Brigantia #1 and 2 by Christopher Mole and Melissa Tender is an historical (esque) fictional series about the protector Goddess of ancient Britain who finds herself thrust to the present day thanks to her enemy. Can this series find itself enough Believers or will it end up being forgotten?

Publisher: Chris Mole
Writer: Chris Mole
Artist: Melissa Tender (Art), Harriet Moulton (Art, issue 2), Nikki Foxrobot (letterer issue 1), Aditya Bidikar (Letterer Issue 2), Limnaia Areia (Pagan Consultant)
Price: £5 from chrismole.bigcartel.com

Set in the year 200AD, Brigantia tells the story of the eponymous Goddess of the the Brigantes as she attempts to protect her people and believers in this land from the machinations of her brother, Veteris. However, during one such battle with her erstwhile sibling, Brigantia’s world as she knows it is radically changed when she is momentarily buried, but finds herself in modern day Britain. Now, out of time by nearly two millennia and in a place where few believe in her, Brigantia must find her brother in order free this world of the grip of fear he has trapped it within.

Writer Chris Mole has written a fun and engaging story within the first two issues of the series. The main draw just happens to be the character of Brigantia herself who, coming across as part Thor, part Captain Britain in her powers, but has a backstory similar to X-O Manowar as a ‘fish out of water’. However, this, along with her outwardly super heroic impression really makes her a very likeable and inspirational lead.

Of course, the well rounded characterisation isn’t limited to Brigantia herself as her support cast of Pravin and Anna, while not quite as fleshed out, are still very likeable and intriguing characters. As a result, these characters’ inclusion help display to Brigantia that the people of Britain deserve her protection still. While it feels as though a lot of the exposition for both Brigantia and Veteris is missing – which makes the title feel a bit limited in terms of connectivity – hopefully that’s something which will be rectified in future issues.

As for the artwork Melissa Tender, whose output makes up the bulk of these first two issues, has a unique but great style which looks like an amalgamation of Dan Butcher’s Vanguard (a perennial yard stick for Brit superhero books!) and Robin Hoelzemann’s Curia Regis. This helps imbue it with a sense of Britishness and regality, which seems appropriate given Brigantia’s God-like status. However, it’s second issue artist Harriet Moulton who appears to be the breakout star from this series, with a truly gorgeous style which looks very similar to Kenneth Rocafort’s work (particularly his Action Comics input with Paul Cornell) that emits a real ethereal, natural beauty.

Brigantia is a really entertaining comic from the team of Mole, Tender and company. While the series needs more exposition for its lead character and villain’s respective past, it shows off a lot of potential as a different kind of superhero comic which not only looks gorgeous but really generates good vibes and inspiration in readers