Stories have the ability to transport readers from their own world into another, which is frequently welcome, especially in times of uncertainty or strife. In particular, sci-fi and fantasy often literally transport characters to other worlds, which makes for an especially enriching reading experience. When it comes to comics, sci-fi and fantasy are often explored through reluctant heroes, super-powered humans and even mutants -- and webcomics frequently spin even the most established sci-fi and fantasy tropes on their heads.
This weekend, get transported to another world by following a young girl into classic works of literature as she tries to find a happy ending for herself, her sister and everyone else. If that doesn't sound like quite the right ride, go on a space adventure with a band of merry misfits or maybe even discover an unexpected origin story for one young girl who inherits an alien artifact she doesn't want. Here are this weekend's webcomics recommendations.
Namesake by Isabelle Melançon & Megan Lavey-Heaton
Names are said to have power, especially in certain mythology -- Rumpelstiltskin is perhaps the most obvious example. Emma Crewe isn't much of a reader, but she discovers just how literal that sentiment is when she finds herself in another world following a library fire and learns she's a Namesake. Via the power of their name, Emma can open portals to worlds that are recognizable to readers because they've been made famous through books, movies and folk tales. However, Emma's sudden appearance in Oz breaks an important rule -- she isn't the latest in a long line of Dorothies -- and she uncovers a centuries-old conspiracy theory that could change everything.
Meanwhile, Emma's younger sister Elaine learns she's a Writer, gifted with the power to make stories come to life.
Namesake is illustrated by Isabelle Melançon and written by Megan Lavey-Heaton, two creators with an incredible grasp on literary canon and the transformative power of stories. This comic is utterly breathtaking in its scope and it twists classic tales on their heads with such a deft hand that readers will find themselves toppling head-first into Emma and Elaine's world -- and never wanting to leave. Updated three times a week, this fantasy webcomic is visually stunning and utterly captivating, reminiscent of The Pagemaster but revitalized and modernized in key ways.
Available at namesakecomic.com, updates Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Millennium by Deo
After an incident in the market with his first mate Sage, Luzio invites a trio of thieves to work on his ship, which may or may not be his best idea. As the ship travels through the galaxy and Luzio and Sage attempt to help those in need, they also seek answers about an evil scientist from Sage's past whose mysterious, ever-looming presence won't give either of them any peace.
Millennium by Deo is a slow-burn, sci-fi, adventure romance in the vein of A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet or even Star Wars. Deo has a particular aptitude for writing laugh-out-loud funny dialogue and incredible relationship development and her art is distinctive and charming. Currently in its seventh chapter, this webcomic updates weekly and makes it easy to get swept away.
Available on Tapas and Webtoon, updates Tuesdays
StarHammer by Harry Bogosian & J.N. Monk
When Evelyn Li inherits an alien hammer against her will and learns she can't get rid of it, her life gets turned upside-down. As she tries to make due, with the help of her best friend Izzy Baldwin, Evey makes a series of increasingly poor decisions and gets caught up in some truly wild situations -- but it's OK! She's the World's Greatest Superhero, StarHammer! Right?
StarHammer was co-created by writer J.N. Monk and artist Harry Bogosian. The webcomic began in 2015 and is currently in the first chapter of its second book, which features an all-new adventure and plenty of additional madness. Packed to the brim with bubblegum space opera aesthetics reminiscent of Steven Universe, this comic is sharp, funny and perfectly-paced, an exceptional read worth diving into headfirst.
Available at starhammercomic.com, updates Mondays and Fridays