universe complete with heroes, villains, and higher beings right from the first issue. The story is concise yet richly detailed, and the pacing is just right. There is a nice balance between exposition and action, and our heroine Sera does not waste time beginning her epic journey to fix her world, both in the heavens and on the ground where her family is engaged in an intense battle with her uncle and his invading army.
Even though Sera and her family are royals fighting to save their kingdom, the characters feel real. Despite Sera’s visions and connection to the gods, she and her siblings engage in down-to-earth conversations, and their love for each other and their father is genuine. They care about their home and will defend it no matter what their uncle has planned. Her mother’s presence surrounds the story, and the more we learn about her and her place within the family, the more we understand why Sera is compelled to begin such a daunting journey to replace the stars.
Sera herself is sympathetic. Her emotions seem real, whether it is anger over opposing forces or fear from the visions that plague her. While her quest is supernatural, her emotions are relatable.
Sera and the Royal Stars #1 is a strong start and if it continues, the series could easily fit into any culture’s rich history and mythology. Grab your copy of the first issue on July 17. For more, head to Vault’s website.
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