The Tartarus graphic novel isn’t the easiest story to get your head around, but one thing is for sure: you’ll be blasted with plenty of Greek mythology references.
Here’s the main premise of the story in TARTARUS Volume 1: As Above / So Below. Surka, a ruthless warlord and criminal mastermind, finally escapes her prison pit, igniting chaos that erupts across Tartarus — a vital colony caught in the heart of an everlasting galactic war.
Years later, we meet Tilde, a young cadet, simply striving to do her duty. But everything shifts when she uncovers a shocking truth: she is Surka’s daughter. Now, the true question looms — will she remain loyal to the cause and fight to restore galactic order, or will she succumb to her mother’s dark shadow and seize her rightful throne?
TARTARUS: Graphic Novel Review
I must say, reading this “Tartarus” graphic novel completely transported me to a whole new universe. Another thing, Tartarus is really one of a kind — totally unique in its vibe. The style and coloring switch up pretty often, which keeps things fresh and keeps you interested from start to finish. What’s really cool is that the story itself is unlike most comics out there. Here’s the thing: you need to keep your brain on. There’s so much happening, you’ll have to stay sharp to follow along — kind of like the ODY-C comic series. If you zone out even for a second, you might lose the thread.
As you probably know, Tartarus is the ultimate hell in Greek mythology. On a lighter note, you’ll also spot plenty of references to Olympus. Additionally, other mysterious names from Greek myths appear, including Styx, which is taken from the River Styx, along with many more secrets.
Overall, the Tartarus comic series, which you can read in volumes 1 and 2, creates a darker, more intense space adventure. It mixes myth with sci-fi in a pretty unique way. Think of it as a blend of Star Wars and the Odyssey — epic, mysterious, and a little grim.
In this Tartarus graphic novel review, we’ll have a closer look at Volume 1 to give everyone a better idea of what this sci-fi space adventure is about.
Tartarus Volume 1: As Above / So Below
The story in Tartarus Volume 1: As Above / So Below begins by offering readers a glimpse into the Baxnan/Jurian War: the 9th Cycle – Olympus Starchart. The map illustrates the divide between the Baxnan Empire’s space and the Jurian Empire’s territory.
At the heart of this region lies Planet Styx, the birthplace of Tartarus. Nearby is Olympus Station, strategically positioned close to Tartarus, both situated within the Baxnan Empire’s domain. The narrative hints at a growing power struggle between the Baxnan and Jurian Empires, setting the stage for the unfolding conflict.
On the following page, you’ll find an exclusive, confidential schematic of “THE PIT,” a notorious prison hidden deep within Tartarus.
Tartarus Comic: Escape from Tartarus
Recently, Surka has daringly escaped from its terrifying depths — and she’s not alone in her flight. A guard attempts to intervene, but is no match for her determined escape. The mystery and chaos behind these walls are about to unfold…
The prisoners have pushed their way through to sub-level 3 — the heart of the main complex — and then up to sub-level 1. Before they know it, they’ve blown the roof right off Tartarus Prison. Surka manages to escape, alive and breathing, only to be greeted by a woman in a pink coat. She hands Surka a young girl — her precious daughter, Tilde.
Just as Surka begins to breathe a little easier, Hisa Akeda, the master of locks, appears out of nowhere. She’s determined to drag Surka back into the ground, demanding she surrender so she can put her down for good. Of course, that sparks a massive showdown.
Not long after, the Tartarus graphic novel jumps ahead seventeen years into the future. We’re introduced again to Tilde, but now she’s a young woman who discovers something shocking — her grandmother’s records have been completely falsified, and she’s not actually related to her at all. Tilde seems to have completely lost her connection to Surka, her mother.
Curious and determined, Tilde tries to access a restricted database to uncover the truth. But just as she gets in, everything spirals — she instantly becomes a security threat. Before she can even process what’s happening, golden guards are already there, waiting to take her in.
She’s soon brought before General Kabe, the High Commander of Olympus. The tension is thick as he asks her a pointed question: “Do you love Imperium Baxna?” It’s a test of her loyalty. Tilde doesn’t hesitate — she answers, “Yes, sir, of course, sir!” Then, the Commander shifts gears, asking what she knows about the Djinn. She quickly responds that they’re a liquid smuggling cartel.
Tartarus Comic: Djinn Explanation
The Tartarus graphic novel then delves into an exploration of the Djinn, providing vital insight into their perspective amid the ongoing war within Tartarus. Originally, a team of intergalactic drillers set out to search for gold and ore on Styx. However, they instead uncovered a mysterious liquid — a substance capable of transforming into any form. A select few of these workers became known as the Djinn, harnessing this discovery to craft the most advanced liquid-based weapons in the galaxy.
The trouble begins with their decision to sell these weapons to their sworn enemies, the Jurians, as revealed in the Olympus Starchart. As you can see, the story is already shaping up to be quite intriguing. I’ll leave it at that for now. Rest assured, this Tartarus graphic novel is packed with stunning visuals and intense battle scenes that will really grab your attention.
Tartarus: Comic Scenes
Here are a few more exciting scenes from the 176-page TARTARUS Volume 1 graphic novel, which includes comic issues #1-5. But honestly, you can expect this level of cool illustrations throughout the entire book.
The Helm of Darkness is mention in this Tartarus comic scene. In Greek mythology, the Helm of Darkness is associated with Hades. It gave the power of invisibility.
There’s even a detailed Dossier on the Early Djinn, offering deeper insight. As you can see, a richly crafted, sophisticated universe — intergalactic and mythic — has been meticulously developed for the Tartarus comic series.
In Tartarus Volume 1, there’s even a Daedalus-like character — a master maze-builder reminiscent of the ingenious inventor who conceived the labyrinth to contain the Minotaur.
Get ready for epic showdowns and a whole world of surprises waiting to be uncovered in Tartarus Volume 1.
TARTARUS Review: Conclusion
If you’re into sci-fi comics and love diving into mysterious, action-packed adventures, then this graphic novel might just be the intriguing journey you’ve been craving. I’d give it a solid 7 out of 10. Honestly, it requires a bit more brainpower than I expected to really get into the story. There are quite a few scenes that feel unnecessary or could have been streamlined to keep the flow smoother. That said, I think these more complex comics tend to shine even brighter on a second read — once you know where the story’s headed, it’s easier to enjoy all the little details.
First time around, there’s a lot to take in, and some parts might not make perfect sense right away. You really have to pay attention. But for pure escapism, where you just want to get lost in a universe without overthinking, it’s a bit of a challenge. Still, a 7 out of 10 isn’t bad at all, for Tartarus Volume 1. If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out Tartarus, Volume 2!
You can definitely see that the TARTARUS sci-fi fantasy series is a work of art. The writer and co-creator, Johnnie Christmas, has done a fantastic job — and yes, he’s a Black artist! You can sort of tell from the character designs and overall vibe of the series. Jack T. Cole is the other comic artist and illustrator who worked on creating Tartarus, Volume 1.
Check Price and Availability: TARTARUS Volume 1
If you’re into Greek mythology mixed with sci-fi, you’ll find numerous comics and graphic novels here, including both traditional and reimagined Greek myth-inspired stories. One thing’s for sure: there’s another space adventure waiting for you — you can count on that. Additionally, don’t forget about the ultimate Hercules sci-fi-movie, which no sci-fi enthusiast should miss.
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