The Forgotten Queen #1 Written by Tini Howard Art by Amilcar Pinna The Forgotten Queen #1 debuts February 27th, 2019

The Forgotten Queen handles the fragile complexities of a layered narrative with an expertise found only in the most talented of storytellers. Tini Howard quickly balances the refined dramatic craftsmanship of Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl, Dark Places) with the bizarre beauty of Aliette de Bodard (Servant of the Underworld). In Queen, the strange and sometimes monstrous motivations of humanity are elevated by its unique historical-fantasy setting. It’s an exceptional accomplishment for an opening issue and illustrates the very bright future of this creative team. Alongside the incredibly talented Amilcar Pinna (Generation X), Howard introduces her readers to a world of violent mystery, where magic and manipulation are as rooted in the growth of mankind as passion and perseverance.

The story begins in the present day as the research vessel Lohengrin nears its latest excavation. The final pieces to a set of 14th Century armor lay undisturbed at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Lohengrin is led by Sarnai Oyuunchimeg, the representative of a looming corporation who has funded the Lohengrin’s research in exchange for the acquisition of these particular artifacts. Unbeknownst to the crew of this vessel, something else is lurking in the sea beneath them. While Sarnai’s immoral determination pushes her to prioritize the mission over the safety of her crew, readers are simultaneously introduced to a second lead character.

Vexana the War-Monger is the star of The Forgotten Queen and one of the most riveting female leads to be created in the last year. The immortal witch and inspiration of war exudes an amused indifference towards even the greatest historical figures and carries herself with a sense of ungraceful nonchalance that does not discriminate between the likes of the common man and the renowned ruler. She’s a thrill to watch as she exploits the primitive urges of humanity with a charm that seems as much influenced by the wickedness of Hannibal Lecter as it is the vulgarity of Jessica Jones. The armor sought after by the RV Lohengrin was worn by Vexana as she walked alongside the likes of Genghis Khan and her interactions with the warlord are as tensely entertaining as Sarnai’s collisions with the modern day crew.

With the introduction of these two compelling characters, Tini Howard secures a degree of engagement that never wavers between either narrative time period. In the past, Vexana sows a field that is sure to blossom into an engrossing supernatural period drama. Aboard the Lohengrin, Oyuunchimeg begins to unravel an almost-occult mystery. Both narratives have a magnetic draw with a raised sense of conflict strengthened by flawless pacing. The strong female characters are complemented by their respective supporting casts as each encounters skepticism and judgment which slowly reveals the depth and deviance of their nature. The Forgotten Queen boasts a fully realized world wrapped in a spider’s web of intrigue. The reader is snared by a plot so gripping that the even the threat of the looming predator cannot tear them
from these pages.

The beauty of those pages are of course indebted to the skill of Amilcar Pinna. Distinguished colors bleed from every page as the blues of the ocean and the drab shades of the desert are treated with equal fervor. These environments can be touched, whether in the ominous deep of the Pacific ocean or beneath the sun of a droughted land. Transitions between panels are fluid and character movement appears natural, highlighted most remarkably during scenes of a visceral and bloody fray. Each character is also allowed to be expressive while maintaining their individuality. Not every face looks the same and it comes as a great relief, especially considering the multiple time periods and roaming narratives that require such distinction. Pinna proves throughout the entirety of The Forgotten Queen that he was the artist meant to depict the fantastic territory staked by Tini Howard.

This series is clearly no slight undertaking. Queen could have collapsed under the weight of its dual perspectives or failed to artistically differentiate between its multiple settings. Instead Tini Howard and Amilcar Pinna shine in this project and elevate one another to a plane reserved for the best creators in the medium. The Forgotten Queen is beautiful. Her characters are deftly crafted and her story is precisely weaved. For fans of historical fantasy or supernatural thrillers, this book cannot be missed.

Final Score: 9 out of 10 capes