The post-apocalyptic dystopian genre can often feel overly done, but throw in a heavy dose of fantasy, and things can spring right up like they do in The Least We Can Do. Iolanda Zanfardino and Elisa Romboli team up for a new series about hope in a military-occupied landscape. Can peace be possible when both sides don’t believe it’s an option? This theme sprouts through the main character Uriel and her infectious positivity.
The Least We Can Do is set in the United Kingdom. Magic exists, found at some point in the future, and the poor and working-class aren’t allowed to use it. Meanwhile, the government, and likely the rich, can. The social class dynamic is evident when the issue opens with a mysterious character stealing a gem from a sword. Soon that character enters a street market and is unsure how to gain an audience with the working class magic users and set off to heal the world.
The first issue moves at a quick pace, giving readers detail on how the world works while informing us who Uriel is as a person. Just as she gains favor to meet with the secret organization, Romboli delivers a fun flashback explaining how magic entered the world via lined paper and simple drawings. It’s a neat creation story of sorts that takes place over two pages. From there, we are quickly introduced to the leader of the group, Uriel’s new “team,” and key info about Uriel’s background. She has reasons to want to broker peace.
Part of the fun with a series like this is uncovering the richer world, which is depicted well through costumes and environments. Lucy, for instance, has a tank tread wheelchair, yet a lot of what the characters wear is either trash or cobbled-together clothing. Another character has the top half of a sweatshirt, or another wears a tire as a shoulder pad. The world we live in now exists in small ways, but if you stop to take a look, you can see it.
Magneto!? Nah, just magic!
Credit: Image
Regarding characterization, I could see this being a massive hit for young adults. Uriel is easy to see as a surrogate for younger, hopeful readers who also see the world as broken and want to fix it. The character’s complexity is minimal, though, as she’s got simple goals and very little development. Other characters, like the leader of the secret group, are boisterous and happy, like many other helpful mentors in quests and adventures. The most exciting characters might be the three “teammates” Uriel will need to get along with, who have unique looks and tons of attitude. One can see their tough exterior will be interesting to crack.
As a dystopian modern fable, The Least We Can Do is a good start. The world is fascinating, with a backstory worth exploring further, and the concept of social classes is relatable and real. Throw in excellent costume design and interesting supporting characters, and you have a must-read comic for YA fans and adults alike.
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