Comics publisher Mad Cave Studios celebrated a major milestone in 2024. The milestone in question was the company’s 10th anniversary. The company celebrated in fine fashion with the launching of new series, Flash Gordon, Defenders of the Earth, and Dick Tracy. Along with that the company also launched a new imprint specializing in manga comics in the form of Nakama Press. The company made its debut late last month with the science-fiction story, Indigo. Spanning nearly 200 pages, the new title is listed as being aimed at primarily teen audiences but in reality is a work that will appeal to science-fiction fans of any age. This is proven in large part through its story. The story’s artwork builds on the foundation established through the story as it helps establish the book’s identity. The “bonus content” that accompanies the book rounds out its most important items, considering the background that it provides. Each item noted is key in its own way to the whole of the book. All things considered they make Indigo a work that is a positive start for Nakama Press.
Nakama Press’ debut manga title, Indigo, is a positive debut offering from the imprint of Mad Cave Studios. The manga’s appeal comes in large part through its featured story. Spanning nearly 200 pages, the story follows a young reporter named Emma who works for what most people would consider one of those silly Weekly World News types of rags that used to be sold in supermarkets ages ago. One day though, when it is discovered that one of her former college professors has mysteriously died, it turns out that the conspiracy theories spit out by the “newspaper” might not in fact be so wild. There are reptilians, aliens from the Pleades constellation, and an interstellar organization that is aimed at maintaining peace throughout the universe. It all ties back into Ella and her own story of personal discovery and purpose. Writer Chi-Ho Kwong is to be commended for the story, which he divides up into a total of seven separate acts. That separation, together with the story itself, ensures readers will be able to stop when they want; that they do not feel like they have to read through the entire thing in one sitting. That mental break that readers get will also allow them to go back if need be and re-read sections, thus making the story all the more engaging and entertaining for readers.
Building on the foundation established through this easily accessible (and fully engaging and entertaining) story is its artwork. Created by Kwong’s brother, Chi-Kit Kwong, the artwork featured throughout the book is actually believable. The characters actually look human. The only question many readers may have is the tape on Emma’s nose. Apparently she has always been that way, but why? There are plenty of memorable scenes that Kwong created for the book, including the big showdown between Emma’s friend, Gene and the Reptilians. The presentation of Gene between her and the Reptilians, firing at them is the stuff of so many action stories. On a side note, Gene plays his own pivotal role in the story, which will be left for audiences to discover for themselves. Getting back on the topic at hand, the scene in which Ella’s boss, Mars, reveals his true identity to her (again not to reveal too much), is another notable moment. The interstellar background and the way in which Mars’ eyes glow as he reveals to her his true identity is something that audiences could easily see playing out on screen. In color it would be a powerful moment in its own right. On yet another note, the introduction of the Bales Brothers and their intergalactic gate is one more example of how much the book’s artwork does to make it appealing. That wide shot, with its balance of light and shading, and size contrast of the gate to them and Emma, is its own familiar presentation and just as strong in its own right. When this epic shot and the other noted scenes are considered along with the rest of the book’s artwork, the whole therein makes for all the more reason for audiences to take in this manga. When the artwork is considered alongside the story, that collective established even more engagement and entertainment.
Rounding out the book’s most important elements is its “bonus content.” The content in question is the discussion by both of the Kwong brothers. Chi-Ho Kwong’s discussion centered on his fascination with the cosmos from a young age goes a long way toward explaining how this story came about. Add in his note of the research he did on conspiracy theories about Reptilians and other alleged interstellar creatures for the story builds even more on that background.
The younger Kwong’s discussion on trying to balance plot and content within the script, trying to appease all readers show the seriousness with which he took his role in the book’s creation. He even goes so far as to state in his notes, “I hope readers till not be too critical of this” in regard to placing plot over “in-depth explanations” of everything in the story. Just as interesting is the note from the younger Kwong about how none other than The Last Temptation of Christ played into this story’s script. Audiences will catch that influence especially later in the story. When the Kwong brothers’ revelations noted here are coupled with the rest of their notes, the whole therein puts the finishing touch to this presentation, ensuring even more, readers’ engagement and entertainment, the whole works with the book’s story and its artwork to make the whole a strong debut effort for Nakama Press that manga fans and science fiction fans alike will appreciate.
Indigo, the debut manga title from Nakama Press, is a solid starting point for Mad Cave Studios’ newest imprint. The book impresses in large part through its story, which takes elements of science fiction and conspiracy theories to make one fluid, engaging and entertaining tale. The artwork that is featured throughout the book makes for its own appeal. That is because even being presented in black and white, there is still so much depth to appreciate. The bonus content that accompanies the book rounds out its most important elements. That is because of the background that it offers readers on the book. Each item examined is important in its own way to the whole of the book. All things considered they make Indigo a welcome first outing for Nakama Press.
Indigo is available now. More information on this and other titles from Nakama Press is available at:
Website: https://madcavestudios.com/nakama-press
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nakamapress
