Air #7

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

I have to say that I like the approach Vertigo is taking to marketing this book. This issue is only $1, as Vertigo is trying to raise its profile and get new readers to try it. I hope that a number of people give it a chance, as it is a really interesting series with a lot of potential.

This is a strange issue to choose though as a 'sampler', as it fits right in the middle of a story - it's not an easy 'jumping on' point. There is a text page at the beginning, wherein Wilson re-caps her story, not in the usual manner, but instead by telling about her own meeting with Blythe, the main character, and then a later dream about her. It's a creative way to bring new readers up to speed.

In the main story, Blythe, while learning to fly the Hyperprax engine, has somehow found herself trapped in the body of her boyfriend Zayn, back when he was a small child. Blythe, and the reader, are just along for the ride, as Zayn lives his life up until his first meeting with her. While this provides some much-needed back matter for Zayn, who has remained a mystery up until this point, I'm not sure it's the best way to attract new readers.

Of course, the hope is that a new reader would become interested enough in the characters, and impressed by the level of talent that Wilson and Perker are bringing to the book, and then seek out the first trade (which also came out this week).

Regardless, Vertigo should be praised for standing behind such a unique and compelling series.