Orbital Book 3: Nomads

Orbital Book 3: Nomads, by Sylvain Runberg & Serge Pelle, Cinebook

A SUFFICIENT time having passed between the original European graphic novel that became Books 1 and 2 of a Cinebook series that this Book 3 on with a new storyline need not be considered a cash-in and that the creators have returned to Orbital because of their affection for their characters and that they feel they have something new to say.

And so it feels. Time has passed, we are aware of that from Caleb (a human) and Mezoke's (a Sandjarrr with whom Earth had been at war) first appearance on the page this time round. There is a calmness, self-assuredness, and sense of trust between them, but slowly that begins to put to the test, for each of them still has secrets they’re not quite revealing.

They have returned in the role of security for celebrations to mark the end of the war; and these take part in a quiet part of Malaysia where it’s less renowned for trouble. Until now that is, because fish are dying, and a nomadic alien species called the Rapakhun are being blamed.

Our heroes attempt to keep the peace, unravel the cause of the problem, keep politics at bay and have their friendship - and I think we may call it that - tested.

Pelle’s story flows with purpose and an ease of understanding, while Runberg’s art is funky Euro-cartooning meets realism at its best; imagine Mike McMahon meets Dr Seuss – I kid you not!

For more information on Orbital visit Cinebook.

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