reviews

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Chalawan Uranus: Rise of the Half Humanoids
Created/Written by Janice Dennie
Art/Letters by Stanley Obende
Colors by Toyin Ajetunmobi

Ursa Series, Issue #4

Chalawan Uranus: Rise of the Half Humanoids is the latest installment in the Ursa series, picking up right where the previous issue left off. The Ursa series has a unique storytelling style with both its strengths and weaknesses. Each issue introduces a new protagonist and is almost structured like a one-shot comic, but the overarching narrative connects the stories, with each protagonist adding to the depth of the world. This approach enriches the world-building as the series progresses, but it also means readers need to be familiar with prior issues to fully appreciate the narrative.'

In this latest issue, we are given a backstory for the new protagonist, Chalawan Uranus, before diving headfirst into the action. This backstory sets the stage for the fast-paced journey that follows.

Having read all four books in the series, I can confidently say the storytelling and pacing improve with every issue. Rise of the Half Humanoids introduces the series’ first male lead, and Chalawan is handled with care, shining just as brightly as his predecessors. Chadawan is an orphan raised by two mermaid-like entities, and the dynamic within this pseudo-family is heartwarming and well-executed. As he embarks on his hero’s journey, Chalawan is portrayed as brilliant, selfless, and confident. His softer, more loving side is revealed in a few touching scenes with his love interest. Fans of the series will recognize her as one of the earlier protagonists ‘Firebird’, a woman with the fascinating condition of being untouchable. Their interactions hint at a shared history, which adds an intriguing dynamic, though Chadawan’s sudden appearance in the narrative feels a little jarring in this regard.

The artwork in this issue is phenomenal—there wasn’t a single page that felt subpar. While there are a few scenes I wish had been handled differently, the overall quality of the art is fantastic. The colors are vibrant and clean, perfectly complementing the tone of the story. The character designs are outstanding, with the mermaid moms being a visual standout.

The story is solid and will not disappoint fans of the series. It explores themes of hope, strength, and human endurance, with action that delivers on the expectations of comic book storytelling. This issue also seems to cap off the current arc, doing so in a way that feels satisfying.

All in all, Chalawan Uranus: Rise of the Half Humanoids is a well-told story with a few minor hiccups but manages to stick the landing. For fans of the series, this is a must-read. For newcomers, I recommend starting from the beginning to fully grasp the gravity of the world and appreciate the depth of this chapter.