Serge Pellé

(This is a combined review of Orbital, Vol. 3: Nomads and [b:Orbital, Vol. 4: Ravages|11548443|Ravages Orbital Vol. 4|Sylvain Runberg|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B9a1p0JwL._SL75_.jpg|16488237])


Just prior to the celebrations marking the end of the Human-Sandjarr wars, an incident occurs between Malaysian fisherman and the nomadic alien species Rapakhun. The Human Caleb and Sandjarr Mezoke, security heads for the big event, must defuse the tense situation before it shatters the newly found peace. Though this story encompasses volumes 3 and 4 of the Orbital series, no prior knowledge of the previous books is required to enjoy this exciting tale. Pellé's delicate, Euro-art shines with its simplicity. He focuses on the important details, choosing to center on the story rather than showcasing his prodigious talents. Runberg clearly and intelligently details the complex alien interactions, while never talking down to his audience. Orbital delivers the all-too-rare comics combination of humanist and alien encounter fiction wrapped in a package of beauty and quality.… (mais)

(This is a combined review of [b:Nomads: Orbital Vol. 3|11548444|Orbital, Vol. 3 Nomads|Sylvain Runberg|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wwxiRab2L._SL75_.jpg|16488238] and Ravages: Orbital Vol. 4)


Just prior to the celebrations marking the end of the Human-Sandjarr wars, an incident occurs between Malaysian fisherman and the nomadic alien species Rapakhun. The Human Caleb and Sandjarr Mezoke, security heads for the big event, must defuse the tense situation before it shatters the newly found peace. Though this story encompasses volumes 3 and 4 of the Orbital series, no prior knowledge of the previous books is required to enjoy this exciting tale. Pellé's delicate, Euro-art shines with its simplicity. He focuses on the important details, choosing to center on the story rather than showcasing his prodigious talents. Runberg clearly and intelligently details the complex alien interactions, while never talking down to his audience. Orbital delivers the all-too-rare comics combination of humanist and alien encounter fiction wrapped in a package of beauty and quality.… (mais)

The Valerianesque space opera continues. This time the two agents of Interworld Diplomatic Office are assigned to Terra. Kuala Lumpur is hosting a meeting to soothen the longstanding enmities between humans and Sandjarrs. On the side, a conflict is brewing between Malaysian fishermen and interstellar nomads who are blamed for masses of dead fish... and Caleb Swany and Mézoké Izzua try to prevent open hostilities through diplomacy. In addition, some light is cast on the backgrounds of the main characters.

The third volume of Orbital is only the half of the second assignment of Caleb and Izzua, and it seems the authors prefer investing two albums per story. The plot, revolving around prejudice and xenophobia, is interesting but not really intriguing. The art is perfect for a solid, colorful space opera.… (mais)