Review: Starship Down
What would be the consequences of the discovery of absolute proof of the existence of intelligent aliens?
Scientists and philosophers would have a field day, of course, revelling in every detail, all the differences and similarities between 'them' and 'us' .. but how will everyone else react? You, me, the 'average Joe'? How will it impact their view of the world, the universe, reality?
Will it be a cause for celebration ... or consternation?
This is the central question of Starship Down by writer Justin Giampaoli and artist Andrea Mutti from Dark Horse comics. Cultural anthropologist Dr Jocelyn Young is called in by the US Navy when ancient cave paintings are discovered by cobalt miners in Siberia. Also in attendance is the Russian military ... and a cardinal from the Vatican.
Young soon learns that this is no ordinary dig. Not only did the miners uncover cave paintings that are 40,000 years old but also an equally ancient crashed spacecraft. Her expertise in sample dating and deciphering dead languages earns her a place in history when the research team manage to open the door and peer inside.
The alien ship turns out to be more than just a casual passer-by; there are implications here regarding the origin of the human race... and the full ramifications of this play out. Why? Because, as a species, statistically, we are mostly religious.
The reason for the presence of the cardinal becomes apparent. The spaceship is a ticking time bomb - not literally, but in spiritual and social terms. Can the truth be contained? If the genie escapes, can it ever be forced back into the bottle? What happens when you pull the rug out from under the feet of the vast majority of the people in the whole world, turning everything they believe in upside-down...?
When the paradigm shifts it is a seismic event....
This is a high-concept drama and the art reflects that, Mutti's characters rendered with matter-of-fact starkness as their individual emotional stories unfold. There is very little physical action to illustrate, but the inner struggles are nevertheless very powerful and this is what is conveyed on the page.
The old adage about being careful what you wish for is very relevant here. Those who love mysteries yearn to solve them.... but are they prepared for what comes next?
Zak Webber
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