Every week or so I will be reviewing a “digital” comic that I downloaded to my iPad. As an old old man, I’m trying to embrace these changes in society, such as digital ownership. After all, what is the value of a digital comic if you don’t bag it and board it to keep for all time? Well, I’m going to attempt to save some long box space, and start trying out digital comics on my iPad to see what all the hubbub was about.

Azure #1

Written and illustrated by Daniel Govar

Available on DC Comics App & Comixology Comic Reader App

http://azurezuda.wordpress.com

This book was one of those welcome surprises. I downloaded issue one for free off the DC Comics iPad reader app, and since I hadn’t seen this at the LCS, Azure became my first candidate for digital comic reading. And what a way to jump if feet first (sorry for the pun).

Azure is set in a post-ELE Earth where the polar ice caps have melted, and the world is submerged. Think Waterworld without the suck. We wake up with Azure (Emilie) in what is an underwater base, and begin to see glimpses of her past, and how she survives in this world. Azure’s apparent only company is Pearl, a computer system like HAL, who through a sensor network alerts her to all that is going on around her. We get to go on a dangerous scouting mission with her, and then learn a bit of the back story.

The book seems to have a long-from story structure as Daniel Govar slowly peels back the layers of back story, but what really impressed me was the artwork. The different shades of blues and blacks complimented with the blurry water effects make you feel as though you are holding up aquarium glass. The encounter with the great white shark was brilliant, and I really love the coloring for the bright lasers and the blood effects. The amount of detail put in every panel helps create a world that seems full, and creates an atmosphere you can easily lose yourself in. For a one-man-show, Daniel Govar certainly knows how to create an intriguing story with brilliant illustrations, and also letters the book without any clumsy steps that would yank you out of this world.  This is a brilliant comic, and for the free price of admission you just can’t beat it. I went ahead and bought issue #2 for $0.99 which makes me feel like I am stealing it such beautiful artwork. The review will be up soon, and check the podcast this week in case you hate to read.  I have also decided to experience this book digitally since (a) I’m hooked on this beautiful book, and (b) I know t won’t show up at my LCS anytime soon.

Zuda works in seasons, and Azure is in season 2. With the comic book format, 2 issues are currently available online for download for your preferred digital reader. Want to read it for your self? You can read it at Zuda Comics.com here:

https://comics.comixology.com/#/view/2847/Azure-1

Or click on the picture, and I suggest guided view.