Sovereign #1
Written by Chris Roberson
Illustrated by Paul Maybury
Cover by Paul Maybury
Image Comics
Release Date: March 19, 2014
Cover Price: $2.99

Touting a comic as “an epic fantasy in the tradition of Game of Thrones,” means the creative team has some very high standards to meet; and Sovereign has the potential to truly do just that. From the creative team of Chris Roberson and Paul Maybury, comes a new epic fantasy set in a unique world.

The Luminari are venturing out to the lowlands with a secret in tow and must face the living dead in the process; the warriors known as Horselords are swift and vicious in battle, but their leader is not faring too well in health; ship-traveling companions must thwart a giant sea beast in order to continue along their journey. The ways of the past are returning, meaning chaos for all cultures.

While there is still quite a bit of mystery to unfold and characterization to be developed as the series progresses, Roberson has already done a great job at world building in a grand fashion. Split up into three parts in order to introduce the main protagonists from various sections of the world, the first issue already provides epic battles, beautiful landscapes, and intriguing characters.

Maybury’s art is unique to say the least. His combination of classic comic book drawings set to modern, vibrant sketches blend seamlessly with the fantastical scope of the comic. Maybury shows off his gift of depicting violence and even regular character movement with subtlety and grace, adding a certain mystique to the story and allowing for the reader to use their imagination.

Sovereign #1 is a wonderful introduction to what will hopefully be an astounding series. With a whole new world ready to be explored, Sovereign is one adventure worth taking.