Air #24

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

It's a shame that Air is ending, but at the same time, that a book like this can get a two-year run in today's market is impressive.  Air is one of those newer breed of Vertigo books, like Sweet Tooth or Northlanders, that is more concerned with exploring a notion than with telling a traditional, dark fantasy story.  It took risks, was never very popular (sales demonstrate this), and should be considered a complete success of intelligent storytelling.

I'm thankful that Wilson was given enough space to finish off her story, because an overly-rushed ending would have done a great disservice to what she had planned and so clearly mapped out.  In this conclusion, I feel like there may have been some corners cut - we never really do get a solid explanation of what Quetzalcoatl represented, and I would have loved to see more of Blythe's adventures in flying - but there was more than enough space to come to a satisfying conclusion.

This book started out being about the fear of flying (and not in an Erica Jong way - that came later).  Blythe, the stewardess, was technically afraid of falling more than falling, and the Etesian Front were a shadowy anti-terrorist network that wanted to make the skies safe for all Americans again.  It's interesting that this book morphed so quickly into what it really was - a comic about the power of symbols, and the story of Blythe's journey of self-actualization, as she took on the role of a hyperpract (the ability to fly through reinterpretation of maps and symbols).  At the beginning of the series, I didn't like Blythe that much, but now at the end, I feel like I'm going to miss her.

Wilson did a wonderful job on this book.  She invested a great deal of personality into her characters, demonstrated a novel approach to science fiction, and used the book to transmit some of her personal beliefs.  I especially liked the issues about Zayn and fundamentalism.  Perker was a great artist for this book, and was consistently excellent throughout the run.

I hope that Air is one of those Vertigo books that finds new life through trade sales, and that Wilson and Perker work together again soon.

Air #23

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

With only one more issue remaining in this title, it's a little pointless to continue singing the praises of this book - clearly not enough people were listening to drive up sales, but it's worth doing anyway, as this has been a great comic.

As Air comes to its close, Wilson brings together all sorts of characters on board the weird Etesian airship where Blythe and her friends were taken captive last issue.  There is more action in this issue than we're used to seeing in this book, as Blythe fights Lancaster in that empty Hyperprax world, while Fletcher and Mrs. B, with the help of some friends, try to take out the other Etesians.

This issue is decidedly less conceptual than the last few, but I'm sure Wilson is working on an accelerated timetable to finish things off.  I imagine that next issue is going to have a few surprises, and explain quite a bit.  I'm looking forward to it, in a bittersweet way.

Air #22

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

It seems that everyone, including the characters of this terrific Vertigo series, know that the book is coming to an early end.  They seem to mention 'endings' enough in this issue, as Blythe embarks on her final test to become a Hyperprax pilot - she has to circumnavigate the world, following in the footsteps (flightpath?) of her mentor Amelia Earhart.

Of course, this time around, the expectation is that Blythe will succeed where Amelia failed.  Blythe is determined to do it on her own, and not call in the assistance of the friendly Aztec god Quetz.  Of course, the Etesian Front has different goals, as they make their return to these pages.

I've been saying since the series began that I find Air to be a unique and refreshing comic compared to most of what is on the stands these days.  Wilson is using her tale of a slightly neurotic girl's journey to self-actualization as a platform for some interesting notions about the nature of time and our perception of it, and has crafted a terrific example of strong characterization.

Air #21

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

I was pretty disappointed to hear the news this week that Air is being canceled with its 24th issue.  I've been enjoying this comic a great deal since its inception, and, because it is a Vertigo title not written by a big-name writer or featuring an old DC character, have been expecting this cancellation since about issue six.

Air has been a unique book for Vertigo.  It features a female lead who is, at least at the beginning, pretty screwed up and unsure of herself.  She has been swept along by events, but has slowly been exerting influence and control over her surroundings, especially in this month's issue, as she has to decide whether or not she is going to quit the 'trials' that she is being put through, or is going to embrace her new role in the world.

This comic has been intelligent and literary from the beginning, and has featured consistently lovely artwork.  While I'm going to be sad to see it go, I hope that both Wilson and Perker will be working on new projects soon, either together or apart.  They are both immensely talented, and are creators whose work I am guaranteed to purchase.

Air #20

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by M.K. Perker

Blythe continues her pilot's test, having completed her first mission, and is now sent out on her second - to examine the plane that the writer Antoine de St. Exupéry died on.  There is definitely a literary theme going on as Blythe works through these missions, as she must examine the remnants of authors who either flew or wrote about flight, as HG Wells did.

It is interesting that Blythe is not interested in reading the book that Wells wrote about her, and when she speaks with St. Exupéry, she is not all that surprised that he knows her already.  Blythe takes a couple more steps towards independence and self-determination when she argues with her boss, and demonstrates that she is no longer happy allowing others to set the agenda.

While this book can be a little slow moving, I have been enjoying it quite a bit.

Air #19

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

With the start of this new arc, Blythe has begun her pilot's test. Her first task is to recover the lost luggage of Jules Verne, which is apparently in Russia, not that she knew that's where she was flying to. The reaction of the Russian authorities to the unpredictability of Hyperprax travel is a nice touch; I always like it when fantasy elements are treated to the scrutiny of public regulations.

This issue puts Blythe well on her way to self-confidence and self-actualization, as shown by both the way she handles the Russians (bringing in a character I never thought we'd see again), and the way she tells Quetz the winged serpent to take a hike. When the series began, I often found Blythe to be an annoying character, and so it's nice to see that Wilson always had this plan for her, and took her time in achieving it. It helps add a layer of realism to the book.

As always, the art is great, and the story compelling. More people should be reading this.

Air #18

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

If you've never read Air before, and have been curious about the book, this issue serves as a very accessible starting point, in that it nicely recaps much of what has happened in the first year and a half of the title, and offers an explanation of Hyperprax technology which I will admit to not understanding at all. It also sets up the next arc by sending Blythe on her 'pilot's test'.

Air has been a unique and original comic since its inception. It, along with books like Sweet Tooth and Daytripper, show us that Vertigo is open to new experiments in monthly comics. Wilson and Perker have gone about this series in the best way possible. To make such a sweeping story with such elaborate metaphysical roots work, they have really invested in their characters, and that is the strength of this book.

I am very much looking forward to seeing Blythe perform the three missions set out before her.

Air #17

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by M.K. Perker

Air continues to be an intriguing comic. This month, Blythe and Zayn spend more time together, as Blythe continues to recover from her addiction to anxiety medications. She somehow ends up sending Zayn into her past, to relive her job interview at Clearfleet, similarly to how she re-lived his life in a previous issue.

Their relationship is strengthening, which is providing a little more stability for Blythe and for the reader, as this is one of the more sedentary issues of Air. There are hints that big things are coming for Blythe, as she is expected to equal or surpass Amelia Earhart as a hyperprax pilot.

Wilson and Perker are putting out good work with this comic.

Air #16

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

This is a very good, if not momentous, issue of Air. Wilson chooses to focus this month on the relationship between Blythe and Zayn, as Amelia Earhart tracks him down and brings him to her bedside, while she is suffering the effects of withdrawal from her medication.

While this issue doesn't advance the hyperprax plotline, it does reveal a few interesting things about the central characters. We get some understanding of why Zayn has been so cold towards Blythe, and Blythe is visited by a few different hallucinations. It's interesting that one of the people she sees is Luc, the boy from issue #10.

As usual with this comic, McLuhan-esque statements like "The map is the territory" get tossed around, and I'm hoping that this will start to make more sense as the title progresses. The notion that Blythe is addicted to iconography, as well as pills, is an interesting one.

Air #15

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

In this issue of Air, Wilson turns the spotlight onto Amelia Earhart, as she tries to help Blythe, who is quite ill from the over-use of her medication. As the issue unfolds, we see a little of Earhart's backstory; specifically how she became involved with Sky 1, the floating city.

This is another good issue of a very dependable comic. I find it a little strange how Earhart has become a character here at the same time that she has been receiving more mainstream media attention, making me wonder if she's going to be the new zombies.

Air #14

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

The 'Pureland' arc is allowing Wilson to play with her theories about symbolism in a more practical way that previous arcs permitted. Heavy Metal Jihad is an organization designed to 'give new meanings to the old symbols - to take them out of the hands of the fundies.' With this, Mohammad the Sad explains his life work, while consistently referring to fundamentalism as a virus.

Blythe learns more about Zayn, and we find out why she's been able to fly so much without having anxiety attacks. We also see that Blythe's ability to use the Hyperprax engine is increasing - she's basically become her own deus ex machina.

I've been consistently impressed with Air, and I do feel that the book is continuing to improve with each new issue.

Air #13

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

This is the issue I've been waiting for since Air began. Wilson doesn't draw a lot of attention to her faith or politics in this book, but I feel like Mohammad the Sad and his friends are probably the characters she feels closest to (except Blythe of course) since this book began.

I love the idea of the Metalhead Jihad - a group of post-punks who are fighting Muslim extremists in an effort to help Pakistan live up to its namesake, Pureland. Wilson is once again playing with symbols and their meanings, but in an action-adventure movie way with this issue.

Mohammad the Sad is determined to liberate Islam from the dogmatic extremists that are usually portrayed in popular media, but of course, he doesn't look any different from them when the Etesians arrive - just another Muslim among Muslims, he says.

This title keeps improving, and it was already pretty damn good.

Air #12

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker
Air has been a remarkably consistent book. Wilson and Perker really have a feel for their characters, as Blythe continues to react to events around her, and takes off to the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan, in an attempt to win Zayn back.

Blythe explains the concept best herself: "This is a stupid chick thing. It's infatuated girl chases unavailable boy, only in crazy-land with some airplanes. It's all going to end in tears." That's a pretty good summary of what's been going on in this title since the beginning.

This book has been running for a year now, a good accomplishment alone these days, and it continues to intrigue me.

Air #11

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker
Here's another good issue of this title. In this issue, we check in with Blythe, who makes her first solo flight to Air One, where she runs in to the Gypsy guy she met a little while ago. As is a recurring theme in this title, he obviously wants something from her, and as usual, she's a little clueless.

This is actually one of the things I find refreshing about this title. Blythe, as the protagonist, is really just reacting to events over and over again. It is rare to find a series based on a female character like this to begin with, but even more rare to then portray her in such a state of prolonged confusion. It makes her seem a lot more real.

I like the cover to this issue as well. As this is largely a series about symbols, it makes sense that the cover doesn't accurately give an idea of what is going on in the book, but instead uses imagery to suggest what is happening at a thematic level.

Air #10

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

I've always found Aztec history to be quite interesting, even though my knowledge of it doesn't extend much past Galeano's 'Voice of Fire' trilogy and a few other random books.

In this issue of Air, we meet Luc, a teen boy studying for the priesthood, and Yaotl, his teacher. They are in Aztlan, back in 1063, long before the Spanish invasion, something they become aware of through the Nahui, or the Fourth, which we've come to know as the Hyperprax device. When Luc looks into the device, he sees Blythe, and her tribulations in the here and now.

This issue is basically Air taking a breather, and providing more context to the concept of Hyperpraxis, and the idea that words came before matter. I'm curious to see how this is all going to fit in to the main story.

Perker's art keeps improving, especially when it comes to depicting character's expressions and moods. Luc is portrayed with a wide-eyed wonder, and Perker adds dimensions to his character.

Air #9

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

I think this might be the best issue of Air yet, and would have been a much better choice than issue #7 to be the one-dollar, heavily promoted one.

In this issue, Blythe goes back to work, has to give over the Hyperprax device, helps a man find his wife, dodges Etesians, chills with Amelia Earhart some more, and talks about synchronicity with a man in ballet tights. If more people sampled that for a dollar, how could they not become committed to the title?

Really, this issue gives me a lot of faith that the book has the potential to be one of Vertigo's best. Wilson seems to have the rhythms of a monthly comic down now, and Perker's art is improving with every issue.

If you aren't reading this yet, go buy this issue.

Air #8

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by M.K. Perker

I hope that last month's $1 issue of Air has brought in some new readers, because this title is becoming more compelling with each issue.

This month, Blythe returns to her own body and life, after having gotten stuck in Zayn's past, and embarks on a mission to retrieve the Hyperprax device that Zayn had been in possession of. Blythe is coming into her own as a character, and I find her much less annoying in this issue than I did at the start of the series (I do wish Perker would allow her to change her clothes though - there's something about this outfit that doesn't ring true to me).

I like the way that Wilson is working with this concept of 'technology as symbolism.' I'm not entirely sure of what it means, but it provides fertile ground for this series to explore.

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.

Air #6

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by M.K. Perker

This continues to be a very strong series from Wilson and Perker. They are continuing to delve deeper into their story, as we learn more about the Hyperprax engine, and what Amelia Earhart has been up to since she disappeared some sixty years ago.

I like that this series is slowly building its own mythology and narrative - each issue introduces another element or two of a large picture, and just as it is for Blythe, it's a lot for us to take in. With each issue, my interest in this book grows, and I hope it has a long enough run to tell its story fully.

Air #5

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by M.K. Perker

To begin with - I love the cover. I'm going nuts trying to remember the name of the painting it's referencing, but regardless, it does a great job of foreshadowing the surprise at the end, and is a beautiful piece of art.

This issue goes a long way to explain what this series is about. Blythe is introduced to what powers the Clearfleet planes - the ancient Aztec Hyperprax engine, which runs on symbolism. We also find out about Sky 1, a floating version of Interzone.

This issue does have a strange segment involving two gypsy nobles and a stolen glider-sized airplane that ran a little long, but it's balanced by a nice text piece by Wilson about air travel and a memorable flight she once had.

This book keeps getting better. I hope sales go up and it sticks around for a long time.