The first 64 pages of Derelict were un-put-downable!

I usually give a Webcomic 5 pages to hook me, but Ben Fleuter (the creator) has gotten me all the way to 154 pages without knowing how! Maybe it was the art; it’s gorgeous.

It might be because there is no meaningful dialogue until page 12. And even then it’s just the main character having a monologue. Before that performs a series of action.

The panels where the character reaches up to ‘catch’ a star works particularly well for me.

I have seen other artists attempt something similar and get nowhere near the import that this had.

Beyond the art, I find that Fleuter has surprised me.

The comic introduces to two thugs who stole the lead characters boat, abandoning her in a dangerous place. While they were making their escape, one says to the other that they had just done something bad. He references they could have taken the girl along with them if only they rationed the food.

I immediately assumed that these ‘thugs’ would run into our lead again. And though they would at first resent one another, they would be somehow forced to travel together. This would give rise to a deep abiding friendship.

Nope.

They do meet again but … I can’t bring myself to ruin it for you. But it is sad. The point is, I was already emotionally invested in characters whom I had not known for 20 pages! I will be reading more of this, you should too!

Read the comic is at hderelictcomic.com