Comics / European Comics

Sky-Doll

By Patrick Bérubé
March 3, 2008 - 08:00

In a world ruled by religion, the Sky-Dolls are officially sanctioned androids programmed to answer our every “needs”. Without long term memory, they have no rights except the right to belong to someone. Noa, one of these dolls, feels different. She wants something else: freedom. Escaping from the spaceship-wash where she works, she hides in a vessel where she meets someone willing to help her flee off planet.

First of all, I have to admit that I picked up this graphic novel mainly because I heard Marvel comics was about to translate and publish it in North America. I was really curious as to why this title was going to be the flagship of a new series of European translation. After reading it, I can now also admit that I still do not know.

The story in itself is not that bad, but it feels uninspired and seems built to put the Sky-Dolls various “attributes” in evidence. The world created here seems to evolve around these characters, which make things worst since they lack some depth to sustain the story by themselves. Moreover, it’s not the first time the “android with a conscience” topic is used in science-fiction so it’s hard not to compare it to better works.

But even with this not so interesting storyline, some elements are noteworthy. The collaboration of science and religion makes for an interesting backdrop, as well as the division of the church into two groups of believers. In my opinion, these story elements should have been put more to the front since Noa seems to share a link with the banished “Popess”.

The art is probably the redeeming factor of this graphic novel. Barbucci’s pencil clearly has Asian and European influences, which make for an interesting style. The artist shows a great sense of design when depicting certain backgrounds. Canepa’s colors also add a nice visual effect. Her choices of bright tone really helps the pages stand out. I just hope that she’ll go easy on the pink for the next volume because if she uses more, it will officially be too much for me.

The big question that comes to my mind after reading this graphic novel is about the North American release. How does Marvel Comics think it will be able to publish this without censoring it? With about 10 out of the 48 pages of this first volume showing exposed breasts (plus the cover) and many sexual allusions and posture, it’s hard to image this title presented in its integrity. Especially since Marvel Comics does not even allow its characters to smoke and is not recognized for publishing such materials. It will be interesting to see what it will decide to do.

Closing line, this graphic novel lacks a strong storyline to back up the art.

I rate this graphic novel 6 out of 10

The author of this review would like to thanks Jiix!(jiix.com) for providing the material necessary.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12