The first thing that really stood out to me in this first chapter was the art. Chris Callahans style reminds me a lot of David McKean(Hellblazer, Batman: Arkham Asylum).It felt Haunting, spiritual, mystical, and celestial ;with just a touch of Victorian mixed in. This is coming from a reviewer who could not draw a bath, so the fact it effected me the way it did should say something to you.

The story itself is a poignant look at death, and how peace in the after life isn’t always possible if you have questions and yearnings unanswered. James can’t be happy.In his mind , there’s no plane of existence where he’ll feel whole unless the one thing he is missing is right there with him. That’s where his journey will begin. This first step was written very well and I thought the dialogue written in the first person to  his wife was enough to make toughest of ladies swoon. Bit of a silver tongue for what folks might call a “dark supernatural” story.

We all hope that at the end of this life we have a just reward. That we will find everlasting peace, and some of us believe that should include being with the things and people we love. James forsakes all of this to go find the one thing in his afterlife he can’t live without no matter how many elaborate dreams his mind can create. There’s an entire undercurrent of dialogue in this book where James almost pits his firm belief that he can never let the memory of his love go against simultaneously living in the afterlife where she is present in a dream form, created by him. Bit of a mind bender indeed

This first chapter contains the spectre of death, the deceit of angels and a questionable alliance with Eden herself. His wife is not on any plane anyone can confirm, and that is upsetting the a status quo and balance that was set before time itself began. This book contains metaphysical questions about life, afterlife and the very nature of the human spirit……. in the first chapter.

This book is a deep ride. The closest I could compare it to would be the late Robin Williams “What Dreams May Come”. An underrated gem from about 20 years ago. You’ll not find any super-heroes in tights here. You’ll simply find a man who would rather wander purgatory looking for the woman he loves then stay in a dream that will never be real. A pure love across space and time.

I can see why this was funded on kick starter in 4 days(It should have been funded in 2 on the merits of the art alone).My understanding is that this is a 4 part book. I encourage you see to where this story can take you. Both on a visual and literary level. Cheers for now.

Scott

Write and Artist :Chris Callahan