Smith and Maybury Score BIG with Underwater Epic!

another book i got my hot little hands on at CAPE was Aqua Leung, the story of a shy young boy who discovers he is the heir to the throne of Atlantis. once young Aqua gets there, however, he finds his homeland in shambles, and himself carted away into slavery. after he gains the respect of his jailer, Aqua embarks on an epic journey to capture nine scepters that will consolidate the sea kingdoms and allow him to avenge the savage murder of his father the Octopus King and take his place on his father's throne.
Aqua Leung is Tolkienesque in scope and proportions, but thankfully, not pace. writer Mark Smith (Amazing Joy Buzzards) wastes no time, moving the narrative at a lively pace, but slowing down when appropriate, creating a nice rhythm. the art by Paul Maybury (Party Bear) is fresh and whimsical, and colorist Russ Lowery controls the mood of the book masterfully.
i wanted to buy this book since i first heard of it a few weeks ago, but was still surprised at the quality of the writing and art. the idea is for Aqua Leung to be the debut of a series of 200 page OGNs, which i hope works out for them, because this creative team is really, really onto something here!
holla!
-gM