From the mind of author Kim Jung-ho comes a sci-fi/horror anthology series like no other: Martian Sun. From fantastic voyages through the cosmos, to hometown America, to spaceships and feudal kingdoms, Martian Sun casts a sci-fi/horror/fantasy net so wide that it captures every aspect of the genre. There’s no missing a beat here!
Jung-ho Kim is a lifelong sci-fi writer, and science fiction is a genre defined by the what-if question. If ever you encounter Jung-ho in the wild, he may appear confused, even lost, but in fact, he’s only asking “What if?” (If he appears to be asking “What if” in proximity to dangerous objects or great heights, please gently intervene). Martian Sun is the product of such speculation, brought to life by an assemblage of artistic talent from all around the world.
Combining the talents of different illustrators, colorists, and more, Kim’s stories brilliantly come to life in each panel of this web comic. Martian Sun is easy to read — and even more easy to overindulge in (not that that’s a problem). Six very different tales of horrific science fiction are currently available to read, as well as a blog that Kim updates as inspiration hits for the next big project.
Profane Worhip
In a world of medieval sacrifices to ancient ocean monsters, one sacrifice comes back. Violent and bloody, Profane Worship describes the exact feeling this short story gives. An emissary from one kingdom visits another, speaking of past rituals and their progress towards leaving that depravity behind. Unfortunately or them, the sea montser they once feared is no longer the danger — but the last sacrifice is. She comes back in monstrous glory — beautiful but terrifying — and spares no man. She leaves behind a trail of destruction and gore.
The Protocol
Being alone in space is terrifying enough, let alone an attack by an alien species. The Protocol adds in a third aspect: mental trauma. A lone astronaut on a mission is interrupted by hallucinations of his wife and realization of his perceived failings as a father and husband. In an attempt to remedy the situation, along with the threat of alien violence, the ship takes matters into its own hands — a twist I did not see coming at all.
My Devil
Can people change? Do reformed murderers still need to pay for their crimes? “Men of Consequences” may serve justice for those who no longer have a voice, but they’re not immune from the their own haunting pasts. My Devil follows these types of people and their struggles for redemption. Unfortunately, collateral damage always finds a way to make it back to them. A sort of revenge thriller, My Devil is just that: a final reckoning with your own personal demons.
The Worldwife
If the Stepford Wives had a better, more pro-female ending, The Worldwife would be the answer. Truly sophisticated androids (in this case, a “Barbara”) are bought and sold to men who use and abuse them. Their robotic lack of a soul doesn’t stop other humans from trying to ease their pains. It wasn’t hard to empathize with the Barbara and its plight — both before and after some “improvements.” The Worldwife had me in a vice grip. It is short but holds a world of story in its panels.
Attack of the Snake Men
One woman vs. a horde of reptilian scum. But when compared to greedy men, the Snake Men may actually not be the ones to fear. Attack of the Snake Men is twofold: a fight between humans and non, and a reversal of loyalty based on the betrayal of your own people. Excellent worldbuilding.
The Biography of Charles King
When a biological attack on an American rocket’s flight crew threatens the loss of the space race to the Soviets, the company must find a cure for the lone survivor to save face, and the American people’s ticket to life on the moon; the problem is that the surviving Charles King is a complete asshole. Doctors make their arguments to keep this man alive despite his faults — or at the very least gift the pain of guilt to those deciding his fate. The Biography of Charles King is something I think we can all get behind because no one is perfect. It may be set during the space race, but its message remains a modern one. There’s no blood or monsters to speak of here, only the fear of others judging us (which can be just as frightening).
Filled with evoking plot lines, emotional and thrilling images, and navigation that keeps the digital pages turning, Martian Sun‘s anthology magazine blends the science fiction and horror into chunks of mini masterpieces. Each story packs a punch in its own unique way. Oftentimes with anthologies, the stories and art are so similar that they can all start to blend together; Martian Sun somehow creates different worlds while still keeping them in the same universe.
