Who will replace humanity when the Earth falls into ruin? In the new Image Comics’ ongoing series Angelic, writer Simon Spurrier and artist Caspar Wijngaard explore a future where genetically modified animals have inherited a post-apocalyptic planet, creating a fantastic new setting filled with off-kilter characters. Described by Image as “WALL-E by way of Watership Down,” Angelic follows a young flying monkey, Qora, whose only desire is to see the world in all its strange beauty. She’s expected to settle down and start a family, but like any rebellious teenager, Qora isn’t going to let herself be weighed down by the expectations of those around her. She’s going to use her wings and fly, even if that means putting herself in danger and letting down the people that care about her.
Spurrier’s last Image series, Cry Havoc, was a formally ambitious, emotionally rich, and very dark exploration of mythology and monsters, but Angelic has a lighter touch. This exclusive first look at September’s Angelic #1 introduces readers to this world with a showdown between winged monkeys and techno-dolphins, and even though the situation is dire, there’s a strong sense of humor in the execution. Cyborg dolphins with Shakespearean speech patterns aren’t something to take seriously, but knowing Spurrier’s past work, the humor in this book is most likely there to set a point of contrast for more dramatic character moments down the line.
That splash page of the techno-dolphins encroaching on the winged monkeys territory is a striking showcase of Wjingaard’s talent, capturing the majesty of this setting in sharp detail while creating a strong sense of motion as the sea mammals take to the sky. The concept of Angelic gives Wjingaard the opportunity to go wild with his environment and character designs, and he has the skills to fully realize the scope of Spurrier’s story. The expression he brings to the monkeys sets them apart from the inscrutable dolphin killing machines, and he has a big challenge bringing emotional depth to the different animals in this book. Wjingaard is also coloring Angelic, and his pastel palette reinforces the lighter elements of the script while giving this book a different feel than a lot of post-apocalyptic narratives. Readers can learn more about Qora and her world when Angelic goes on sale September 20, but in the meanwhile, here’s an introduction to this decimated future.