New ComiXology Originals series Lost on Planet Earth takes place in the year 2381 and follows Virginia native Basilisa Miranda, who has just failed the test of her life. The test was to become a starship pilot, but like for many of us, she realized a little late that maybe this isn’t what she wanted for herself. In the second issue, writer Magdalene Visaggio and artist Claudia Aguirre explore what her new future might mean for her and her family.
This issue has a few dramatic gems to be had which many will connect with. One involves Basilisa having dinner with her family and inviting her alien friend Velda. Visaggio is very good at capturing the undercurrent true feelings in the room — Basilisa’s father’s disapproval of a potential relationship between Velda and his daughter.
In truth, if you’ve ever encountered a parent disapproving of your life choices, you’ll connect with this story. Further, there is also the disapproval of Basilisa spending her days away from the home not studying for the makeup exam, and Basilisa’s mother covering for her in some sense. You have to wonder how much of this scene is based on reality for the creators.
ComiXology
ComiXology has a great identity searching sci-fi story on their hands
In another key scene, Basilisa encounters her friend Charlotte from school who can’t believe the direction her life is going in. That’s a theme that carries through between Basilisa’s friend and her father, which is a very relatable one for anyone who went to college and had second thoughts. Life is what you make of it, but in many ways, it’s also what we’re told to do or influenced to do that sets us on a course we may doubt later on.
It’s in these truths the book sings and you’ll connect with the character in a real way. Tucked away is an interesting relationship thread that seems to harbor a deeper purpose to Basilisa’s journey that’ll be fun to explore further as the series progresses.
Strewn throughout the book are little futuristic sci-fi elements that are fun as well. Velda’s species eats a particular thing that seems odd but is accepted by the family. Basilisa’s sister is addicted to a video game (something seems to be up with this that’ll likely be explored later) that brings a familiar yet futuristic element to the book.
Aguirre’s art continues to do well in connecting us to the characters. The clothing, design in hair, and other details of the domestic lifestyles of these characters look natural and place you into the world well. There’s a good use of color and lighting to lift up characters and push them back a bit which helps capture emotional moments. You see it in a scene with Basilisa and Charlotte with Basilisa cast in a slight fade as Charlotte storms off.
Multiple conflicts for Basilisa to endure and navigate spice up the series as the creators lay out some interesting domestic issues worth exploring further. I can’t get over how relatable this story is, and I think many will connect with it in a real way.
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