Wasteland #25

Written by Antony Johnston
Art by Christopher Mitten

It's been a little while since we last saw an issue of Wasteland, and I was beginning to wonder what was going on, but this issue makes things clear: it takes a little longer to make a comic this awesome.

For its 25th anniversary issue, Wasteland is in full-colour, and is extra-sized. Mitten has painted the entire issue, and it is absolutely gorgeous. His art has always been one of the big draws of this series for me, even if I occasionally find it hard to follow, but in this issue, he reveals himself to be even more talented than any previous issue has suggested. The pages practically glow, as he restricts himself to a limited palette not dissimilar to that used by Johnathan Hickman in Pax Romana, only warmer.

The story is a flashback, explaining the root of the animosity between Michael and Sultan Ameer. When the issue opens, our protagonist is working as a guard for the Sultan, as his caravan arrives in the town of Waters Meet, in time for an annual water festival.

As always, Johnston has a very strong grasp on his characters and his world, and this issue would be a fantastic introduction to the series for a new reader. Highly recommended. The only complaint I have about this issue is that there wasn't an Ankya Ofsteen text piece in the back, but that is easily forgiven.