Aria is a survivor. A survivor of the dystopian wars, the end of civilization. She’s our star performer in Dark Horse’s Apocalyptigirl: An Aria For the End Times, a Hard Cover graphic novel.

It’s just Aria, a slim mechanic of a girl, and her cat named Jelly Beans. An unorthodox team up, to be sure. But you can be sure that this is an engaging tale, by times whimsical and musical. And the verses and choruses advance the story, deepening our understanding of Aria’s daily activities: outrunning the feuding gangs in the overgrown destroyed city.

Apocalyptigirl is written, drawn and coloured by Andrew MacLean (Head Lopper). It’s got a rhythmic beauty and an underpinning of control. MacLean knows where he is going with this story, right from the first panel. He’s a master storyteller, bringing us lush and mysterious surroundings, fascinating science fiction elements, and lots of human emotion.

The drawings are ‘indie’ line drawings, not ultra-realistic, but enriched with just the right notes of colour. If a panel here and there is a bit puzzling, no matter. The reader has a good idea of what’s going on most of the time, and plenty of breathing room to enjoy the ride.

Well written, well-drawn and coloured: a solid buy.

Dark Horse Apocalyptigirl: An Aria For The End Times HC, $19.99 for 136 pages. Not rated, assume Teen

By Alan Spinney

After a career of graphic design, art direction and copywriting, I still have a passion for words and pictures. I love it when a comic book comes together; the story is tight, and the drawings lead me forward. Art with words... the toughest storytelling technique to get right. Was this comic book worth your money? Let's see!!