I had no preconceived notions about this comic going into it. I had never heard about it or knew what the concept was past what I read in the description. That being said, I really, really enjoyed this comic. The concept was interesting and something that I haven't really come across much in all my comic book reading. I liked the two main characters. They felt like real people and I'm looking forward to reading more and learning more about them. If you are tired of the same old comics about people with super powers then I think this book would be right up your alley. It's a fresh, new take on super powers that I really enjoyed.

I like the concept well enough, but the execution (starting in media res with little explanation, some of the mystery element, the connection to the larger superpowered universe, some of the artwork, the number of issues) left me feeling a little mixed.

Elakshi and Adam once were strangers. By luck, they met one night and have been inseparable since. They've been on the run, thick as thieves, two strangers find themselves inextricably tied together by inexplicable superpowers. They must stick together because fighting their connection could bring dire consequences. The opening pages seat us in the heat of a chase, Adam is trying to get their pursuer further from them, someone with a terminator like spirit. Elakshi is warning him of what will happen if they're too far away from each other--she's on a train. He's on a motorcycle--the person after them pulling out gun after gun and ready to risk it all. There's a lot going on and the story carries on with pacing you'll enjoy if you like action, mysterious benefactors, people forever changed by strange circumstances.

One is an Apache med-school drop out, the other an Indian world-champion professional dancer. They're two perfect strangers with the same last name until fate brings them together one night. Adam has the best color commentary throughout the issues: on everything from white folks who have "Native American spirituality" in mind when it comes to interior decorating to smart alec comments to those who pursue he and Elaksi. This is important to mention as co-author Darcie Little Badger debuting in her first comic book writing role, is also Apache, as is Adam and it is so refreshing to see Indigenous people attached to writing characters who are Indigenous. Elakshi with a Sanskrit name that translates to a woman with bright eyes is the one with the by the book personality.

She's disciplined, always conscious of time, social graces and the foil to Adam and every bit the thorn in his side as she is his. Badger is joined with seasoned writer Magdalene Visaggio who has been known to introduce some interesting, layered characters such as former child queen Elida of Vagrant Queen. Together, they craft a fascinating narrative of two people trying to shake off their most wanted status, figure out how to get things back to normal in an ever-changing world.


Guillermo Sanna's art features some really neat panels, especially those that showcase the visual effects of Adam and Elakshi's powers and what happens when they part for too long. The coloring by Bryan Valenza really emphasizes how cool their powers look on the page when manifesting--the magenta-colored effect follows and is a brilliant visual cue for readers. Adam's own powers appear to be of attraction: moving objects to him which comes in handy--like when he pulls weapons out the hands of enemies to use against them instead.

Elakshi's powers seem to of course, be the opposite--repealing objects and people seems away to be her set. Sanna's art could have used a bit of polish, a bit more attention to detail, especially to the faces. So many are distracting and give some of the more serious scenes a hilarious tone when the face of someone in mid-fight looks like they're in pure agony. To that end, there are some great panels of landscape that stand out, and some panels like of natural light coming in through a window of a mountain cabin that softens a moment or set up a new scene for new power players in the works.

The Lands' greatest challenge is to stay together — even if they have to tear the world apart to do so. Yet they may do so in trying to keep away from those who would separate by ending their stories prematurely. Strangelands has a narrative that touches upon the lack of choice, personal responsibility and fighting for yourself set against a backdrop of a world impacted, a world changed. In the H1 Ignition universe of a world whose DNA is changed and a certain group of persons who are ignited, transformed anew, Elakshia and Adam are interesting characters that needed just a bit more push to make their landing. It's worth noting that it is great to see marginalized persons like Adama and Elakshi, that we don't see in comics, especially in Western comics centered in narratives.

Elakshi and Adam Land.

No, they're not married. No, they're not siblings either. One is an Apache med-school drop out, the other an Indian world-champion dancer. They're two perfect strangers with the same last name, until fate brings them together one night. And tragedy occurs.

Elakshi and Adam cannot touch each other. Nor can they be too far apart. Otherwise, they could cause terrible destruction. Neither knows what caused them to have these powers or why, but now they're on the run, avoiding the feds at every turn and trying hard not to leave too much destruction and chaos in their wake. When they're mysterious benefactor, known only as Kittyhawk, sends them to a ski lodge Colorado, they find others like them with powers. But is there something sinister lying beneath the surface?

This captivating first volume of the "Strangelands" comic series is full of mystery, action, and magic powers. I am eager to see where this series will progress, with its captivating storytelling and art. Elakshi and Adam are both wonderful, complicated characters, and readers will love to follow these two on their unwanted adventure. (And figure out where this will-they-won't-they thing will lead...)

In addition, this title is Own Voices, as co-author Darcie Little Badger is Apache, as is Adam--who is not afraid to call out cultural appropriation. Seeing accurate representations of Native Americans in literature--but especially comics and graphic novels--is rare, so if you need another great reason to buy this title, this is it.