Few decades defined comic books as much as the 1960s. Influenced by the burgeoning counterculture, mainstream characters like Spider-Man and the Hulk redefined what it meant to be a hero while underground comics were expanding the kind of stories that could be told in a comic book. While this groundbreaking era in comic books has been referenced and spoofed, few modern comics engage with the counterculture that spawned them outside of tired jokes about hippies. But, despite their status as the eternal punchline, hippies were real people and BOOM! Studio’s new book Luna takes a closer look at them than any comic before.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

Written and drawn by artist Maria Llovet, Luna is set at the height of free love and hippie communes. Readers follow a young woman named Teresa who is haunted by visions that range from abstract to concrete. Regardless of the content though, all of the visions are decidedly psychedelic. These visions come on at any time though, leading Teresa to crash her car. Luckily, a commune known as the Family of the Sun happens to pass by and rescue her. But with claims of magic and a cult-like leader named Lux, Teresa and the reader are left to wonder whether the commune has ulterior motives.

One thing that immediately stands out about the book is its art. Far from being just set in the 1960s, the art is infused with the aesthetic of tarot and the energy of Woodstock. A reader could stare at Teresa’s visions for an hour and still find something they missed. It’s the kind of art designed for readers to lose themselves in. It’s not just the visions that impress though. The characters all drip with personality from their clothes and posing alone while the pastel-hued landscapes convey a subtle otherworldliness. It’s all reminiscent of the wildest 1960s films while still having a strong identity all its own.

It’s difficult to comment much on the story from just this first issue alone. The mystery of Teresa’s visions combined with all of the red-flags surrounding the Family of the Sun are compelling reasons for readers to pick up the next issue if the art alone wasn’t enough. Though it’s impossible to say where the story will go, there are already hints that Luna isn’t exactly looking back at the 1960s with rose-tinted glasses. While the ideals of free love might have seemed noble, Luna hints that it was often an excuse for exploitation of the worst kind and abuse.

See also  Cooper van Grootel & Marianly Tejada Interview: One Of Us Is Lying

Even if the story doesn’t end up going to such dark places though, Luna stands out as something special. Though well known for adapting properties like Power Rangers  BOOM! Studios original books have proven to be just as compelling as their licensed ones. Llovet is one of the best artists working in the industry, and her work on Luna #1 is truly something special.

Doctor Strange’s Comic Death Could Break Marvel’s Worst MCU Habit

About The Author


Evan Mullicane
(363 Articles Published)

Evan D. Mullicane is an editor, critic, and author based out of California’s Bay Area. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from San Francisco State University in 2016. In his free time, he enjoys reading graphic novels and writing fantasy.

More From Evan Mullicane