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Writer's pictureDan Newland

VAGRANT QUEEN: A PLANET CALLED DOOM, ISSUE #1

Updated: Jan 25, 2021

Writer: Mags Visaggio

Illustrator: Jason Smith

Publisher: Vault Comics

Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom, Issue #1, cover, Vault Comics, Viasggio/Smith
Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom, Issue #1, cover, Vault Comics, Viasggio/Smith

WHAT IS IT?

After surviving some serious family drama in the first volume of Vagrant Queen, we find that Elida Al-Feyr has now settled down to a placid life on a backwater planet. It sounds nice, right? But has that ever actually worked for any sci-fi character??


So how to describe what happens here? How about this: Vagrant Queen: A Planet called Doom is like Star Wars meets Star Trek, if Obi-Wan had secretly been galactic royalty, and the Borg wanted him to rule the galaxy for them.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

(Minor Spoilers)

First off, if you haven’t read the previous story arc, you should. It’s good stuff! But even if you didn’t read volume one, and you don’t like homework, you should be able to pick up A Planet Called Doom pretty easily.


The story starts with a space armada searching for a mysterious and dangerous “White Ship.” A significant amount of chaos, excitement, and death occurs out in space, all the while our hero Elida is honing her gardening skills and enjoying life off the grid. By the end, we find out it's all connected, and the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance!


WHAT WORKS?

  • I enjoyed Elida’s character in the original Vagrant Queen, and she continues to be a great protagonist.

  • The concept for this story, and where it goes in the first issue, sets us up for an even bigger, crazier adventure as we accelerate into volume 2. It sounds like Elida’s family was even more important than we thought, and that the galaxy isn’t done with the House of Bel-Ior yet.

  • I also am intrigued by what isn’t in this book. When last we saw her, Elida was embarking on a search for Earth with her companion and frenemy, Isaac. Isaac is this universe’s version of Han Solo, or maybe Peter Quill. He's not the sort of character that just disappears for no reason. Where is he? What trouble is he causing now?? I can’t wait to find out.

  • The art by Jason Smith is expressive and fun. He is perfect for a book like this and his work adds a bit of cheeky B-movie feel to the characters and the action.

  • The rest of the creative cast is back for volume two, as well. Harry Saxon continues to give the book a bold, solid look with big blocks of color, and letterer Zakk Saam does a great job of keeping the balloons readable and the sound effects interesting.


WHAT DOESN’T WORK?

  • There were a couple parts of the space battle at the beginning that took a bit of time for me to figure out. A lot of the battle is told visually, which I like in general. But for whatever reason, it did not flow for me as easily as I would have liked.

  • I am not sure why, but the “Vish” sound effects did not do it for me. Does a spaceship or ray gun “vishing” at an enemy sound threatening to you? Vish! Vish! Nope. Just isn’t happening.


Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom, Issue #1, p. 12, Vault Comics, Viasggio/Smith
Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom, Issue #1, p. 12, Vault Comics, Viasggio/Smith

WHY SHOULD I READ IT?

If you liked the first volume, you will probably be happy with A Planet Called Doom, too. Same writer, same artist, same overall space opera vibe. Or more generally, if you like the parts of Star Wars where Luke is being pulled against his will into a destiny that he didn’t ask for and is not ready for, then Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom is going to make you happy.


Elida is a character who is very skilled, and very human. She makes mistakes, gets caught, gets saved, and in turn saves the day. This first issue only begins to show why she is such a great protagonist, but Visaggio and Smith have things set up for a bonkers, star-spanning adventure here.


Plus, with Vagrant Queen coming to a TV near you sometime soon (the first trailer can be found here) it’s a great time to read ahead a bit so you are ready when the series drops on SyFy later this year!


WHAT DO I READ NEXT?

If you like the writing:

  • Eternity Girl by Magdalene Visaggio & Sonny Liew

  • Kim & Kim by Magdalene Visaggio & Eva Cabrera

  • Princess Leia by Mark Waid and the Dodsons

If you like the art:

  • On the Verge by Jason Smith

  • Andrew Jackson in Space by Visaggio and Smith

  • Valérian and Laureline, by Pierre Christian and Jean-Claude Mézières


ABOUT THE CREATORS


Magdalene Visaggio – Writer

  • Multitalented: Studied Ethics & Moral Theology at Seton Hall before going into comics

  • Studied with Scott Snyder as part of DC Comics Writer Workshop program.

  • Is an outspoken champion for LGBTQIA+ rights both in her comics and in her daily life. She has been nominated for multiple GLAAD Media Awards as well as twice being nominated for Eisner Awards!


Jason Smith – Artist & Cover Artist

  • His work often combines traditional and digital media

  • Has been making comics since 2010

  • Outlander: Hails from Ontario, Canada


Harry Saxon – Colorist

  • Outlander: Lives in England, but born in Greece

  • Test of Time: Has worked as an independent illustrator and colorist since 1999


Zakk Saam – Letterer

  • Inspired by Nate Piekos/Blambot, Clayton Cowles & Dave Sharpe

  • Dream Team: Also worked with Magdalene Visaggio and Harry Saxon on Sex Death Revolution


Adrian F. Wassel – Editor

  • Name Recognition: Is the CCO & Editor-In-Chief of Vault Comics, and plays the role of editor on most, if not all, of Vault's titles

  • Also runs Vault with his brother and father

  • Has personally helped other comics creators in their endeavors, even if they aren't Vault creators


HOW DO I BUY IT?

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The image(s) used in this article are from a comic strip, webcomic or the cover or interior of a comic book. The copyright for this image(s) is likely owned by either the publisher of the comic, the writer(s) and/or artist(s) who produced the comic. It is believed that the use of this image(s) qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law. The image is used in a limited fashion in an educational manner in order to illustrate the points of the author and not for the purpose of entertainment or substituting the original work. It is believed the use of this image has had no impact on the market value of the original work.

All Vault Comics characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are trademarks of and copyright Vault Comics or their respective owners. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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