KAYA

A girl with a magical prosthetic arm valiantly protects her half brother to fulfill a prophecy.

Kaya is tasked with getting Jin, the 8-year-old sibling she barely knows, to safety after their home of Kahaka is destroyed by the Atrian robots. Kaya’s golden mechanical arm, obtained from the wizards of the Black Mountains by the uncle who raised her, contains extraordinary power and saved her life when she was younger. Besides being the former prince of their nation, Jin is the hero of a prophecy that declares that he will overthrow the robots and save humanity. Kaya just has to evade the Atrians and get the boy to Monk Island. Jin is spoiled and naïve thanks to being raised as royalty with many privileges—a far cry from Kaya’s life. Her oath to safeguard and escort Jin is tested as their journey brings threats to their survival, including dangerous enemies and monsters. Told from Jin’s perspective and set in a world where humans, robots, and reptilian humanoid creatures coexist, this graphic novel is illustrated in saturated, highly contrasting colors, with black-and-white flashbacks for scenes of Kaya’s and Jin’s pasts. The vibrant artwork is the real standout, as the writing and storyline are less than gripping. Brown-skinned Kaya wears her hair in locs; Jin has light skin, elfin ears, and a shock of red hair.

A tepid series opener with potential.