The world is in chaos, and humanity is on the brink of collapse. But hope reigns for a group of Indigenous outcasts who discover a time travel portal and plan to rewrite history by taking down Christopher Columbus. This is Earthdivers, a comic series with a unique story, fantastic artwork, and a gripping narrative.
Written by New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones and illustrated by Davide Gianfelice, this book offers a thrilling ride that blends cartoony and realistic visuals, breaking new ground in the realm of time travel fiction.
Earthdivers delivers a captivating story that explores the consequences of disrupting history. Tad, a reluctant linguist, is tasked with travelling back in time to kill Christopher Columbus before he reaches America. As he struggles with the moral implications of this mission, he must also navigate the challenges of adapting to a different era, as well as facing some of history’s most dangerous figures. Jones weaves an intricate plot that keeps readers at the edge of their seats with each turn of the page.
The artwork in Earthdivers is also worth a mention. Gianfelice’s illustrations are stunning, a mix of cartoony and realistic that capture the tone of the story perfectly. The characters are distinct and expressive, and the environments are intricate and rich in detail. The color palette from Joana Lafuente is also noteworthy, with a range of hues that accentuate the mood of each scene. But what sets Earthdivers apart is the way the art complements the narrative, enhancing the storytelling in subtle yet impactful ways. The combination of Jones’ writing with Gianfelice and Lafuente’s art creates a seamless reading experience that immerses readers in the story.
The trade paperback cover artwork by Rafael Albuquerque adds an extra layer of appeal to Earthdivers. The cover features Tad, eyeing the reader with Niña, Pinta and Santa María and a skull jaw. It’s a striking image that captures the essence of the story, promising readers an adventure that traverses time and space. Albuquerque’s style is distinct and eye-catching, drawing readers in with a mixture of realism and stylization. The cover alone, which is also the main cover to issue one, is worth picking up the book, and it sets the stage for the epic tale that awaits.
Earthdivers is a fantastic graphic novel that offers a fresh take on time travel fiction. The story is gripping, the artwork is exceptional, and the cover is enticing. Its mix of exploration of social, cultural, and historical themes, make it a book that leaves a lasting impression on readers.
The first six issues of Earthdivers are collected in the volume one trade paperback available at local comic shops on September 20, 2023 and a day earlier on September 19 at bookstores everywhere.