The Fourth Planet #1 – Comic Review & Breakdown 🌍✨
Genre
Science Fiction | Action | Drama
Set against the backdrop of a brutal, war-torn alien world, The Fourth Planet blends classic space opera with gritty survivalist themes. The story combines elements of military sci-fi and political intrigue, echoing the tension of interstellar colonization and indigenous resistance.
Main Characters
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Captain Norrin – The stoic and strategic commander of the Lightstorm, burdened by the crash and responsibility for her crew.
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Lieutenant Hondo – A pragmatic and battle-hardened officer, caught between loyalty to his captain and his survival instincts.
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Tira – A mysterious native warrior whose actions blur the line between ally and adversary.
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Korrivak Tribes – One of the planet's dominant native factions, known for their fierce traditions and territorial aggression.
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The Aeleen – Another alien species on the planet, more technologically advanced but equally territorial, posing a unique threat.
Writer
Fred Kennedy – A storyteller known for weaving action and philosophy into sci-fi narratives, Kennedy brings a deeply humanistic tone to a cosmic-scale conflict.
Artist
Miko Maciaszek – With a painterly style and textured realism, Maciaszek’s visuals elevate the bleak alien terrain, emphasizing emotion, scale, and tension in every panel. 🎨🔥
Editor
Allison O'Toole – Her editorial guidance ensures a tightly paced story and a clear emotional arc amidst the complex world-building.
Publisher and Brand
Chapterhouse Comics – Known for revitalizing Canadian comics with diverse voices and original properties, The Fourth Planet is part of their expanding sci-fi lineup.
Release Year
📅 2016
Brief Plot Summary
The crew of the Lightstorm, a damaged human warship, crash-lands on a harsh and uncharted alien world—the titular fourth planet. Desperate to survive, the human survivors must navigate the delicate balance between two perpetually warring native civilizations. But diplomacy proves difficult when old military habits resurface and local politics are deadly. As tensions rise, alliances blur, and the line between invader and refugee becomes increasingly complex. 🌌⚔️
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“First Contact, First Conflict” – The initial arc explores how the crew’s search for refuge spirals into unintended involvement in the local war, forcing moral dilemmas and testing loyalty.
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“Echoes of Home” – Flashbacks reveal each crew member’s history, building character depth and establishing their motives.
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“The Fall of the Aeleen Citadel” (future storyline hint) – A teased confrontation that promises to redefine the balance of power on the planet.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
🔍 One popular theory suggests that the planet is not as primitive as it appears—some fans believe the Aeleen are remnants of a lost galactic empire, and that the Lightstorm’s crash was not an accident but part of a larger cosmic conspiracy. Others speculate that Captain Norrin may not be entirely truthful about her mission, hinting at a hidden agenda tied to colonization efforts.
Review Summary
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10
The Fourth Planet #1 launches an ambitious sci-fi tale with rich visuals and mature storytelling. Fred Kennedy's script is layered, addressing colonialism, survival, and the fragility of trust. Miko Maciaszek’s art immerses readers in a vividly alien yet strangely familiar world, using gritty textures and expressive character designs. The depth of emotion in both dialogue and artwork allows the characters to shine, making it more than just a survival story—it’s a meditation on humanity in the face of the unknown. 👽🛸🔥
🪐 A must-read for fans of Saga, Mass Effect, or Dune-like epics with philosophical undertones and high-stakes world-building.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
