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Hinterkind is set in a world where Humankind have forced themselves into near extinction. The surviving remnants of humanity are trying to pull together and rebuild their communities. However, this isn’t a standard apocalyptic tale. Ian Edginton has thrown fantasy elements into the mix. Hinterkind is a term for all the Fantasy species such as Elves, Giants, Trolls, Gnomes and so on. After Humankind are no longer the dominating species, the Hinterkind, lead by Elves, come back out of the mystical forests and mountains to reclaim their dominance. Although the setup sounds similar to Del Toro and Mignola’s Hellboy: Golden Army, it is still a very original and smoothly paced story. This can easily be read from an escapist point of view; however, one can also get lost in its depths. For example, this story parallels today’s economic climate. The western society is represented by Humankind and how their actions have led them to lose their control and dominance over the economic market. Meanwhile, the Orient is represented by Hinterkind and how they are reemerging as major players in production and capital. Although this is an interesting perspective of Edginton’s writing, it doesn’t get heavy-handed or stand in the way of the slick paced action or the character development. The story mainly focuses on a human who is naïve but bright and capable female protagonist, P. Monday. P’s charming idealism and survivors instinct is someone readers will want to admire or identify with.
Francesco Trifogli wonderfully detailed art builds this post-society world by having every panel trimmed with abandoned vehicles, overgrown ivy, and dilapidated buildings as well as other apocalyptic features. In addition, the same amount of detail goes into every character’s clothing and physical features which identify their class, race, or species. Another world building touch comes from Edginton which is each pivotal plot point is adorned with scriptures from the First Book of Monday. This is something similar to what Tolkien and Herbert had done in their sagas. What this Narrative device does is create a sense this is a mythological epic which beautifully accents the overall composition of this post apocalyptic fantasy. Edginton and Trifogli have crafted a richly detailed fantasy which perfectly balances social commentary with escapist adventure. Never once does it feel too preachy or shallow.
Seedy Reviews 