Outer Lands (Comixology Originals) by Matthew Arnold and David Gianfelice (e-graphic novel review)
Before tempting potential buyers with a positive review, it’s best to include a caveat. ‘Outer Lands’ is a Comixology Original, exclusive to Kindle and free to read on Kindle Unlimited if you’re subscribed. You won’t find it anywhere else or in print. I don’t mind reading comics on a screen, but some older readers can be fussy about it and dedicated anti-Amazonians won’t buy from the company on principle. Just letting you know up front.
‘Outer Lands’ is a new graphic novel written by Matthew Arnold, a television writer known for ‘Siberia’ and ‘Emerald City’ who also authored the graphic novel ‘Eden’. The art is by David Gianfelice, best known for his work on ‘Northlanders’ from DC Comics.
The opening chapter is set in a world resembling ancient Greece. We see Prince Heron practicing swordplay with his sister, Isadora, under the watchful eye of General Kallias, presumably their combat tutor. Heron loses and admits he prefers archery. Kallias dismisses the bow as a coward’s weapon, an opinion Conan of Cimmeria shared.
Titania, their coastal city-state, is ruled by a wise king with an impressive library, some of whose books are forbidden to the general populace. He warns Heron of a dangerous new idea spreading through the land, democracy! Titania fears the peace they’ve maintained for the past ten years may soon be threatened. Heron, however, is more interested in the lost Atlanteans and dreams of venturing into the forbidden outer lands to seek whatever treasures they may have left behind. Isadora counters that Atlantis was ‘an evil culture that destroyed itself with black magic.’
Meanwhile, in the streets, a young black woman named Selene is caught selling forbidden Atlantean contraband: strange circular pieces of metal that look oddly familiar. She is arrested by the city guard and exiled to a prison island. Soon after, the king is assassinated in his bed and Prince Heron is accused of the crime. Sent to the same prison, he joins forces with Selene to plot an escape. Everything beyond that point is spoiler territory.
It’s a solid adventure yarn with an intriguing setting and several clever plot twists, especially toward the end. At just over a hundred pages, it can be finished in a single sitting, which is always a pleasure. The art is crisp and clear, with figures and layouts somewhat reminiscent of Gil Kane. The Amazon listing notes ‘Part of: Outer Lands’ but, so far, this appears to be the only volume. Perhaps more will follow? I wouldn’t mind. Overall, it’s well worth a look, especially at this bargain price.
Eamonn Murphy
August 2025
(pub: Darkling Entertainment, 2025. 298mB ebook. Price: $6.99 (US), £ 4.13 (UK). ASIN: B0F27QY76G)
