The comic book industry is on hold, but many folks including myself are hoping digital is where comics can thrive during these uncertain times. Comixology is a major provider of digital comics, especially new titles every week. Since their operation has always been digital there’s nothing stopping them from releasing their latest titles. Enter Magdalene Visaggio and artist Claudia Aguirre’s new, Comixology Original five-part mini-series, Lost on Planet Earth. If you need a new single-issue comic book fix, this might be your cup of tea.
The new series focuses on Virginia native Basilisa Miranda in the year 2381. This far-future world is similar to the Star Trek universe due to the nature of humanity working together and taking to the stars on giant spaceships. Miranda desires to become a spaceship captain and we soon learn her dedication and work ethic are so intense she’s practically obsessed with her goal. This is a character many will relate to — anyone who has devoted themselves to a goal or a dream that has taken up a chunk of their life only to realize later the workaholic lifestyle is incredibly unhealthy will empathize. Miranda is a character many will connect with due to her inability to see the forest for the trees while they do the right thing, but never stop to ask themselves if the right thing is good for them.
Somebody is hungry!
Credit: ComiXology
This is also a story about finding oneself. You see it in how Visaggio and Aguirre depict Miranda when she’s meditating. This is truly one of the things she cherishes in the day. This book captures a unique situation many folks go through but have no idea they’re actually struggling.
Claudia Aguirre draws and colors the book with a great level of energy, be it the layering of colors or the unclean line that keeps the book feeling alive. The futuristic setting never overwhelms the viewer either with only hints at it here and there which further allows the narrative to feel relatable.
My only complaint with this first issue is how little conflict there is in Miranda’s life. She’s got a stable family, clearly isn’t hard up for cash, and is motivated enough to do great things. Aside from doubting what she wants to do with her life, there isn’t anything that creates tension in the story. There’s a hint at more to come of course, but the uncertainty in Miranda’s life isn’t quite enough to drive you back to issue #2.
Considering this is one of the only comics out this week, and free if you have Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, or are a comiXology Unlimited member, it’s a no brainer to check this out. It’s a good setup to a new sci-fi series that’s about a character doubting what they’ll do next after devoting their entire lives to something they thought they wanted. It’s bound to be an inspiring journey, and given how well the creators are writing the lead, it’s hard to resist.
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