Stranger Comics’ The Untamed #1 is a moody, high-stakes introduction to the world of Asunda, brought to life by writer Sebastian A. Jones and artist Peter Bergting. It’s a book that doesn’t hold your hand. Instead, it drops you right into the Desert of the Dying Tree, a place that feels like a watering hole for the devil himself. The story centers on a figure known as the Stranger, a man who has endured a decade of hellish torture to find a woman from his past.
A Dark Ferry into Oasis
The issue kicks off with a heavy dose of atmosphere. We see two figures on a ferry, heading toward the town of Oasis. I appreciate the parallels here to Charon ferrying souls across the River Styx. The black-and-white silhouette work in this sequence is a fantastic creative touch, immediately setting a somber, mythic mood for the rest of the issue.
The Stranger’s design is another high point. He’s decked out like a desert ninja, cloaked and mysterious, which fits the “Spaghetti Western with swords” vibe the creators are aiming for. As he moves through the dunes, which artist Bergting draws like a mystic landscape, you get the sense that this man is as volatile as the world around him.
Red Skies and Ill Omens
Once we hit Oasis, the visual language shifts. The world is drenched in a red tint that screams danger. It’s clear that this isn’t a place for the gentle, but a place filled with ill omen. The town is run by killers, and the Gate of Oasis is said to pass judgment on anyone foolish enough to enter.
Peter Bergting’s art, paired with the layout work of Darrell May, creates a claustrophobic, uneasy feeling as you navigate the world of Asunda. The use of shadows and the harsh, blood-red palette make every alleyway feel like a death trap. Troy Peteri’s lettering complements this perfectly, especially during the Stranger’s narration, where the text feels as lyrical and broken as the protagonist’s voice.
A Story That Demands Your Attention
I’ll admit, the opening of this book is a bit jarring. It feels like a novel where a lot of the backstory is missing, and you’re expected to just fill in the blanks as you go. When the Stranger enters the town, the stakes are somewhat confusing, as is what is happening at the moment in the panels. For example, he visits a blacksmith to retrieve a rune-lit blade called Soul of Ice, and the encounter turns violent quickly. Without more world-building up front, it’s hard to tell exactly why certain things are happening.
However, the editor’s note at the end is a lifesaver. It explains that while we think we’re reading a simple revenge tale about a man who lost his family, we’re actually witnessing the origin story of Niobe, the savior of Asunda. The Stranger, revealed here as Arukas, carries the blade Hareth: a weapon supposedly destined for Niobe’s ruin. It sets the stage for a classic battle between light and darkness, leaving us to wonder who will eventually claim victory.
Final Verdict
The Untamed #1 leaves you with more questions than answers. It’s an ambitious start that leans heavily into its unique identity. If you’re looking for a standard, easy-to-digest comic, this might catch you off guard. But if you want a story that feels like a dark, epic poem with killer art, this is a world worth getting lost in.
How to Start Your Journey in Asunda
If you’re ready to brave the sands of Oasis yourself, the best place to start is the Stranger Comics official website.
Read More from KPB Comics:
Review: ‘The Untamed’ #1 is a Gritty Soul-Stirring Western in a Fantasy Skin
The Untamed #1 leaves you with more questions than answers. It’s an ambitious start that leans heavily into its unique identity. If you’re looking for a standard, easy-to-digest comic, this might catch you off guard. But if you want a story that feels like a dark, epic poem with killer art, this is a world worth getting lost in.
