Isola, pronounced "Ease-o-la" and not "Is-o-la", is the newest book from Karl Kerschel and Brenden Fletcher. Published by Image comics, it tells the story of Rook, Olwynn the Queen of Maar, and their long traveled path to the fabled land of Isola. Though the reason to us as of yet is currently unknown, The Queen of Maar has found herself under a spell that has transformed her into an exotic tiger. Hence the journey to Isola. A story of love, loyalty, and adventure, this is the fantasy book we've been waiting for. Its pages are filled with rich storytelling and a colorful world making it unlike any ongoing series on shelves right now.
While the series dropped its first issue last month, going almost immediately to a second printing, the second issue of Isola, as well as the reprint of issue one, dropped this week. So at this point, there's literally no reason for you not to tag along for the ride. And because I just need an excuse to talk about Isola and how in love I am with this series, here's a few reasons to check this one out.
Come For The Story Stay For The Art
Isola is beyond gorgeous. Karl Kerschel's art combined with Msassyk's colors is gifting us with what is probably one of the most beautiful books on the market. Even Aditya Bidkars lettering on the series is flawless, helping to bring the story together as a whole. There are several pages throughout the series where's Brenden's words really take a backseat to Karl's art. These moments really shine through and I feel like it's on these pages where the most pinnacle and emotional storytelling take place. I loved Karl's work on Teen Titans Year One, and on Brenden and Karl's previous work together on Gotham Academy, but I feel like his style was truly meant for a fantasy setting. But Kerschel and Msassyk are a team on Isola, both of them coming together as artists. Msassyk's colors are out of this world. Each page is more vibrant then the last. There are pages that follow a more monochromatic stylization while others are a combination of gorgeous colors that really give life to Isola.
It's Queer as Hell
Isola is a queer love story waiting to be discovered. Not only that but it's a queer love story featuring not one but TWO women of color. While the underlying queer tones may not be obviously apparent in issue one or even in issue two, as those initial issues help build up the world of Isola, the love between Queen Olwyn and Rook is very much there and visited in Isola's prequel story. This ten-page introductory tale was printed in the back of the first five issues of Brenden's other creator-owned book Motor Crush. I'm almost certain that this prologue will be printed alongside the main storyline when Isola is collected in trade form in the fall. I'm really excited to see the love between these two flourish as the story progresses. Rook already shows traits of intense loyalty and love for her queen, as any knight should. It's the Queen and her knight, the best kind of love story in my opinion. And while I don't want to say I told you so, Brenden and Karl totally confirmed Olwyn and Rook's "relationship" when I met them at Fried Pie Con last month.
The introductory prologue of Isola is also available for free online so make sure you check that out.
Fans of Avatar and Miyazaki Rejoice
Brenden has been selling this story as an ode to Miyazaki films, specifically drawing inspiration from Princess Mononoke. While that's honestly apparent, I saw it from a different perspective. Now I'm a HUGE fan of Avatar the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra. I could talk about my love for those series for the next thousand years. Isola is very reminiscent of both of those series, maybe not necessarily with the story that is told but instead with how it's presented. Karl gets very animated and expressive with a lot of his interactions between characters, much like ATLA and LOK. Due to Queen Olwyn's transformation, there are a lot of one-sided conversations between her and Rook. Even when there is little or even no dialogue present the emotions between these characters still come to a clear understanding thanks to Karl's animatic expressions for the characters. In regards to it's familiar elements to a Miyazaki film, Isola shares the similar themes of adventure and female empowerment. That along with its remarkable landscape and scenery, there's Miyazaki influence on every page both in story and art. Makes me hope that one day Isola will be picked up for an animated movie/show one day.
Isola Leaves A World To Be Desired
This was a series ten years in the making, and it shows. There's so much love and effort poured across every page. The world of Isola is so beautiful and unique, ranging from its powerful monarchy and colorful cast to lush vivid jungle settings, abandoned cities, and striking beasts. Each issue builds upon and explores this exotic land, introducing new elements. Characters and beasts come and go while leaving a lasting impression. Isola is truly a love letter to Miyazaki's work but goes one step further in nurturing a world of its own. With three arcs already planned for the series, I have no doubt we'll be able to dive further into this magical world. This is one of those series where I wish we had a companion artbook or creature log, detailing every corner of the world we've been presented with.
Although we're just at the start of the series there are so many reasons for you to fall in love with Isola. So make sure not to miss out on another issue and add this one to your local comic pull. For those, of you who read digitally you can also subscribe on Comixology.
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