Science fiction has always been a popular genre, but what happens when we blend it with murder mystery? Know Your Station, written by Sarah Gailey and illustrated by Liana Kangas, is a five-issue miniseries that explores the wealthy’s desperation to escape the consequences of their actions on Earth and the dreadful consequences that follow.
Sarah Gailey’s writing and Liana Kangas’ illustrations work together harmoniously. The comic is set in a space station, which serves as a refuge for the wealthiest members of society who left Earth to escape environmental degradation caused by climate change. The illustrations highlight the social hierarchy, which exists between the rich and the poor by showcasing the station’s luxury and the lower class.
Moreover, the murder mystery plot keeps reading captivated throughout the series. Elise, an employee of the billionaires’ space station, is pulled into a crime investigation that becomes deadlier by each missing body. As the story progresses, we see Elise’s character evolve as she gets wrapped up in the investigation, trying to solve the mystery. Gailey expertly weaves the plot twists and turns, making the reader question everyone’s motives, especially Elise’s friends and colleagues.
Complementing the storyline is the comic book’s color palette from Rebecca Nalty which pairs seamlessly with Kangas’ artwork. The coloring elevates the futuristic world while also highlighting the tone of the story. The colors also draw attention to the action by highlighting critical moments and adding an extra layer of depth to the story.
One thing that stood out to me was the lettering by Cardinal Rae. Rae’s detailing is exceptional in depicting the tone of the story. When audio masking is enabled, Rae changes the color of the word balloons, creating a visual representation of audible expression. The lettering also complements the art style, making the comic book a well-rounded and effectively presented story.
Know Your Station is a must-read comic book that blends science fiction, murder mystery, and social commentary into a masterpiece of storytelling. The series is filled with exceptional writing, stunning illustrations, and perfect color palettes that make it an exceptional read. Sarah Gailey, Liana Kangas, Rebecca Nalty, Carinal Rae are a creative team that has made a unique contribution to the world of comics with Know Your Station.
The Know Your Station collected edition trade paperback from BOOM! Studios hits local comic shops on September 20, 2023 and bookstores everywhere on September 26.
Liana Kangas joined the Capes and Tights Podcast for Episode 94 and will return on August 30 for Episode 124 to discuss Know Your Station and much more!
Know Your Station TP Preview
