Book Review: Shahrazad #1

Book: Shahrazad #1 by Kim Hutchison and Kari Castor with illustrations by Mike Krome and color by Nei Ruffino

Edition: I read the single print issue

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Prior to reading this I had no knowledge of Shahrazad, since I have not read the Arabian Nights stories yet (but it's on my reading list).

In this first issue, the story opens with a flashback scene of when Shahrazad was younger and was walking with her little sister through the bazaar when he sister caught the unwanted attention from a Sheik.

Now back to the present the story shows Shahrazad as a Lieutenant on a ship that is caught in a severe storm as well as being attacked by a huge squid. The crew soon evacuate but not before Shahrazad did a daring rescue for one of the crew.

The Captain, Lieutenant and the crew took refuge on an island where they stumbled upon a woman calling for help as she was chained to a wrecked ship. But no sooner as the Captain cut one of the chains to one of the woman's arms did she attack the unsuspecting rescuer. Shahrazad tried he best to warn the Captain but it just wasn't in time.

By the end of the story, Shahrazad had taken over as Captain and may have revenged their former Captain. But since this ends on a cliffhanger I will have to wait to see.

This book is full of bold and beautiful color and the artwork is really good. I love the two page layout with the giant squid attacking the ship because it's action packed and stunning.