Review - Fathom: Kiani Volume 2 #1

Fans of Aspen Comics are very familiar with Aspen Matthews, the child of both the Blue and the Black who's got a soft spot for humanity. They might not be as familiar with Kiani, primarily because Fathom killed her a while back. Her death (like most in comics) was only temporary and Kiani is back in a brand new series called Fathom: Kiani Volume 2 #1.

The title is written by Vince Hernandez, illustrated by Oliver Nome, colored by John Starr and lettered by Josh Reed. And it's really a tale of three cities.

In the Blue capitol of Muria, Kiani's father is nervous about his new child Anika having the same elite blood as Kiani. Considering Kiani is prone to fits of rage and vengeance, it's a worry that a father should rightfully have. Meanwhile, war continues to rip the city of Saba apart. In the city of Marielle, the human government is working on something big that involves the city in some way.

And then there's Kiani, who's making waves beyond the waves and being very spiteful. She's immediately recognized as an Elite thanks to her combat prowess and she's set her sights on the city of Marielle, along with a small army.

The first issue starts off slow, but quickly picks up the pace. The decision by Hernandez to open the issue by going to the three different cities seemed a little forced, considering the bulk of the issue takes place in and around Marielle. Both Muria and Saba will no doubt play a part in the series by the end, including them briefly at the beginning seemed a little out of place.

Nome's art is quite good in this first issue. It maintains the feel of the Fathom universe and his illustration of the security heavy is very intricate. There are some panels where distant faces look a little smushed, but it's not something that detracts from the overall art. Starr's color palette is very dark and adds to the experience of being deep under the water.

"Deep Marine Disaster" is the title of the first arc in Fathom: Kiani Volume 2 #1 and it definitely lives up to its billing. Kiani is shown with a purpose beyond just being angry at Fathom. She wants to take back what is presumably hers, either by force or birthright. There will no doubt be confrontations between Kiani and her father by the end of the series and possibly even between Kiani and Fathom herself.

It's a solid first issue that lays the groundwork for some interest confrontations later on down the road. Readers have a small glimpse of what Kiania's truly capable of at this point and future issues will no doubt further expand upon that power.

Fathom: Kiani Volume 2 #1 is in stores now and interiors are below.