Based on the work of Leiji Matsumoto
Story & Art by Jerome Alquie
Jerome Alquie’s Space Pirate Captain Harlock comic series is intended to be a new story arc set in the timeline of the original Space Pirate Captain Harlock. While there have been many re-imaginings of the Captain Harlock franchise, having this comic be so closely tied to its source material felt like an ambitious choice. Does this new story have potential?
The first issue of Space Pirate Captain Harlock focuses on introducing the new story arc’s premise. When a sudden cold spell changes Earth’s climate, Captain Harlock and his team return from their space escapades to investigate. Meanwhile, a group of scientists uncover a sanctuary of frozen Mazon aliens, whose power could lead to the destruction of Earth.
While this comic feels like merely set up for future events, it is effective in investing the uninitiated in the world of Captain Harlock. The early pages of the issue are dedicated to recapping the status quo of the series, as well as the core cast of characters. This comic wants to bring in both existing and new fans of Captain Harlock, and it’s successful in doing so.
Jerome Alquie’s artwork is very impressive, serving as a more modernized take on Leiji Matsumoto’s art style. The comic makes use of an array of large panels and spreads to convey the massive scale of the series’ world. I especially loved the page that showcases the size of the Arcadia against an enemy spacecraft, emphasizing how intimidating Harlock’s vessel is in the vastness of space. You can tell Alquie has a lot of love for Captain Harlock and Leiji Matsumoto, and it’s fully evident in their own work.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock is a solid homage to its anime and manga counterparts, while also serving as an intriguing new story arc for the series. While future installments may serve as a better indicator of the comic’s overall quality, this first issue is still a fun read for Captain Harlock fans both new and old. May the Arcadia venture forth!
Really Enjoyed It
Space Pirate Captain Harlock is a solid homage to its anime and manga counterparts, while also serving as an intriguing new story arc for the series.
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