Kevin McDowall reviews The Ultimate Sky Doll Vol. 1…
The new hardback collection of the first four issues of Sky Doll has been released by Titan Comics and covers the first arc of this unique sci-fi meets fantasy comic. Created by Allesandro Barbucci and Barbara Canepa, the story follows the enigmatic Noa, a multi-role robotic doll, as she discovers her purpose in life and the dark authoritarian world they live in.
The first issue shows this world is a more adult themed expedition than previous outings by the authors. Religion is the foremost authority, mass media controls the populace and sex is what drives the economy. The Sexual Goddess Ludovica has murdered her sister Agape and gained unquestioned loyalty from the populace. Through blessed ‘miracles’ she shows her powers in heavily advertised arena shows to the masses. Cut to our unlikely heroes Roy and Jahu as they get a car wash from a bunch of sexy robotic Dolls. After an accidental scuffle they end up running off not knowing about a stowaway in their cupboard. The Sky Doll Noa has ran away with them and is in a hurry to get away from her violent master. They are off to the planet Aqua, to complete their mission given by the goddess.
The second issue finds our trio on the ocean planet Aqua where they quickly find themselves stuck on the planet’s security door. Some meditation leads Roy and Noa through the portal with Jahu unable to relax enough to enter. The strange inhabitants quickly greet them, all fish-like female clones along with their leader Gaia. The spiritual harmony of the beautiful city and its people quickly reveals itself to be nothing more than a capitalistic monopoly bent on health spas spreading around the galaxy. Through illicit drugs Jahu finally gets past the front door and engages in his deadly mission.
Issue 3 has our crew heading back to get their reward and an interview in the Gatamagra media studio floating high above the planet. Things take a turn for the worse as a deadly terrorist attack threatens the stability of the entire nation. Meeting a young girl called Cleopatra brings focus back to Jahu and along with her Aquarian caretaker they all barely escape the space station alive.
Issue 4 has our heroes hiding out on the planet Sudra, scraping a living where they can while hiding away from the clutches of Ludovica’s minions. The crazed Miracle Genie is driven mad by his lust to release Agape, leading to a confrontation against Noa. Cleopatra suffers a devastating fall and only the missing Noa’s miracles can save her.
Overall this is a fascinating book series. The art is super cute and incredibly well drawn, juxtaposing the often violent and sexual nature of the content. Certainly not for children, the plot themes and dark personas of the characters are well done and leave you wanting more. Backgrounds are rich and complex and the expressions on the characters faces are so expressive. There are several other books set in this universe that are next in my list now.
Rating – 9/10
Kevin McDowall
