Rob reviews Proteus Vex: Another Dawn...
As Proteus Vex: Desire Paths heads to its conclusion within the weekly Prog, it's time to head back to where it all began with this collection of the first two-story arcs.
Created by Mike Carroll and Henry Flint, Proteus Vex tells a tale in the wake of an intergalactic war between the Alliance Ascendant and the Obdurate Empire. After 14 centuries the war reached its conclusion as the Alliance teleported a dying star into the Obdurate System. As a result of mass genocide, the Alliance stands victorious, and the Obdurate on the brink of extinction. This event also forms the backbone of the whole Proteus Vex narrative and its effect is still shaping the galaxy within the recent 'Desire Paths' story.
Our main viewpoint throughout this saga is Proteus Vex, agent of the Imperium Ascendant, and around the force of good. But like every good protagonist - Vex has secrets of his own, and it's one that soon puts him in conflict with his allies. However, we start this tale with 'Another Dawn' which sees Vex at the start of his "crusade".
Written by Mike Carroll with art by Henry Flint, 'Another Dawn' sees Proteus Vex in search of Chancellor Rho 7 Bayron - a high-ranking member of the Imperium Ascendant - who also happens to be missing in action. Naturally, as Carroll develops the story further, things take a turn for the worse. As such Vex and his unwilling prisoner - Midnight Indicating Shame - are thrust into the machinations of a rogue element within the Imperium Ascendant. One who's also attempting to stop history from repeating itself. Even if it means destroying an innocent race to do so.
After this revelation we move on to the next story; 'The Shadow Chancellor'. Jake Lynch takes over from Henry Flint for this one, and as such we get a different style to proceedings. But while the art may be different, Carroll continues to build his world whilst pushing it further towards another war. If anything 'The Shadow Chancellor' is the more political of the two stories featured. We not only get to see Proteus Vex and Midnight Indicating Shame tackle the mysteries of Rho 7 Bayron's memories. We also see more of the inner workings of the Imperium and Midnight's own race; the hive-like Citheronians.
It's an interesting story as Proteus Vex uncovers just how much his superiors have covered up their involvement in the destruction of the Obdurate. And just how far they're willing to go to keep their hands clean.
Where Proteus Vex works is that it's all so "alien". Aside from the Flesh-Pilots, there isn't anyone in Proteus Vex that's remotely human. Whilst 'Vex and his Imperium race are humanoid in shape, they're more akin to harlequins, with various angled shapes adorned across their bodies. It's a real mixture of aliens of all shapes and sizes, and every page feels like you've walked into the Cantina at Mos Eisley - and that's before you see the true form of the Citheronians!
Away from this and Carroll takes elements from various sci-fi staples and brings them together under the banner of a tight political thriller. The world-building is top-notch throughout as we're given snippets of information as to who these wonderful creatures are and what their place within the galaxy is. Of course, this is all helped by Flint and Lynch's incredible art. Where Flint brought more raw and rough linework to his story, Lynch's work has a slightly more smooth appearance. While both artists naturally have their styles, both fit into the world incredibly well. Action is also easy to follow as the duo utilises plenty of viewpoints and angles to give everything a well-choreographed feel. The art is so similar, the transition from Flint to Lynch is hardly noticeable - unless you've previously read the serialised version.
It's also worth noting - because I completely forgot (sorry Jim!) - that Jim Boswell provides his superb colour work to "Shadow Chancellor". Not only do we get a varied colour palette that gives everyting that distinct "alien" feel, but Boswell's use of shadows makes everything that even more imposing (see image below)
Overall Proteus Vex: Another Dawn is a perfect introduction to this strange and alien universe. Mike Carroll takes us on a rollercoaster thrill ride with a perfect mix of action and political mystery. As the immense galaxy-spanning mystery slowly unfolds the lines between who's good and evil get a little foggy, which all helps makes this such a great read. Throw in contributions from Henry Flint, Jake Lynch, and the often forgotten; Simon Bowland, Proteus Vex is a truly wonderful space opera that's waiting for you to get lost in!
Proteus Vex: Another Dawn will be available from the 2000 AD store from 14th April 2022
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