Image credit: Bruno Catarino/Erwin J. Arroza
In this first issue of The Odyssey, author Bruno Catalino places Odysseus, his family, friends, and enemies in the middle of an intergalactic war.
Of course, since it’s an adaptation of one of the world’s oldest (and most famous) works of literature in existence, there are plenty of familiar elements. Except it’s presented in a beautifully designed sci-fi universe rather than the ancient Greek setting of the original.
Issue #1 begins with Telemachus searching for his father, the famous deception of the Trojan Horse (which of course becomes a spaceship in this version) is featured here, and some action is featured.
Catarino keeps certain terminology and aspects intact in its time- and space-shifted adaptation. A big example: Greeks and Spartans are still Greeks and Spartans. The name may remain, but other elements will be different. Troy is a planet, not a city.
Image credit: Erwin J. Arroza
The artwork by Erwin J. Arroza is incredible, making this version of the famous story out-of-this-world (pardon the pun). The gorgeously painted atmosphere and visual design are reminiscent of space opera’s greatest epics.
I also liked how the different armored units in different colors evoked the feel of the video game series Halo. Very fitting, since Halo itself also references the ancient history of the Spartans.
Image credit: Erwin J. Arroza
I also found some clever references to other media in The Odyssey (though I’m sure Catalino will correct me if I’m wrong here!). One clumsy phrasing didn’t seem like a coincidence to me. Rather, I saw it as a homage to the great animated series “Regular Show.” There might even have been a little Doctor Who joke snuck in there. Perhaps there was more to discover?
Image credit: Erwin J. Arroza
In any case, these winks and nods do nothing to detract from the story, which is expertly adapted and very well presented with great writing and great art. The world Catalino and Arosa have created has real depth, texture, and tactility, telling a familiar story in a unique way.
While this isn’t the first time that elements of The Odyssey have been transplanted into a far-future universe (one example being the 1980s Japanese-French animation Ulysses 31), this still feels like the beginning of an adaptation that feels fresh and new, and I’m looking forward to reading the story when the next issue comes out.
Odyssey #1 is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Here you can pledge on different levels, including Catalino’s other comics. Thanks to Bruno Catarino for providing a digital copy of The Odyssey #1 for review.
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