Sometimes it wouldn’t take much to review a comic and one could summarize a great review in few words only.
Written by Matt Kindt
That would be a compelling argument and review for any story, at least to many comic fans. But the idea behind these comic reviews on Hive was to also provide a collection of interesting reads for newcomers to the genre and thus such brief review may not mean anything to many. Nor would it truly honor the work and highlight of many comics and Ether Vol 1: Death of the Last Golden Blaze is definitely one of those comics deserving more words. Even though it was “Written by Matt Kindt”. Because it was written by Matt Kindt.
There’s more to Ether Vol.1: The Death of the Last Golden Blaze than just Matt Kindt.
Like gorgeous covers by artist, colorer, and letterrer David Rubin.
And a solid “solicit” from publisher Dark Horse.
“A science-minded adventurer gets mixed up in the mysteries of a fantasy world in this charming new adventure from an award-winning creative team. Boone Dias is an interdimensional explorer, a scientist from Earth who has stumbled into great responsibility. He’s got an explanation for everything, so of course the Ether’s magical residents turn to him to solve their toughest crimes. But maybe keeping the real and the abstract separate is too big a job for just one man.”
Even though the solicit is full of promise, and contains everything. Geek could want, this is normally not the type of books I lean towards. That because of one single word: fantasy, a genre I left long along the road in my life but I did what one shouldn’t do — except in the world of comics — and I judged a book’s purchase by its cover.
And boy, was it a great decision.
Ether Vol.1: Death of the Last Golden Blaze is an excellent and enjoyable read in which the fantasy world of magic is tackled by enigmatic scientist Boone Dias and his logical scientific approach to things.
Boone is an interesting character and developing sympathy for him should be a no-brained for every geek/nerd/scientist, but he also has a darker story which is gradually uncovered by Kindt. Kindt paces the reveals throughout the the first story arc of Ether very well, changing the tone from at a switch from enjoyable fantasy world to darker real life through flashbacks in Boone’s life and personal history.
But the true highlight of Ether is the marvelous artwork of David Rubin. Or as someone wrote on Goodreads: ”David Freaking Rubin!!!”
Combining lush and vibrant colors when in the fantasy world, or the Ether, Rubin falls back on darker earth tones when Boone’s back on earth, creating two very contrasting worlds for Matt Kindt’s character development and backstories throughout the stories.
The fun for comics fans doesn’t end there though and Rubin makes excellent use of frame positioning, creating whole new dynamics both through and in the flow of panes. In ways Frank Miller would be proud of.
Rubin’s fantasy imagination is also excellent and the Ether is truly interesting art to explore. Not to mention the different ways of transport throughout the Ether.
Should I Read It?
If you’re looking for a relaxed read with a touch of fantasy and other geekery, and most of all, one of its kind art, Ether Vol.1: Death of the Last Golden Blaze is a solid recommendation. While it definitely isn’t Matt Kindt’s strongest story, the writing throughout the story is solid and at times gritty as well. But the through standout factor of Ether is without a doubt David Rubin’s excellent art.
A perfect reason to pick up Ether is how science and magic clash, or become complimentary in Boone Dias’s world. While I won’t classify Ether Vo;.1 a “mist read”, there’s much positive to be said about this work by Kindt and Rubin and maybe, it deserved to receive more highlights when it initially ran. A slightly under rated comic to pick up in any promotional bundle or acquire for the gorgeous art.
The first story arc in the Ether series received a solid 9.4 community rating on ComicBook Roundup, higher than the aggregated critics’ rating.
Ether Vol.1: Death of the Last Golden Blaze is available from Dark Horse for $14.99 (print) or $11.99 from ComiXology (digital). Members of Amazon’s ComiXology Unlimited plan can access the book freely. The complete Ether opus so far consists of 15 issues, or 3 complete story arcs.
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