There’s a reason why I’ve been recalling my ancestors for so long.
And no, that’s not because I like to read my writing.
In an industry where stories are regularly set up on gimmicks, writer Jordan Clark and artist Atagun Ilhan have tried to make ancestral recalls a true melting pot of storytelling goodness. It can be a love story, celebration of black culture, a time/multiverse saga, an exploration of art and artistry, a response to the burgeoning threat of AI, and even a companion comedy. But with so many layers and so much going on, all the promises in this book can easily collapse under all of its storytelling weight.
Luckily, ancestor recalls are a huge, bold story that all works together to create something thought-provoking and deeply entertaining.
Variant cover by Khary Randolph. Courtesy of Ahoy Comics.
One helps structurally, ancestor recalls are “simple” enough stories. Melvin Walling is a painter and must work with his young neighbor (Milan) to find his missing wife June (he is both emotionally and logistically dependent). And, of course, it gets rather quickly and weird – Melvin takes the time to try and meet and channel the skills of famous black historical figures. But at its heart, we know that the ancestor recall is a story about someone discovering themselves in greater context and history while living in a dramatically changing world. This is the skeleton structure that allows this book to enter the book’s strange and intense realm without losing its deep human focus and corresponding energy.
In fact, I love the deeper personal feelings and emotions of this book than most “sci-fi madness.” The best representation of it is layered dynamic between Melvin and June. Certainly, Melvin needs her as a kind of caregiver and social buffer, but their love and friendship are so deep and stratified early on. And it is the bonds/connections that not only give Melvin a journey, but also intimacy and a certain romanticism, making each of us even more active.
Courtesy of Ahoy Comics.
It is a love story as a driving engine, and its mind leads to the book’s interest in politics and technology, in a way that goes home in ways that would otherwise not be felt.
Likewise, there’s a kind of “grounding” like there are some historical figures, including Sam Marlow, who are really interesting. Before reading Ancestral Recall #1, I was afraid that through the device in this book, Clark compared to Dial H in Hero, these real people would feel fakes and coercion. But that’s never the case in #1, and they share a real moment with Melvin as they not only teach him about their expertise, but also help him understand his place in this epic cultural story and how we all want connections and understanding.
These heroes could have felt as easily as icons Melvin could never touch. (Melvin and Marlowe, for example, are pretty intrigued.) In a way, they spread his small circle beyond June, showing to our artist friends that the world is a more attractive and lively place.
Courtesy of Ahoy Comics.
If ancestor recalls try to exud something beyond a rather grounded framework and character-centric narrative, it lies in art (with Ilhan as well as colorists Pippa Bowland and Letterer Rob Steen). I love the aesthetics nearby. It’s familiar enough and sorry to bother you by doing enough to ruin our heads with the strange/alien shades. Similarly, Ilhan has a style that is very reminiscent of cartoons (a bold, intense line, a mix of vibrant action and loving energy, etc.). It is not only an interesting move to portray a more balanced audience, but also adds the cultural multifaceted and theme interests of ancestral recalls.
Still, I wish the dashes had been heavier in some scenes. For example, Marlowe’s may have been more stylized than just black and white. And while “The Battle of Swords” was very cool, I definitely wanted a little more room and variety. (In particular, because that moment is so important in Melvin’s immersion in this fictional world). But these moments are interesting and important, just because things are direct and discreet, just like the storyline. It is that they always work to cultivate the exciting one man’s journey experience (sometimes only on a macro level).
Courtesy of Ahoy Comics.
It is ultimately a place where we thrust our brains in the right way, and we can fill in certain gaps as we immerse ourselves in this world. What works well, and we also bring about the feeling that true wonder (and perhaps fear?) is simply waiting for Melvin to reveal them in time.
For all my stories about the “simplicity” of the book, there are some larger, more complicated elements that were teased in #1 that appear more vividly in issue 2 and beyond. This includes AI Corporation. I would love to see it, even if I was curious if it was part of a really good ancestor recall. The same goes for Myran’s. If she becomes a kind of accessory and isn’t a real, true companion to Melvin, their relationship feels like a plot device and worries that it’s realistic and untrue.
And of course, there are concerns that as the book is added to more black heroes, some of my previous concerns about their credibility might come to fruition. Especially when these heroes can’t afford to make the room people and can’t afford to push our heroes as much as they inspire him. If Melvin is really about to grow, he doesn’t just gimmicks, but because he needs a rich, textured world to occupy.
Courtesy of Ahoy Comics.
But so far, in all other ways, ancestor recalls have proven to be working on something important and intriguing. It’s a story about seeing where you came from, where you landed, and how to work with others to get better somewhere. Or the story of finding a way to find your own hero/role model and becoming a brave and skilled version of yourself. And yes, it’s a story about what happens if we give up on this humanity and deny the bonds of our community to ourselves.
I was able to continue (seriously, I can), but for now let’s leave this. Ancestor recalls are good, important comics and you’ll be a real Melvin you haven’t read.
“Ancestor Recall” #1 is prominently bold and serious enough to truly shine
Ancestor Recall #1
As for the title about AI, “Ancestor Recall” is excellent at being extremely appealing and friendly, such as the missing people, culturally based superpowers.
Art surges with passion and deep historical forces that you can actually feel.
Melvin and June’s dynamics are a powerful element of this epic and timeless adventure.
I feel that the big ideas and theme goals of the story are fully formed and are particularly interesting.
It’s minimal enough so far, but rather than extending this story, it can cause complex issues.
