Publisher: Septagon Studios- Writer: Lara Fuentes
- Artist: Patricio Clarey
- Cover artist: Patricio Clarey
- Page count: 114
Synopsis: Archeologists of Shadows is set in a world where every living thing is becoming mechanical. Some think that the phenomenon is the will of the gods, and so the Authorities punish those who resist the transformation, although all wonder about the real reason for the changes.
Baltimo and Alix, who’ve lived their entire lives within the No-Destination Train, get off the train to avoid the Authorities, and to search for the Archeologists of Shadows, an underground group of the Resistance who fight to learn what the real will of the gods might be… but Alix and Baltimo will learn much more than even the Archeologists might have expected.
Trailer: Archeologists of Shadows: The Resistance
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtOzHiYELAs[/youtube]
Independent art is something that I cherish deeply. Sure, there are those really awful cases of self expression that give the rest of the indie art world a bad wrap, but I’ve met a lot of really talented people that haven’t yet been discovered and given the opportunity to commercialize their craft.
Archeologists of Shadows: The Resistance is a breath-taking, unique vision
of artistic talent. Lara Fuentes and Patricio Clarey have created a steampunk fantasy unlike anything that I’ve encountered before in a world where man has evolved into machine. The book takes its time setting up the premise, and themes, but patience is rewarded with a rich story full of political and religious overtones and a stunning visual journey. The two main characters, Alix and Baltimo, easy to sympathize with as protagonists who are desperate to resist the mechanization and hold on to their humanity at all costs.
Patricio Clarey’s visual style is incredible and utilizes digitally manipulated photography, drawing, painting, and sculpture to create the unique world of Archeologists of Shadows. It’s clear that Clarey has spent a lot of time developing his style and every second of it was spent with an attentiveness and passion that shines in the pages of this book.
If I had one gripe here it’s that the scenes shift somewhat jarringly in places, hopping from hero to antagonist abruptly and back again just as much. It can be somewhat disorienting at first, but once to get used to Fuentes’ style I found it somewhat cinematic. One thing is certain; the book left me wanting more.
I give Archeologists of Shadows: The Resistance Four out of Five stars.
Download it yourself at aoscomic.com
