I came to Days Missing: Kestus unaware of the prior series. I knew nothing of the character of the Steward, or any rules of the world he inhabited. Though the universe is ours, there is magic involved. From what I did pick up reading this second series of Days Missing was a comparison between the Steward and Doctor Who. Maybe some of you more familiar with either character will call this sacrilege, but that’s how I felt. The Doctor is a mysterious figure, with mysterious powers. The same can be said of the Steward. They spend their days traveling around the world, helping save the human race. But, is Days Missing up to the quality of the quintessential sci-fi series Doctor Who? 

In my opinion, yes. I’ve only had a small taste of Days Missing but already I have a craving for more. It has been awhile since a comic has grabbed me in such a way as this book. Maybe it’s because this is the second series and the writer and creator have worked out all the bugs that might have plagued the first series, but Days Missing: Kletus is quite an extraordinary work.  

In the beginning there is a voiceover by an unknown being, spying on the Steward. Our hero is greatly troubled and our narrator knows why, Kestus. We are then transported back to 531 B.C.E. Shandong Province, China. Here, the Steward meets one who appears like him. Kestus claims she is a god and has gained power over the people and led them to conquer the nearby tribes. But the Steward knows better than to believe she is a deity and sets out to stop her domination 

Having not read any of the previous Days Missing, I was quite surprised how quickly I was brought into the story. I have no idea what the Steward is or the limits of his power, but I was immediately pulled in and followed him blindly. I’d say the strongest element of Days Missing: Kestus is the writing. There is a lot of wording, a technique that usually bothers me no end. But the dialogue is so strong that I don’t mind when the writer goes on and on.  

The artwork is bold and vibrant. The typical comic onomatopoeia is used, and though they are usually in contrasting bright colors to the actual artwork, I still feel it works. It brings a heightened feeling to the drawings. 

At the end of the book there is a sneak peek of Days Missing: The First Fold, which tells the origin story of the Steward. I know too little about Days Missing to know whether or not I agree with telling such a story. For me, characters are usually more interesting with some mystery involved. Think about Hannibal Lector, did you really want to know why he eats people? 

Though described as a sci-fi series, I found Days Missing to be more of a time-traveling adventure story, again relating back to Doctor Who. I enjoy the historical allusions made throughout the comic, another highlight of the incredible writing. The artwork compliments and equals the words, a rarity for both to be as strong. If you haven’t picked up an Archaia comic yet, I’d try this one. Don’t feel as though you need to find the first series, you can still follow along. However, if you enjoy Days Missing: Kestus you may wish to find the original work as well.