Wasteland #21

Written by Antony Johnston
Art by Christopher Mitten

This is a really intriguing series. From the beginning, Johnston has set his story in a fully-realized world. This issue is the first in an arc dealing with the 'Dog-Tribes', nomads who live with their dogs as part of their family. They structure their society the same way dogs do - with Alpha males calling the shots.

In this issue, Michael and Abi are taken prisoner by one tribe, who mistakenly think them Artisians that the city of Newbegin will be happy to pay a ransom for.

This issue has all the things I've come to expect from Wasteland: strong characterizations, clever speech patterns, and beautiful, if occasionally hard to follow, art. I really like the consistent look that Mitten brings to the series - it's just that from time to time I'm not sure what's happened. The scene where the two Alpha males speak is a good example of this - I wasn't sure that the one had left before the other started scheming with his attendant.

This is a series more people should be reading. Even though this is the start of a new arc, it's not the most accessible starting point. New readers should pick up the first trade, and get started from there.