In recent years, I’ve fallen behind on keeping up with long-running comic series. Since I don’t often have the time to archive binge on old favorites, my goal for 2020 is to check out more new comics instead. Tartarus, written by Johnnie Christmas and drawn by artist Jack T. Cole, fits the bill nicely.

Befitting a science fiction story, things start off with a big bang: a jailbreak. Dreaded warlord Surka the Terrible fights her way out of a maximum-security prison known as “The Pit,” refusing to let anything stop her from accomplishing her nefarious goal. After smashing and shooting her way free, she… reunites with her beloved infant daughter. Huh. Didn’t see that coming.

After the explosive beginning, Tartarus slows down to build its setting with a 17-year time skip. We follow Tilde, a cadet in the Baxnan military academy on the Olympus station, which orbits the planet Styx. During a medical checkup, a reveal about Tilde’s heritage blindsides and threatens everything she knows. Her general presents her with an ultimatum: if she loves Baxna, then she will gladly die to keep it safe.

The concept of “unobtanium” is ubiquitous in science fiction, and here it takes the form of “the liquid.” The liquid is a curious substance that can take on any shape and create weapons, which a cartel known as the Djinn supplies to the Baxnan’s enemies, the Jurians. One of these Djinn weapons was deployed during Surka’s escape attempt, to disastrous results. I’m both excited and terrified to see how great a threat another one of these weapons might pose in later issues. Just one was bad enough!

I especially enjoyed the coloring style for Tartarus, which eschews slick, shiny realism in favor of rough textures and muted but bright color palettes. This gives a “used future” feel to the setting without looking muddy or feeling dreary. Every page bursts with life and energy. Even the technology feels organic rather than mechanical. For example, the liquid serves a religious purpose for some characters, not strictly a utilitarian one.

Overall, in its first issue alone, Tartarus has taken familiar sci-fi and coming-of-age tropes to breathe new life into them. The political conflict is sure to ramp up even higher next issue, and I can hardly wait to see where Tilde’s journey takes her from here!