Review: New Masters
In the early part of the 21st century the Jovian fleet burst into our solar system, bringing with it
the Ark of Species. When the Fleet slammed into Earth it scattered debris across the surface and leaked exotic fuels into the soil. This cataclysmic event swallowed great cities like New York, London, Paris and Berlin. However, it also fueled the rise of new interplanetary ports of call such as Lagos, Morocco Mumbai and Hong Kong. As memories of the old world faded into myth and legend, the import and influence of the new grew.
Ola is crossing a line...
Taking her flutterbike deep into the Eko Exclusion Zone she enters a crashed spaceship in search of advanced components to salvage and sell in the Yaba Market. Accompanied by her trusty robot Àṣẹ, she also stumbles across a rich source of obsidium, the highly valuable fuel which allows for transit between HyperGates. Beginning the extraction process, girl and robot are disturbed by ominous red tentacles rising from the wreckage below...
New Masters by Nigerian brothers Shobo (writer) and Shof (artist) Coker is an Afrofuturist tale of survival under the oppressive control of alien domination. Earth is nominally an independent state, but the Jovians keep a tight grip on resources and technology, ensuring their control.
Ola is the teenage hybrid daughter of a human father and Jovian mother. Her exploits lead her into some tight dpots but her combat skills - and her gadget-packed cybernetic arm - sees her through to success. Her parents are not happy with her dangerous hobby but they are also engaged in some pretty hazardous pursuits of their own; they are mercenaries.
When a rich gang boss hires them to steal a mysterious ancient piece of alien technology from a smuggler - something which predates even the Jovians - they are reluctant to get involved... until circumstances change for the worst, leaving them no choice.
The Coker brothers have created a rich, complex and fascinating world in which hustlers, politicians and alien royalty jostle for power against the backdrop of a strangely dystopian African city. All of the characters, regardless of species, have the same motivations: escape from exploitation, independence and securing a brighter future for their families. Shof illustrates the proceedings with dynamic joy, the beautiful and gruesome players caught up in a non-stop whirlwind of colour and action.
The Eye of Orunmila offers all of the above, and more. It is due to be sold off at a secret auction taking place during the wedding of a human and Jovian noble couple. Several highly unpleasant teams of mercy will also be targeting the prize, however. Will Ola and her family survive the desperate battle for freedom?
Zak Webber
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