Review: Mega Centarri
Two worlds move as one
Through the light of golden suns
A marriage made in eternity
Gave birth to our harmony
Two as one we seek the same
Two as one we must remain
Let no evil put asunder
This union of cosmic wonder
The Mega Centarri cluster is a system of eighty-eight inhabited planets and moons embedded in the Milky Way galaxy, ruled over by the mysterious High Council of the Twelve. The inhabitants of the cluster have lived in harmonious peace for millenia... until now.
On Central Planet, two lovers are plagued by recurring nightmares. In their dreams they are fighting in a war on the planet Zederth on the outer edge of the cluster. People are pitted against monstrous beings resembling ferocious demons, led by an ominous creature made of rock and flame.
Prin Merkanteel is a brilliant scientist, musician and composer. His partner Priz Em is a poet and vocalist of extraordinary talents. Hailed as living embodiments of the sacred ideals of music and love, they are elevated to godlike status by the people of Mega Centarri, celebrated as 'The Icons'.
The High Council are keen to maintain the perfect image of their society, but there is trouble in Paradise. There is indeed war on Zederth, a war that the High Council is keeping secret from the rest of the cluster for fear of the instability that may be caused by such knowledge. When the Icons approach them begging to be sent to join the war, their appeal is rejected. The status of the Icons is central to the facade of ultimate serenity so carefully cultivated by those in control.
Despite this setback, our heroic couple find a way to journey to the war-torn world and join the people battling against the dark forces that beset them. Prin and Priz are both haunted by the deep-seated conviction that it is their duty to engage the enemy on Zederth.
In his visions, Prin hears the name Stray Horn directed towards him. Could he be a hero of legend, reborn?
Mega Centarri by writer Kathy Irvine and artists David Goetten and Mike Hamlett is a sci-fi / fantasy opera that blends outer space action with mythological drama. The humanoid heroes are like classical demigods; Prin with his blue skin, muscular build and long scarlet locks; Priz with her violet colouring and exotic clothing. The archaic and the futuristic come together in perfect union.
The artwork here brings the epic narrative to life with vibrant flourish, with many battles between the good guys and their gruesome foes. The quality and style, easily on a par with Joe Quesada of DC and Marvel, delivers in spades.
At heart this is a good vs evil yarn with mystery, mystics and monsters plus a side order of spaceships and alien worlds. The time-honoured cliché of the unwary 'chosen one' catapulted into an inescapable date with destiny is played out to full effect.
The ravaged world of Zederth is rapidly succumbing to the spread of corruption. The rest of the Mega Centarri cluster will be next. Our glamorous lovebirds can turn the tide of the looming disaster... but only if they can remember who, and what, they truly are, before it is too late.
MEGA CENTARRI from the website
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