Rating: 5/5

Three-Word Summary: Historic machine caper

I’m not a prolific reader of graphic novels, which only means I am selective in my comic book consumption.

Thus far, I’ve enjoyed Alan Moore’s Watchmen and The Walking Dead series. And now, the first installment in  The Jekyll Island Chronicles series.

This very clearly was the beginning to a series of graphic novels. It was a nice set up to a traditional steam punk alternate history.

Following the end of the First World War, an unseen European force is seeking revenge for the fall of the Axis powers. Known only as Zeno, the group tries to cause chaos in the new world order.

Opposing them is a cache of American billionaires stationed in Jekyll Island, Georgia. They recruit the help of some semi-super heroes: a mechanically-legged Soviet, an electrically-charged young woman and a brilliant cryptographer.

Peppered into the story are historical allusions from the 1910-20s time-period—including Henry Ford, Nikola Tesla and Jack Dempsey. The historical accuracy balances nicely with the fiction of the plot.

Along with some interesting characters, engaging story line and quick moving illustrations, The Jekyll Island Chronicles is an exciting beginning to what is hopefully a fulfilling graphic novel series.

Full disclosure: One of my friends is the daughter of one of the book’s writers. She told me I might like the book. I did. I’m certainly biased, but I’m still impressed. Also, I’ve insisted that she get my copy autographed.