The fifth and final graphic novel in Mark Siegel’s YA series, 5 Worlds: The Emerald Gate is coming soon and AIPT has an exclusive first look at the title. The fantasy/sci-fi story addresses hope in the age of extreme climate change. The plot follows three adventurers who attempt to save existence by activating a series of beacons on five planets.
Since each volume of 5 Worlds is set on a specific world readers can expect the unique ecology and cultures the three adventurers encounter.
Co-writer Mark Siegel broke down the art style of each volume:
- The art direction and style for THE SAND WARRIOR (book one) called for a warm palette in creamy tones; Mon Domani is “The Mother World,” the old world which combines the remaining splendor of the Sand Castle and the shanty-towns of Sao Sablo, and vestiges of the ancient Felid culture in the form of weather-worn giant statues.
- For THE RED MAZE (book three) the mood was completely different: this world is the young Superpower, Mon Domani’s former colony now the dominant force in the five worlds. Its two main environments are the slick and highly technological canyon cities of Moon Yatta, and the outer desert regions with echoes of Arizona and Highway 66.
- With our fifth and final book THE EMERALD GATE, we finally reach the mysterious world called Grimbo (E)—something very different yet again! This rugged outer moon is an ocean world carpeted entirely by deadly, predatory moss. Our mood boards for this one included the greenest places on earth, from tropical jungles to Ireland and Scotland. Like the latter two, Grimbo is often under fog and cloud cover… The scattered, inhabitable rocky islands rise above the moss, but are being gnawed at and eroded by it at their bases. And then (SPOILER) there are other mysterious realms our heroes venture into, underwater. Xanthe, Matt, and Boya faced entirely new challenges in every book—and I won’t spoil the ending, but there again, big events called for some amazing new visual solutions…
Check out the solicit and preview below.
In the epic conclusion to the 5 Worlds series, the final battle looms as Oona, Jax, and An Tzu travel to the treacherous world of Grimbo (E)! There, Oona must light the last beacon to save the 5 Worlds, but first she has to find it! When Jax saves an old friend, Oona is given a clue to the green beacon’s location.
Unfortunately, the journey to lighting it on this strange, watery planet is the most dangerous yet. Meanwhile, Stan Moon has one more trick up his sleeve as his frightening powers and mysterious connection to An Tzu continue to grow. How can Oona ever hope to beat him? Can she count on her friends or will a terrible betrayal mean the 5 Worlds will be lost to evil forever?
5 Worlds: The Emerald Gate
Written by: Mark & Alexis Siegel
Art by: Xanthe Bouma, Boya Sun, and Matt Rockefeller
Release Date: 1/18/2022
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