For their follow up to the critically acclaimed Propeller, writer Ricardo Mo and artist Albert Muriel have teamed up with the guys at Vault Comics (a new publisher who we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on) for Colossi. A glorious slice of retro futuristic sci-fi about (literal) small people in very big world and see if it will make a big impact or will just shrink into the background.

Publisher: Vault Comics
Writer: Ricardo Mo (Script), Adrian Wassel (Editor)
Artist: Alberto Muriel (Art), Stelladia (Colours), HdE (Letters), Tim Daniel (Design)
Price: £2.49 per issue from ComiXology

Colossi tells the story of the pilot and passengers of Trans Atmos shuttle 34 who, upon departing the terminal for their trip are caught in accident just as they began their trip. However, once those on board come to, these survivors discover that while much of the world they landed on looks very similar, every person, place and animal are of a colossal size compared to them. So now, those who remain from shuttle 34 must figure out a way to survive in their comparatively miniature state from all around them but it may not be that simple as a young boy who was badly injured during their trip is discovered to hold an otherworldly force, one which may turn out dangerous for all the ‘colossi’ it encounters.

Within these first three issues, Colossi turns out to be a highly enjoyable and deeply engrossing read. On the face of it, this series feels very much like 60’s tv serial, Land of the Giants. However, Ricardo Mo builds upon this homage to include other forms of danger for the cast to face, which helps in making this title extremely compelling and a read that doesn’t feel long or slow in the slightest. As for the cast, Mo has created an incredibly varied cast of characters; each seemingly fitting specific stereotypes of similar ensemble works, all of whom feel very real and really provide something to the story overall. Although some do seem to be removed from the narrative far too soon and end up under utilised. The plot itself feels tight and well formed, with Mo giving little away up until each twist, such as the loss of the sister or the otherworldly introduction. The latter of these does seem like a bit far out and a major tonal shift from the comic’s initial impression, but it seems to sit well within the contents of the book.

Meanwhile, Alberto Muriel and Stelladia also contribute fantastically to this title with their pencils and colours respectively. Muriel offers a really unique style which is quite something, giving the series a really different kind of feel; somewhere between horror and fantasy. This is exemplified by Stelladia’s colours which look very light and faded (even during the darker scenes) and certainly help bring out the quality of the art. The work by both gives this feel and look of something close to Saga, although slightly less epic (though this is not a criticism) and the design of Colossi seems to imbue the influence of Land of the Giants with it’s entire world looking very classic American. There is very little in the art to consider a flaw, although the style’s solid and consistent work does leave very little of the books to really stand out, save for the alien flame which looks incredibly eerie when it is given it’s full reveal.

With Colossi, it would be a fair to say that this is a comic whose success should be colossal (pun intended). This is a series where the story is riveting and the artwork is gorgeous, with each issue subsequently drawing you in and then keeping you there. Vault are onto a winner here with Colossi any fans of classic sci-fi will enjoy this in a huge way.