Book Review: Lady Mechanika, Volume 1

Joe Benitez, Lady Mechanika, Volume 1: The Mystery of the Mechanical Corpse. Portland, OR: Image Comics, 2021.  ISBN: 9781534320567.

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: steampunk, science fiction, adventure

Format: e-book galley

Source: Edelweiss

 

This is where the legend begins, and we are right in the action. Mechanika is a survivor of a mad scientist's experiments that leave her with mechanical limbs and no memory of what happened or how it came about. As she tries to find answers to her own questions, she uses her abilities as a sort of private investigator in a fictional steampunk world centered in Victorian England. In this volume, the main story is "The Mystery of the Mechanical Corpse." When a young dead girl with mechanical parts is found, Mechanika wonders if there is a connection to her own past. She soon finds herself in the midst of a case some would rather not have solved. 

The tale is intriguing and draws the reading in. The pace is swift and steady, and the story offers a good blend of mystery, suspense, and adventure. Fans of adventure stories and steampunk will find plenty to enjoy. The story has a bit of feel like some of the old pulp adventures. 

The art is a big reason to pick up the series. It's rare that a comic series gets both the story and the art in perfect harmony. This volume does it. The art is in full color with high quality. The artist not only depicts the characters well. The artist also brings the steampunk world to life with great attention to detail. Details large and small are rendered with quality and care. The art goes along well with the story. 

The volume is the first in the series, and after reading this one I definitely want to keep on reading. This is a volume I highly recommend. It would make a great selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. I'd buy for my library. It is one I would also buy for my personal library. To be honest, this is leaps and bounds better than most of the stuff the "big" comics publishers put out. If you like adventure and steampunk plus a strong heroine then read this. 

5 out of 5 stars.

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