Sky Doll #3 – Review

By Alessandro Barbucci and Barbara Canepa (Story, Art, and Colors)

Initially, I felt that I would have to come down hard on the third installment of the Sky Doll series because it might leaves too much up in the air for (what I thought to be) a conclusion. As it turns out, Alessandro Barbucci and Barbara Canepa are hard at work finishing up the next chapter of the Sky Doll adventure, so I re-read the issue again within that context and found it much more enjoyable than I had first thought. A whole lot happens in the latest installment, but don’t go into the issue expecting to find many answers.

If I had to pick one word to describe issue #3, it would probably be “chaotic.” As the story opens, main characters Jahu, Roy, and Noa find themselves thrust into the media spotlight as part of the coverage for a big religious event known as “The Holy Mission.” They are hastily prepared for a television appearance, thrown before the cameras, and soon caught right in the middle the religious revolution that has been brewing from the beginning. To say much more would undoubtedly lead to spoilers, so instead, let me just say that this issue contains more of what made the first two parts of the story so good. It is an engaging mix of politics, satire, sexuality, and religion that continues to be both personal and epic in scope. There is a large scale sociopolitical event taking place, but the personal journey of the characters caught up in the chaos is what really makes this story so compelling.

Barbucci and Canepa once again bring a fantastic science fiction world to life through vibrant artwork and engaging writing. This issue may be the strongest yet, artistically, because so much is going on and yet it never once feels as though control or direction is lost. The detail, character design, and use of color is some of the best I have ever seen, though I will admit that the style may not be everyone’s sort of thing. As for the writing, my only real complaint is that there is almost too much going on at once in this issue. There is a lot for the reader to digest and while I enjoy a challenging read, I get the feeling I don’t truly have a grasp on every aspect of the story being told. Perhaps the next issue will clear some things up, but considering that there is no telling when it will actually hit, I can’t help but feel a bit unfulfilled by where the story leaves off. There is still a lot I want to know, which is a good thing, but I don’t think this issue is as satisfying as it could have been had I been given a bit more explanation throughout.

If you have enjoyed Noa, Roy, and Jahu’s story thus far, make sure to check out this issue – all the elements that have been building since the first issue come to a head. Just be aware that you may (or should I say will) feel left hanging by some of the plot elements and, as of now, there is no set time frame for when the next part of the story will be released. (Grade B+)

-Kyle Posluszny

Sky Doll #2 – Review

By Alessandro Barbucci and Barbara Canepa (Story, Art, and Colors)

I honestly wish I could say something along the lines of “Sky Doll has done it again” and leave it up to the reader to discover how great this comic is on his or her own. But, since that would be a disservice to those coming to this website for a full review, let me just say that Sky Doll continues to be one of the most unique, vibrant, and controversial comics around. This is a high concept, philosophical story complimented by some absolutely incredible visuals. If you enjoyed part one, then by all means pick up this second issue.

Sky Doll #2 picks up where the first issue left off with Jehu, Roy, and stowaway doll Noa making their way to the planet Aqua to visit the planet’s religious leader, Gaia, as missionaries for the Papess Lodovica. On the planet Papathea, Lodovica deals with growing religious discontent as followers of deposed Papess Agape become increasingly more aggressive toward her style of leadership and religious guidance. As with the first issue, there is a great mix of social commentary, satire, sexuality, and political/religious intrigue. I would go into more detail about the story, but I fear giving too much away. Keep in mind, however, that this is a book for mature readers. I mention this because the sexuality is ramped up quite a bit and it is, at times, quite explicit.

Once again Barbucci and Canepa prove that they have a complete, complex, and consistent vision for both the characters and the world of Sky Doll. If I have any complaint with this second issue it is that the plot twists are fairly predictable. The characters continue to be strong and the writing as a whole is both biting and clever. This is a strong story made all the more engaging thanks to the interesting characters and a world with socio-political climate that begs to be examined.

As for the artwork, it continues to be stunning. The planet or Aqua is a visual treat and some images are both beautiful and disturbing. Barbucci and Canepa have a visual style that deftly combines the best of Disney, surrealism, science fiction, and horror. Everything in this book just works. This is one of the best looking books out there, without a doubt.

While this second chapter isn’t quite as strong as the first, but it still ranks as one of my favorite comics of this year or any. Sky Doll is telling a tale that works on a number of levels and it should be checked out by any mature readers looking for something different. I can’t wait for part three. (Grade: A)

-Kyle Posluszny