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Milky #1-2
Publisher: AAM-Markosia
Writer: Joshua Saxon
Artist: Gian Fernando
Colors: DC Alonso
Letters: Joshua Saxon
Cover: Unai Ortiz de Zarate

Art represents different things to different people. We carry any number of influences and beliefs into the content we encounter and those sensibilities color our perceptions, no matter the artistic intent. With Milky, creator Joshua Saxon takes on some of the fears that guide those underlying currents of perspective. He brings together a disparate ensemble of characters to illustrate how rapidly preconceptions can shift under extraordinary circumstances, and how a little humor and a common goal can promote understanding, at least in a relatively small community. 

Among them, protagonist Vikinder Singh is the epitome of the unassuming wallflower. Derided by his neighbors and ridiculed by his friends, he holds himself in very little esteem. His strongest use of language, despite the calamitous circumstances he endures is an exasperated, “What the frig!” But in the words of creator Joshua Saxon, “Transformation is essentially what a story is to me.” Milky, as he is referred to somewhat affectionately, lives with latent fears that many  of us contend with daily. Now, suddenly thrust into an apocalyptic alien invasion aimed at abducting all the women of idyllic Crafton Hills, Milky is compelled to act. He must break through his self doubt and rescue the woman of his dreams.

I can easily say the aspect of Milky I appreciate most is the way certain elements of social commentary are interwoven in the narrative. They aren’t subtle by any measure, but they also don’t distract from the fun. Female protagonist Lucy is a stand out in this regard, as her trope-shattering indifference plays perfectly against the chaos. Saxon makes his statements with matter of fact simplicity, but without having constructed his tale around an intersectionality checklist. The interactions are organic, sometimes with darkly comedic implications. Ultimately, while the inferences are easily recognizable for those who seek them, one could gloss over them entirely and remain engrossed.

Artist Gian Fernando and colorist DC Alonso have excelled in crafting a pitch perfect visual tone for Milky. The color work in particular maintains a very cohesive vein with Saxons narrative. There is a dark and foreboding quality to the invasion artwork that contrasts brilliantly with the picturesque presentation of preceding hours. Throughout the first half of this four part science fiction series, Saxon punctuates the action with incisive social commentary and unapologetic references to his favorite pop culture staples, crafting a wildly entertaining narrative. Milky is a page turner from the first page, with wit and charm to spare. 

For more on Milky, check out our interview with creator Joshua Saxon.

Christian Davenport
Cable201@comicattack.net