Kickstarter Edition

STORY, DESIGN, AND COLORS

Kickstarter Edition
 Infinite thanks to Label 619’s trust, support, and help,
the best dream team ever: RUN, Mathieu, Yuck, and Tony.
To the Rue de Sèvres editorial team: Nadia,
Anthony, and Agathe.

To all the travelers who helped me discover and

explore the world, whose inspiration is endless.

To my family.

Thanks to you all for this space adventure.

—Guillaume SINGELIN

Translation by Dan Christensen

Editing and Localization by Mike Kennedy
Lettering and Production by Chris Northrop

ISBN (Hardcover): 978-1-962413-01-5

ISBN (Softcover): 978-1-962413-02-2

Library of Congress Control Number: TBD

Frontier, Published 2024 by Magnetic Press, LLC.

Originally published as Frontier written and illustrated by Guillaume Singelin © Label 619 / Rue de Sèvres, Paris, 2023. All rights reserved.
MAGNETIC PRESS™, MAGNETIC™, and their associated distinctive designs are trademarks of Magnetic Press, LLC. No similarity between any
of the names, characters, persons, and/or institutions in this book with those of any living or dead person or institution is intended and any such
similarity which may exist is purely coincidental.

Printed in China.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Kickstarter Edition
 THORSMORK
“INDY” DISCOVERY
RESEARCH CENTER
EARTH

Kickstarter Edition
 Hello,
Ever heard
Ji-Soo, did
of power Ten minutes
you get
naps? of sleep
any rest?
and you’re
ready to face
two weeks
of work!

We’re only
a couple of
Ha ha! weeks away Ever since

“INDY”
I don’t from the we started
know how big day... working with the
you do it. I couldn’t “Void Research ...The reactor
sleep if Center”... and battery
I wanted stability has
to. increased.

Not
Has the Baikal
yet, but it
Space Center
shouldn’t
confirmed the
be long,
launch window?
now.

All that’s Oh, don’t

Honestly, left to do worry about
I don’t see is fine-tune that. Once the
how Baikonur They’d be
the range Chinese team
could depriving of the long gets here...
refuse. themselves -distance
of launching sensors.
...We’ll be
the most
advanced
way ahead of
space probe schedule. I’ll
ever. be supervising
it myself.

Kickstarter Edition
 Now that
everything is
ready, and while
we’re waiting
for Baikal to
give us the
green
light...
...We might
even have time
to pimp it up a
little. Chrome
pink would look
pretty sweet,
wouldn’t
it?

Ha ha!
Yeah,
right.

Imagine: we’ve And why

been working And soon, not pierce the
our asses off our little “Indy” origins of the
here in this white will be in space, universe while …I won’t
room for the collecting we’re at it? be able to
past seven data… fall asleep,
years… either.
Ha ha!
Black
holes and
the universe’s
dark matter
will hold no
more secrets
from us.

Ji-Soo, the
President of
the Center
wants to see
you. He’s with
an important Anyway,
visitor. he’s smiling.
That’s a
good sign!

Who is
it?

Maybe
some
guy from
Baikal?

Looks
fishy to
me.

Kickstarter Edition
 This truly is We’ll need
a magnificent to consider
project. What a And this certain
clever design. reliable, expenses, but
self-sufficient This is we’d be
power definitely a
delighted
system… project for us! to help!
Energy Solution
will be proud
to fund this
program!

help?! Is that
what you call Do you
a hostile even know
takeover? what our
probe’s
objective
is?!

Calm
down, Ji-
Soo...

We’re
galactic
archaeologists
studying the
history of the
universe!
Indy isn’t
just some
divining
rod!

But I bet Am I the

we could detect only one
mineral deposits who’s
bothered
with your ship.
by this?

One little
turn of a
screwdriver and
that’s that, right?
I have complete
trust in your
team.

I can
I fully tell you right
understand your With the
now that the
reluctance, but money we’ll
competition
imagine, with this make, you’ll be
should be
technology… able to launch
worried!
as many probes
as you want!

…And all of
the resources,
asteroids, and
planets out there,
just waiting to
be harnessed...

Kickstarter Edition
 You don’t
This goes understand, Ji-Soo.
Try to understand, against our mission Is that we’re at the end
You can’t
Ji-Soo... Energy and everything our what you of our rope. We
let this
Solution’s financial We’ve been team has worked want?! need them…
happen,
boss! support could independent so hard for
save us… for years! over the
years…

ji-soo !!

...

Fucking
fuck…

Where
the hell
are
they?!

We would
Ji-Soo, come have done ...Schedule
back… we anything delays, adjust
might be able to solve trajectories,
to find a fair a technical anything.
compromise… problem...

They’re
asking us to But
turn Indy into this…
some kind of
sniffer dog…

Working
under people
like that…

You know as
well as I do…
they’ll kill
our project.

Kickstarter Edition
 And don’t While we’re
See you at worry… at it, we’ll sign That’d be a
Baikonur! your contracts real shame.
…We’ll see
to officially And to You deserve
to it that
welcome you keep your to be with
you’re cleared
to the fold. wonderful the best!
for launch.
work from
falling into
other
hands.

Welcome
to the
Energy
Solution
family!

Kickstarter Edition
Aesculapius

Juno

Belone

Minerva

Sol

Terra

Vesta

Orbiting celestial bodies in the solar system Map and information

provided by STELAR

(non-representative scales)
Space stations (mines, research laboratories, cities, etc.)
Celestial bodies (planets, moons)
Main transit paths and trade routes
Gravitation of celestial bodies

Kickstarter Edition
 All right,
collect
samples
of the
concentration
levels in baths
72 to 84…

…And I want
a check-up
of the water
table in
sector 12.

ATACAMA
ENERGY SOLUTION
LITHIUM MINE
EARTH
SIX YEARS LATER

10

Kickstarter Edition
 Also, send
a memo about You’ll also
widening the need to begin
access soil analysis
roads. around the
southern
plots for
contamination.

There’s no
point in trying
to gain ground
if our trucks
keep ending
up stuck in
ditches...

These colors
sure are pretty,
Duly though.
noted, Yeah,
Ji-Soo. they’re real
!?
breathtaking,
all right…

Yeah, so What?
We’re exposed
We’re
to Lithium ...So this
contaminating
fumes 24/7. cigarette is
all of the region’s
water sources the least of
and releasing my worries.
unimaginable amounts
of CO2 during
the calcination
process…

It’s none
of my business,
but… have you
started smoking
again?

11

Kickstarter Edition
 Uh-oh, No
Ji-Soo, idea.
What have
what the hell are you
you done
is this?! Happy
this time,
boss? noW?

Hmmm, good Quit

article, the I know screwing with
you’re …Busting
facts seem me! You’re the
behind our balls
accurate… a only one here
this! with safety
fine example Got any who’s always
inspections, and
of solid proof? dragging
now this article Since you
journalism. her feet…
is going to signed on with
slow us down Energy Solution,
for months! you’ve been
transferred
from subsidiary
to subsidiary
over a dozen
times!

...But congrats,
There’s But I
you’ve just won
no way I’m get travel
yourself a
We’re bound going inside
new transfer! sick! I don’t
by contract that space
you’re off give a
not to fire coffin of
to the “Dock shit!
you… yours.
Breaker” space
platform.

Sorry,
princess,
your carriage
is ready, and it
takes off in
a week!

at least Up
there, you
won’t be a
pain in my
ass!

12

Kickstarter Edition
 You sure
know how to You’re
piss off your a nice kid.
superiors, You really Contractually,
boss. should quit I’m stuck. They
this job… won’t let me
leave. But that
also means
they’re stuck
with me…

Stuck with Heh

your nasty heh…
temper.
Ouch…

What
about you?
Why don’t
you just
resign?

On the
other hand,
you’re going Not
into space. under these
Wasn’t that conditions,
your dream? it isn’t…

I always
wanted to see
other horizons
and leave Earth.
This is a real
opportunity.

You’ll
send me a
postcard,
won’t you,
boss?

13

Kickstarter Edition
 Target
sighted,
contact
in 60
seconds.

TELLUS ORBIT
“CASSINI”
MAPPING VESSEL

Radio
check, can
everyone
hear me?

Loud
and
clear.

Yep!

OK, guys,
double-check
your gear
one last
time.

Quick recap:
Yellow
Team, your
target is the
communication
relay on the
hull. Take it
out as fast
as you can. 30
seconds…

Our
client won’t
tolerate any
data leakage.
Let’s not give
them time
to make a
backup copy,
got it?

14

Kickstarter Edition
 Head
Blue Team,
straight
with me.
to the …And
We enter
server erase all
through
room… the data.
the prow
airlock. Nice and
clean.

We’re here!
Opening
airlock...

Hey,
Cashing!
See you at
the bar.
the First
round’s
on me!

We hit ‘em
fast and
hard. Be
ready for
a fight.

Count
me in, We’re in
ha ha! position!
Go, go,
go!

You all
know what
to do!

15

Kickstarter Edition
 I have
the com
relay in
sight...
along
with the
welcoming
committee.

Opening
airlock.
That won’t
stop ‘em
from putting
a bullet Me neither.
between They know
your eyes. the rules of
engagement.

I should
have known,
Yellow Star
would nab
the security
contract.

And to think
I had a drink
with one of
their guys
last week
on Minerva.

Hang in
there
guys,
we’re
counting
on you!

One
down!

16

Kickstarter Edition
 Make
that two!

Moving
to the
right...

This is
Nice so easy,
one! I almost
feel
sorry
for ‘em.

entrance
secured.

I’m
going in.
Cover
me.

Yellow Star is
on their last
legs. I heard
they started
hiring veterans
from the Lunar
Independence
War.

Contact.

Those guys
are good,
but they
have no
experience
in Zero G*.

Placing
charge
on the
target.

I’ll
cover
you!

*Zero Gravity (or Zero G): complete absence of gravity; describes an

environment in which physical bodies no longer have any weight.

17

Kickstarter Edition
 Take
cover! OK,
watch out bye
for the bye!
shock
wave!

Are they
cutting
corners
on armor
plating,
too?

The relay
blew up like
a piñata!

Shit,
what kinda
blast was
that?!

We were
supposed to
neutralize it,
not blast it
to Tellus. From
here on
out, there That
are only works.
civilians.
Switching
to rubber
ammo.

Well, at
least now
we’re in the
clear. It’s Next time,
gone for place a
good… lighter
I’d call charge!
copy!
that a
success,
ha ha!

18

Kickstarter Edition
 There’s
no sense
Our I’m
losing an
client just logging in!
eye over
wants to
some
sabotage
squabble
your
between
client’s
mining
property.
companies.

No need
to panic.

And… and
the guards…
what did OK, just
You’re you do to put these
not our them? nice little
target. handcuffs
on and
remain
calm.

They, uh…
they knew
what they
signed up
for.

I’m in. This

is gonna
take at We’ve seen
least an Just long what that
hour. enough does. Let’s
to breach avoid it if
their we can…
firewalls.

Let’s be
patient. We This
have all would be
the time easier with
we need. a block
of C4.

Camina, the
Defense team
has been
neutralized.
We’re waiting
for you in
the shuttle.

Copy
that. Make
yourselves
some hot
chocolate.
We’re gonna
be here
for a
while.

19

Kickstarter Edition
 bip
bip A sensor
bip just
started
going
crazy...

Camina!
Move your
asses,
bip we have a
problem!

bip
bip

Huh?
What? The debris
The com has made a
relay is complete There’s no
coming orbit. time and no
right back We’re going spacesuits
at us! to collide for them. I
with it... We just hope the
have to get impact isn’t
out of here! too violent.

What
about
the lab
techs?
Shit…
you’re
right…

Damn, I didn’t
think we’d be It’s too
smack dab late to
in the orbit work out the
of those calculations.
We gotta
fragments.
scram, and
fast!

Quick,
get in!

Camina!
Hurry!

f...

20

Kickstarter Edition
 ahhhh!
Hang on!

Camina?
Camina!

21

Kickstarter Edition
 ASTEROID BELT
ROCK BREAKER
ENERGY SOLUTION
This is
VESTA
Charon,
Flight FK627,
requesting
permission
to dock.

Permission
granted,
Charon.
Proceed
to Dock 31.

Welcome
to Energy
Solution’s
Rock
Breaker.

Docking
complete.
Securing
airlock,
To all
opening
passengers,
doors.
you may now
unfasten your
seatbelts and
proceed to the
nearest exit.

We hope you’ve
had a pleasant
flight, and we wish
you an enjoyable
stay aboard the
Rock Breaker.

22

Kickstarter Edition
 All new
passengers,
please present
yourselves
to a liaison
agent…
…to
receive
your
assignment.

hmpff
...

...blrg
hmmpf!

23

Kickstarter Edition
 bleurg Nice to
!! meet you.
I’m Isaac.

First time
outside Earth’s
atmosphere?
Kinda rocky,
huh?

Lucky for
us this place
has artificial
gravity.

hmpf
… Otherwise, Yeah,
we’d be real
dodging lucky…
flying puke,
ha ha!

But it’s Isaac!

all worth it! You aren’t
Seeing the here to give a
Earth from speech on space
space is exploration!
spectacular.

You’re
causing a
bottleneck!
Keep it
moving!

…Yeah, the
best vantage
point to see
it slowly
die...

C’mon,
don’t be so
pessimistic.

This is
the sight that oh,
drove humanity I…
to conquer
space!

And gave
birth to
so many
vocations!

24

Kickstarter Edition
 Follow
me. And you, Without
You’ll have go tend to telling them
to excuse him. the other your life
What’s your passengers. story!
name? I’ll
look
up your
assignment.

Ji-soo
Park. Hmmm…
Ji-Soo
Park…
OK!
Yes,
sir.

Sorry…

Shit, what
a maze…

you’re
assigned to
Sector 7
on the
starboard
side of
the ship.

Hold up.

I’ll show
you around.

hmmm
?

Coming
through! Yes! The
operating
room on Level
2B is ready.
wow...

Is the OR
ready? We have
two in serious
condition!

25

Kickstarter Edition
 What the
hell are
you doing
here?

I mean,
looking
at your
resume…
You
tell me.
transfer.
You’re a bit
overqualified
to supervise a
simple vessel
expansion
site.

And no
offense, OK…
but that’s Human anyway,
not exactly resources here’s
your area of must have the north
expertise. checked the entrance to You’ll get
“pigeonhole” Sector 7. a badge at
box. the end
of the
tour.

Here’s
the
common
room.

You’ll
find shops
selling basic
necessities…

…canteen,
break
rooms...

We’re a
Here long way
are the from being
farms. autonomous…

…But this
provides a
big part of
our food
supply and air
treatment.

26

Kickstarter Edition
 This is where
we refine the
raw material
collected from
the asteroids.
But you
won’t be
spending
any time
here.

Here are
the management The other
offices. This is floors have
where you’ll be been rented
working… the out to private
engineering companies who
office is on require facilities A ship like this
the first in international costs a fortune,
floor. zones. so the suits make
deals like this to
recover some of
their capital …

And lastly,
here’s the
residential
area, Sector
7-H. your Home
capsule is sweet
number home.
2101.

Your first I don’t

meeting is suppose we
tomorrow at can smoke
9:00 UTC. here, huh?

Um...
try to get What?
some rest
before then.
You don’t
look so
good.

Yeah,
yeah...

Thanks
for the
tour.

27

Kickstarter Edition
 pffff...

28

Kickstarter Edition
 Hey.
I’m new Want I’m Alex. Coming to
here. one? Welcome. no a smoking
name’s thanks, area without
Ji-Soo. I don’t lighting one
smoke. up takes
grit.

This is one
of the rare Yeah,
it gets ...
places with
claustro-
a nice
phobic
view… up here.

I quit
six years
ago. …Of the
funeral
started ejection
again, and chamber.
it’s been
impossible
to stop.

29

Kickstarter Edition
 Man has
always done
that, it’s nothing
Two friends
What? The new. In the Age
of mine died on
bodies are of Exploration,
a construction
just dumped bodies were
site a few
into space? dumped into the
hours ago.
How barbaric! sea. It makes
sense.

The communion
room was full,
so I came here
Plus, it’s
to see the
done for
ceremony.
sanitary
purposes.

What about
I’m not
cremation? It’s particularly
not toxic, and attached to
I dunno,
logistically it gives
many cultures Earth, but the
speaking, it me the
practice it… idea of floating
saves room. creeps…
through space
for eternity…

Sending
them back
to Earth
would be
too costly.
It also
besides, requires high-
there aren’t temperature
many of us who flames,
still have ties therefore,
or family back oxygen.
there.

My parents We
were born come from
in space. stardust.
It’s
so was I. This normal to
is our go back to
home. where we
came from.

It just
I don’t know, seems dis- I mean,
it feels like respectful. if you’re
throwing trash fine with
out the window. that, that’s
great…
Um
...

30

Kickstarter Edition
 huh?

Bon
voyage, my
friends.

31

Kickstarter Edition
 VALLEY MARINERIS
NEW CAPE TOWN
JUNO

mmpff!

32

Kickstarter Edition
 hmpf!

Are you
being
Camina!
sarcastic?
Awake at
last, eh? I’m fine,
except for
a tingling in
my arm. Super,
it’s healing
nicely.
I don’t
know what’s
causing it. Any
ideas, doc?

Heh heh!
They must be
exploring the
Your colony.
friends
aren’t camped
by your They don’t
bedside? give a damn
about a
busted-up
cripple like
me.

They Yeah, I’m

seemed kidding.
pretty They’re
worried good
when they guys.
brought
you
here.

Not
always the
brightest,
but they’re
thoughtful.

33

Kickstarter Edition
 These
metal
fragments… Yeah,
something Looks
solar
Orbital like that. familiar. I
panel?
collision? see a lot of
wounds like
yours.

I’ve lost
count of the
orbital workers
who come here
all banged up
from drifting
debris.

I had
no
idea…

There’s
so much …Without
crap inevitably
floating crashing into
around up some old
there…
satellite.
…At this
rate, it won’t
be long before
we’re unable
to leave the
atmosphere…

Judging by
the number
of investors
involved,
they already But it’s
I’d say OK, we’re
have hundreds absolutely
so. good. This
of companies necessary.
protective
who are trying We can’t live
sleeve will help
to clean that up with all that
you tolerate the
Around Earth. floating
prosthesis.
But I’m garbage.
afraid it’s
probably
too late.
Let’s begin
the fitting
process so
you can see
which one
you’re most
comfortable
with.

What do
they do
with all the
debris...?

Uh, yeah…
Does it
pay well?

34

Kickstarter Edition
 Or
there are
medical
models
Made from
that...
salvaged
military
equipment.
sophisticated,
but expensive.

we also have
models for
construction
site work. Not
as mobile, but
I have sturdy.
several
models,
some more
articulated
than others.

Actually, Do you
Um...
this have a
Seriously?
protective titanium
Huh? Are you
sleeve is model?
sure?
just
fine!

Anyway, I’m
gonna go find
the others.

Ouch!

I’ve
followed
orders my
whole life, and No time
not always for to feel
the common sorry for
good. This’ll myself!
be a little Careful
reminder. with your
IV tubes...

Uh, here,
let me remove
them for you.

Just give
me an hour to
adjust your
sleeve
fitting...

35

Kickstarter Edition
 Don’t forget
to change your
bandages.

And take your

antibiotics for the
next ten days.

36

Kickstarter Edition
 Ha ha! But that ball’s I see you
Gravity here still gonna go haven’t lost
isn’t that on a long trip. interest…
Say hi weak.
to outer
space! Hey there,
…in exploring champ! You
the colonies. feeling
better?

Nice
to see
you!
Camina
!!

We can
always At least
count on it’s far Hey, Camina,
from any you kept
him.
jurisdiction. your stump
The doc Peace and like that?
did a quiet.
great
job.

But whose
idea was it
to settle
down in this
troglodyte
Ha ha! one-
city? armed bandit!

Ha ha!
Well at Shit,
You’re you’re
least they
weird, done.
didn’t
some- amputate her With only
times… sense of one arm,
humor. it’s time to
retire.

Damn
straight!
Classy,
huh?

37

Kickstarter Edition
 Pffff....
You wanna
see who
retires
first?

Camina, we
were just
kidding…
c’mon, put
that away…

Ha ha ha!
Relax, I’m
busting your
balls.
Heh...
But you
could
have
Sorry! shot
me…

Sorry!
I’m sorry!

It was
a rubber
bullet,
dude.

But you’re right,

though. The life Thanks for all For putting You’re my
of a mercenary these years up with me and brothers and
is over for me. together. saving my life. sisters.

Let’s
I’m not celebrate
looking to in style!
retire. I’m
ready for a It was an
new career. honor!

38

Kickstarter Edition
 DISCOVERY is a private company who created SPARROW. Since space is still a very
the “INDY” probe, built to study the history of ENERGY SOLUTION is a pioneer in energy
development and the mass production lawless place, many companies call upon
space and its origins. A forerunner in the field the services of private military. Sparrow
of galactic archaeology, it was bought out by of gas, oil, and rare materials. Its latest is one of them. It is reputed for its
Energy Solution. objective is to expand into space. proficiency in Zero Gravity missions.

CASSINI is an observation and data analysis DELTA SHIELD. After the armed conflict ROCK BREAKER is a C-Class Cruiser
agency whose work involves the long-distance that occurred during the Lunar Handover, specialized in asteroid mining. It is owned
identification of exploitable mineral deposits many veterans banded together to create by Energy Solution, but it also houses a
on asteroids and planets. Such data is highly Delta Shield, a private army operating on number of private enterprises including
sought after. the Moon and newly colonized planets. pharmaceutical laboratories.

You
can’t be Do you
serious?! know how
much a
specimen
like that
costs?

I… I’m kikii
sorry. I’ve
dispatched
a team to
track it
down.
kiikiii

You’d better
hope they
do!

kii

39

Kickstarter Edition
 40

Kickstarter Edition
 Hey.
Good
morning,
Boss!

Good
morning,
Ms. Park!

OK. Make
sure they
Work on double-check
Hi, Kaori. floors 52 the IPNs.
What’s up and 53 is
today? underway.

Will
There’s a do.
new team taking
on-site. care of the I made
electrical you some
network. coffee,
Ms. Park.

Isaac… Sorry, I So
what does didn’t see you’ve been
it look like it… pigeonholed,
I’ve been too.
holding Yeah...
since I
walked in?

Being an
assistant isn’t
even my job,
really… I don’t
even know
why I was
transferred
here…

41

Kickstarter Edition
 pfff...

don’t worry, Uhh...

I’ll do a
good job.

Look what
I’ve been
studying!

A first
edition!

I devoured it.
Now, I feel silly All of that
for talking to research on the
you about space birth of galaxies,
conquest when you and your project
first got here… proposals for
looking deeper into
space and into
the past...

…When you’re
one of the
pioneers
of spatial
archeology! Yeah,
That’s quite
a resume…
only to end
up here…

42

Kickstarter Edition
 Uh, sure,
boss. I’ll
…think Sorry. get on
you Could Sure, Isaac,
but in the it right
autograph away.
it for me? meantime,
take care of
inventory.

What’s
done is
done.

…The
sooner the
better.

OK, Alex,
you have the
green light to
move on to
Sector K.

Roger!

43

Kickstarter Edition
 OK, I’m in
position.

copy!

I’m getting
an alert on
my oxygen
system.

But I
don’t
feel any
different.

OK, nothing
Copy. I’ll to report.
check it Just a
out… program
error.

Can you
pass me
the mike?

Thanks!

Another one?
This is getting
ridiculous.

The tech unit In the

still isn’t meantime, I’ll Sure
available for reboot the thing,
maintenance. oxygen That boss.
sensor. should
do the
trick.

44

Kickstarter Edition
 I was put
Hey, Ji-Soo in charge of
Park here. the site a few I overheard
We met in the days ago. your
smoking
discussion
area.
about the
Glad to oxygen
see you system.
here.

same.

I’m going to
rattle some
cages and see
that it gets
repaired.

But be
careful out
there. Don’t
put yourself
in danger
over this…
this...

…giant
rock-
crusher.

Don’t
worry.

me and my
friends…
we knew
the risks.

They
made their
contribution,
just like me.
We’re proud to
be a part of
progress.

...

45

Kickstarter Edition
 Bravo, everyone.
Get some rest,
you deserve it.

See you
tomorrow,
boss.

Alex isn’t
here?

Try
the gym.

It’s my usual
routine! After
spending hours
in Zero Gravity,
I need to feel
my muscles.
ah!

You still
have energy
after a day
like this?

My body
needs it.

46

Kickstarter Edition
 “Terrestrial”
from head to Welcome
And toe. I began to the
you? studying space home of the
at an early age “Spatials”.
and made it my
profession.

But this
is my first
mission to
the stars.
When you’re
born in a space
station… putting
your muscles
to work is
crucial.

That caught
my attention. I mean, all
Do really the work, the
So… believe this is risks, the
Um, what you progress? technology,
said over the and you’re just
com-link… looting space
for its
resources.

I don’t
call that
progress.

We’re
bleeding the
Earth dry at And You can say
an alarming we’re what you want,
Risking
rate. doing the but you’re part
death
same thing of this looting,
in this Come on!
here. Is too.
endless You’re nothing
this the void? but some
future of
Humans aren’t energy mega-
humanity?
condemned corporation’s
Honestly, to die on Earth. tool. That’s not
I can’t believe That’s what you a vocation!!
you buy into Terrestrials have
that. such a hard time
understanding.

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Kickstarter Edition
 You just
got here and
you’re already
making fancy
speeches.

When really,
you’re a pawn,
too, blindly
following
orders, just
like the rest
of us.

I’ve What
worked in a noble
some of the gesture
greatest for
space mankind.
centers.

I’ve developed
equipment and
concepts that have
helped humanity !!
and increased our
understanding
about space!

And yet
here you are,
questioning my
work to
my face.
Overseeing
this “Rock
crusher”
site, as you
call it.

I may
have
been a bit
harsh…

48

Kickstarter Edition
 grrr
...

Excuse me,
you’re not
allowed to
smoke, Yeah,
here! yeah, I
know!

We do
what we
can…

That
counts for
something,
right?

kikiki...
ki
kri
...

kri What the

kri ! hell is that
sound?

49

Kickstarter Edition
 Ms. Park!
Over here!

Ah! Doctor
Huwei. This
place is a
real maze.

Here, lie
Level 2 Every
Wow, aren’t down.
is under square meter
you a little construction is worth its
cramped in for the next weight in
here? three months. gold, heh This is
heh! just a routine
check-up for
Which means new arrivals.
we have to
share space
with quite a few
private labs.

50

Kickstarter Edition
 And a
feeling of…
how can I
So how
put it…
is your stay Lots of
here so nausea,
far? some slight
respiratory
discomfort.

Claustro-
phobia?

That’s
it.

Excuse
Between the me, is
recycled air, this Huwan
the station’s Pharma?
artificial gravity,
and the lack of a
consistent day/
night cycle…

It’s
perfectly
normal to You can
Basically, feel like put your hmmm?
you have the this. clothes
newcomer’s back on.
starter
pack.

three
cubicles
down, my
boy.

Oh,
sorry.
Thanks!

Now,
where
Huwei. was
I…?
Huwan.

He makes
the same
mistake
every day,
heh heh!

51

Kickstarter Edition
 Oh, my...
excellent Ha ha!
bone It’s rare
…Ah, yes! structure! to see
I’m going to that
prescribe you here.
some anti-nausea
medication and
vitamin C.

Uh,
thanks…

Most people
who work here
are descendants
of the first
Cosmic Laborers:
the “Spatials”.

But don’t Entire

worry, it generations
should pass who have never
fairly quickly. lived anywhere
but in space.

And that
tends to
change a
body.
Your body just
needs time to get
used to this new
environment.

Yes, so
I’ve been
told…

changes that
are passed that
from generation kind of
to generation… evolution is
fascinating.
Thanks! Too bad
I don’t have
time to study
epigenetics.

Gravity here is
far weaker than
Earth’s, which
has inevitable
consequences
Their
on the body.
metabolism has
adapted to this
environment.

52

Kickstarter Edition
 Here, our We treat In short,
problems are traumas, we we repair…
more down-to- heal what In space,
earth… we can… life’s little
discomforts
are not our
priority.

I get it.

I have all
I need, Ms.
Park…

As you
can see, our
medical units
are full.

Is that
accounting
report
ready?

On the
way!

Yes,
boss!

And lots
of coffee. Perfect,
kid! we might
be here a
while.

I’ll need The

the safety contracts of
regulations, outsourced Yes,
too. service boss!
providers.

Forecast
reports for
the next six
months.

53

Kickstarter Edition
 Everyone!
Gather
around!

Today,
this little
worm from
management
has come He has some
to visit us. things to say...
and for once, it
ain’t too bad.
Go ahead.

Ahem…
hello
everyone.
you are the
pride of
Energy
Solution,
its driving
force…

Cut the
small talk and
spit it out! Pinch me,
Overtime …And your I must be
will finally medical costs dreaming!
be paid… will now be
covered in
the event of
work-related
accidents.

Or
piss off,
stooge! Paid
overtime?
Really?!

After,
And your
um, after
breaks
negotiations
are now
with the
45 minutes
management,
long.
your vehicular And the
outings will occupational Any
henceforth health physician suggestions
be limited to will be independent, are, of
two hours and no longer course,
maximum… employed welcome.
by Energy insuring your
Solution. safety is our
goal.

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Kickstarter Edition
 …Our goal That about
Salary raises is for you covers it.
are still being all to have Don’t hesitate
But obsolete
negotiated… new gear if you have any
equipment will be
within two questions.
replaced as soon months.
as possible…

New
spacesuits,
helmets, Announcements
oxygen are nice! But
systems… Actions are even
better!

The little worm

has said his
peace. Now Back
to work! That’s a lot
of promises…
Oh,
God...

Relax,
kid. Ha
ha!

They’re
gonna
The company hate
makes colossal you.
profits. I put
pressure on the
legal department
to make sure
your demands
were heard…
Thanks.
Sincerely.

By the way…
I’m sorry
about last
time…
I didn’t
understand
the intricacies
of a station
like this…

Come eat
with us
next time.

55

Kickstarter Edition
 56

Kickstarter Edition
 57

Kickstarter Edition
 MEDUSAE FOSSAE
NEW TANEGASHIMA
MINERVA

58

Kickstarter Edition
 Oh, shit…
your arm…
Well, if
it isn’t my
favorite
Hey,
killer?!
Sergei!
How
are you,
Camina?

You know,
Hazards some surplus
of the from Ares
trade. It’s Inc. came
nothing. in.

They got
themselves bought
What
out by the Energy
can I do
Solution-PetroIndia
for you?
conglomerate who
downsized their
workforce
by half…

I need
something else.
Something
bigger.

What? You
going solo?
Are you leaving
Sparrow?

I’m in the
process
of changing
careers. You’ve
been through
that, too.

Do you
still renovate
shuttles?

59

Kickstarter Edition
 I have
my little
spaceship
workshop,
yeah…

OK, what
do you need
to get your
new career
underway?

Something
solid, like
a heavy-duty
A few of towing
‘em come in vehicle…
from time to
time. I do it
mostly as a
hobby.
Equipped
to pick up
all the crap
floating
around up
there.

But what
keeps food on
the table is my
underground gun-
running business.
What, that’s
your new plan?
scrap dealer?

For someone
who spent over
ten years in
Special Forces
and private
military…

...Won’t you
be bored
shitless?

I always
loved my job,
but I’m not
gonna lie…

I don’t
understand the
point of it all
anymore.

None of
us do.

60

Kickstarter Edition
 I’m not
looking for
redemption, but The Great
I need to take Space Gold
a step back Rush was built I’m behind
from it. on a flawed you 100%.
foundation.

Even though
I still have a
hard time seeing
you as a scrap
dealer, ha ha!

Orbital
pollution has
become a real
problem. And
we’ve all turned
a blind eye
to it.

The suburbs
near Vesta are
littered with
wreckage…

A shuttle
crashes out there
once a week, I’m
not kidding.

For once in Oh, I gave

my life, I want to up on that
do a good deed. long ago.
You think there’s
still time?

If you’re
trying to
balance your
karma, I’m
not so
sure.

Soon, we
won’t even be
able to take
off or land.

Don’t
worry,
you’re
making
I’ll
the right
go prep
decision.
everything
you’ll
need.

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Kickstarter Edition
 This is the
Dolphin. It’s a
multifunction
TYPE-619
Lx22.m//19.t
vehicle...
Electric Propulsion

Easy to fly
with a comfortable
cockpit if you plan
on spending a lot
of time up there.
Its specialty isn’t
towing, but with a few
modifications, winches,
and storage rails…

…There might be a
way to turn it into
something efficient
to start you out.

What about
cargo?

I’ll need to
double-check
the propulsion
system. It’s
ripe for an
upgrade.

But you’ll be
able to carry
between ten and
fifteen tons, which
isn’t much, so you’ll
have to keep that
in mind when you’re
targeting wreckage.

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Kickstarter Edition
 But hey,
maybe if
you install …And a
an auxiliary better
reactor… traction
system, you
might be able Camina?
to add twenty
tons of
external
What
cargo.
do you
think?

I can tell
you’re already
a million miles
sorry!
away. I’m talking
to a wall.

It’s just
love at
first sight.
I’m already
crazy about
her.

Perfect.
I’ll get
to work.

Wait, we
haven’t discussed
credits! How many
years am I going
to owe you for
this beauty?

I’m not gonna

lie, it ain’t cheap…
but in the meantime,
you can make some
money by salvaging
the wrecks of
crashed ships
in the area...

63

Kickstarter Edition
 huh?
What’s up We have to
with this live and sleep in
fucking goddamn rabbit
lock? hutches, and they
can’t even make
doors that
open right.

Wh...?
What the
hell is
this shit?!

64

Kickstarter Edition
 Wh-
what?
kiii-ki

Who’s
there?

I’m warning
you, I’m
armed.

hhh!

Oops!

Sorry, Don’t be
little guy, scared…
it’s cool!

Easy
now...

Don’t worry.
C’mon, it’s
okay.

Where‘d
See how you come
comfy this kiiii. from? How
blanket is? did you get
in here?

65

Kickstarter Edition
 What does it
eat? Should
we give it Uhh… I
So what don’t know.
a bath?
should I
do?
It’s
very
cute.

Is it
healthy?

What, that’s
all you have to
say? You’re a
scientist!

We’ll just
Yeah, Good give it something to
I study grief… drink, some fruit, and
faraway it’ll be fine. Don’t
galaxies, worry.
the history Not baby
of stars, monkeys!
engineering,
and rocket
design.

Is it male
or female?
A little guy,
looks like.
Hey, what’s
this mark?

You can see

that through
the diaper?
Look,
there’s
some
kind of
barcode
on his leg.

Maybe it
could tell
us more
about him?

He got
You’re gonna
into my room
A baby stay with us
through the He must
monkey… that’s until we shed some
ventilation have come
all we need! light on this
shaft. from somewhere!
mystery, OK
Animals aren’t
little guy?
allowed in the
station.

kiii!!!

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Kickstarter Edition
 That’s
You sure? a cool
You’re going If the
nickname!
to have to keep company ever
him hidden all catches me, I’m I’m going
That’s not screwed. What On Earth,
the time. to find out more
a problem, are we gonna there’s the
as long as no about his dietary
call you? legend of the
corporation needs so we don’t
Monkey King,
flunkies do anything
“Son Goku”.
see him. stupid.

My
coworkers
won’t have a
What do
problem
you think
with it.
about
Goku?
What do I
risk if I get
caught with an ikk!
Thanks,
unauthorized Ji-Soo.
animal? Shit, I
don’t know what
I’m getting
myself into…

67

Kickstarter Edition
 iiii!

kiii!!

Quit
jumping
around,
Goku!

kiayeee

ji-soo!

Huh?
What?

goku
?! Ji-Soo!
whaa!! I need
your
help!

Whew...
While
he’s here,
I’m going to
take a blood
sample and
give him
a quick
check-up.

Well,
doc?

That
would
be
great!
Can we
keep this
between us,
though?

I’m a
doctor, not
a corporate
snitch.

Nothing
serious. Yeah…
He’s going to the
have a little barcode.
bump.

I’m just
going to
shave him
here… oh,
have you
seen
this?

68

Kickstarter Edition
 These
barcodes His
often contain Well?
identity is in
Let’s find important the registry,
out what medical all right.
it is. information.

Are
you
sure? But all the
data is marked
as confidential.

The only
thing we
know is… He… he’s
a test
subject?

Knock
knock!
package
for Huwan …he’s
Pharma. considered
property
of Huwan
Pharma.

Can
someone
Uh, excuse
answer me?
me… this I got
is Huwan, other
right? packages
to deliver! I’ll make
sure…
I… I think
so, and if
the data is
hidden… Alex!

I know
where
Huwan
is!

…Then it
can’t be
good.

hey !!

…Those
bastards
get it!

Give me
your damn
package!

69

Kickstarter Edition
 Huh?
Hey,
look out!

This area
is off-
limits!

agk! What
the…?

70

Kickstarter Edition
 Where are
you hiding
the animals,
There’s There’s no
you damn Cut the
nothing hidden law in space and
psychos? bullshit!
or illegal here! you’re taking full
We have all advantage
the necessary of that!
authorizations!

Now let
go of him!

Security is
on the way! Go on, Wh…
call what are
them! you
doing?

You dirty
creeps have
Yeah, been playing mad
right! scientist with
living beings.

Security
is on the
way! mpff!

You lock
us up in
metal
boxes…

…To
condition us to
do whatever
you want!

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Kickstarter Edition
 Shit…
oh... what are they
doing to you,
here…?

None
of this
concerns
you!

It sure
does!

ahh!!

Get rid of Call

this lunatic! security!

Ouch...

We’re not We’re not

your puppets! your guinea
pigs!

72

Kickstarter Edition
 Go on,
get out! mpff!
Hurry!
ahhh!!

keuf
keuf

Let go,
asshole!

arff!!
Kiss them
goodbye!
They don’t
belong
Catch the to you!
animals!

They’re
too fast,
dammit!

Security
here…

We’re
being attacked! Copy that.
Huwan Pharma, A patrol is
Sector 2B, on the way.
47th Floor!!

73

Kickstarter Edition
 What’s he …Nothing
doing in good. I didn’t
koff there? know he was
koff... so impulsive.

Oh, shit… Adam 56,

Quick, get we’re on- I’ll slow
Security!
him out of site. them down
there! a little.

Shit…
Go on,
run for
ahhhh
it!
!!!

rahhh!!

74

Kickstarter Edition
 Stop, Alex!
Are you
Stop right
listening to
now!
me, Alex?!
hmpf
hmpf...

You need !! Quick, the

to calm doc won’t be
down. For able to slow
your own them down
good... and for long!
for his!

Wait, this
looks like
a chemical
accident. Who
knows what
they’re hiding
in these
labs.

Stand
aside,
sir!

75

Kickstarter Edition
 What got
into you,
Alex?

Did you see what

I saw? An animal
experimentation
facility.

They’d be back
on Earth if they
had nothing to
hide.

And Energy
Solution has given
them a comfy little
nest, far away
from any kind of
legislation.

They think
we’re their
lab rats.

We’re worth
We slave less to them
away for than the rocks
them, and we bring back
for what? every day.

A microscopic
room and the
risk of dying
every time we
go out there.

This is all
my fault…

76

Kickstarter Edition
 All those
animals you
freed… Ji-Soo, you’ve
been telling me
for weeks about You’ve put us
how meaningless in deep shit…
our lives are
here, about our
condition.

How are they

going to survive
in the station?
What you did
makes no
sense.

I have to
You know damn They’ll never
make a run for
well we all belong They put their leave me alone,
it. I can’t stay
to the company. hooks into us with now, that’s for
here anymore!
loans that we spend sure…
our entire lives
paying back.
And what will
happen to Goku
if you leave?

I’ll take
him with
me.

Do you hear
what you’re Where is
saying? Wake there to
up, Alex… go?

You spend
your time reminiscing
about your glorious
past, but you’re
miserable. Everyone can
You can’t talk
see it. You’re withering What’s
me out of it. You’ve
away more and more the point
been spitting on this
each day. of staying
company ever since
you set foot here?
here.

Do what you
…I’ve run
want, but…
out of
choices.

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Kickstarter Edition
 Here, put this on.
It’ll help us get
to the container Isaac…
vessel incognito. can we
trust him?

There he is.
Over here,
Isaac!

He has
a good
heart.

That’s not
an answer.

Don’t worry,
Here’s a you’ve already
survival kit, some done more than
provisions, and two enough for us.
boarding passes for
the SP64K Cruiser.

I couldn’t Thanks,
grab anything buddy!
else. your
quarters were
being watched.
Sorry.

I was hard on
you sometimes,
You, there!
but trust in your
Freeze!
potential. You have
a promising future
ahead of you!

Shit!

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Kickstarter Edition
 Oh, no, they
must have
followed
me. Tell them I
forced you to
I’ll try help us with
to slow Don’t get Go on, get the shuttle.
them down! yourself in out of here!
hot water Don’t let
I’ll take care
for us… them think
of them!
you’re an
accomplice.

Hurry!

Ji-soo!

How are
You know
we going to
how to fly?
sneak onto
a commercial Get
flight with back!
security hot
on our
tails?

Hey, aren’t you

the aeronautics
engineer?

Change of
plans! I have
an idea!

I built
probes, I didn’t
fly them!

They
do!
Anyway, we
have to get
out of here!

koff
koff. I hope
our access
cards work.

79

Kickstarter Edition
 What the A survival
hell is this capsule. It’s
cubbyhole?! the only thing
you can fly
without a
permit and
launch at C’mon,
a moment’s climb in!
notice.

Are you
sure?

Fasten your
seatbelt.

Shit, why the

hell did I
get myself
into this…?

Stop right
there!

Supposed
To?!

Theoretically,
there’s nothing to
configure. The pod is
OK, hatch supposed to take
closed. us to the nearest
Here we
secure planet.
go!

80

Kickstarter Edition
You okay,
little
buddy?

81

Kickstarter Edition
 Whew…

OK, I think we’re

beyond their
jurisdiction.

We should
be fine.

What have I
done? I ruined
everything… I
lived my whole
It doesn’t
life in that
look like they
station…
sent anyone
after us.

82

Kickstarter Edition
 We were
deceived, and
we fooled
ourselves.

When I think I ransacked

about my that lab because
parents and I saw myself
their parents, in the eyes
who gave up of those
everything to animals…
go on this
great space
adventure…

...Locked up in
a cage, deprived
of freedom,
light-years away
from my natural
environment…

But I’m in
no position
to judge…
Running away
in an escape For the
pod is probably past ten
the worst plan years, I’ve
ever. consciously
allowed a
system I
despise
control
me.

I didn’t
try to escape
from it.

Or
change it.

All I did was

endure it and
complain.

83

Kickstarter Edition
 Meanwhile,
someone’s
handling his
He might
first outing in
just be a
Zero-G just
Space Baby
fine...
after all!

What’s
going
on?

We’re
approaching
Minerva’s
atmosphere.

84

Kickstarter Edition
 Shit,
Buckle is that
up, we’re in normal?!
for a bumpy
ride.

ahhh!
No
idea!

We’re
rahhh! drifting off pretty
course! Far from
What are those
the colony
warning lights
the pod
on the screen?!
was aiming
for… Do you think
we’re just off
course?
Alex
!!

I hope
so...

LAKE POSADOS
MINERVA

85

Kickstarter Edition
 Shit, all
the good
pieces have
already been
salvaged.

This is
gonna suck
if I have to
dig around in
here for
days...

Let’s
see… a speed
modulator,
black box,
DAS system,
dirty air
regulator...
All that’s
left are
scraps.

Well, salvage
is salvage,
whether here
or in space.

This’ll have
to do until my
tractor ship is
operational…

huh?

86

Kickstarter Edition
 oh,
shit...

Bosti,
you’re
burdened
That landing There might enough as
sure ain’t gonna be some it is.
be gentle… salvageable
equipment...

Shit, what
about the
crew?

I’ll go
help the
survivors.
Take that
load back
to Sergei.

...If there
are any.

87

Kickstarter Edition
 Well,
champ,
looks like
you’ve earned
another
bump.
coulda
been
worse.

But I’m never

taking another
space trip again, If They wanted
or making another to punish me by
crash landing… sending me to that
station, They nearly
succeeded.

88

Kickstarter Edition
 Wait, there
must be some
bandages
around here.

Nngh!
It’s really
stuck...

C’mon,
you damn
box... Open
sesame!

Alex!

Alex, I
could use a
hand, here...!

Alex ?

Oh, shit!
Alex!

Alex, Are you

OK? Can you
hear me?
Alex… My… my
head’s
spinning…

Wanna...
puke...

89

Kickstarter Edition
 Yeah… the
landing… and
Feel any the air… aren’t
better? the same.
You gave
me quite a
scare.
I need
to adapt.

I’d heard
so many
stories,
and seen
pictures…

…But seeing
all this
with my own
eyes is just
incredible.

We must
have collided
with some orbiting
debris that
knocked us
off-course by
a hundred
kilometers
or so…

It’s a
six-day hike
to the New
Chai-San
Colony.

rations
should last,
if we’re
careful.

We’ll We’ve had

need to make With the stuff a hell of
frequent stops Isaac brought a day…
to fill our us and the
canteens survival kits,
at water we have enough You think
sources… you’ll be
to last a
OK...?
week.

We’ll
be fine.

ok...

Let’s get
going!
You sure?
we can get a
good night’s rest
here before we
go...

90

Kickstarter Edition
 Let’s not
waste any
time…

There are
tracking beacons
on that escape pod…
I’d rather not wait
for Energy Solution
to show up looking
for us.

Don’t forget,
we’re way over Hey, he’ll
our heads in debt, hear you!
Ji-Soo. They aren’t
gonna let us
off that easy.

It’d cost
them too much
to come out
And Huwan
here looking
Pharma will
for us.
probably want
to recover its
“product”.

I’m kidding.
He’s one of
us, now. Right.
Let’s get
moving.

All the
more reason
not to stick
around here.
The little
guy doesn’t
deserve
that.

91

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 92

Kickstarter Edition
 93

Kickstarter Edition
 No bodies,
no blood. Looks
like they pulled
through just
fine…

I’ll just
take a few
things while
I’m here...

...But
not without
some bumps
and bruises,
apparently…

Any
profit is
good
Maybe I profit.
oughta give them
a hand. Minerva
can be pretty
hostile...

94

Kickstarter Edition
 Don’t
move!

Shit,
you’re not
the target...

Are you
a bounty
hunter too?

Another Hey!
client sent
out competing
bids…

that kinda
shit always
ends up in a
bloodbath…

What
company
are you
with?

mpff!

95

Kickstarter Edition
 Ex-Sparrow.
Sorry, old
habits die
hard.

I’m not
much of a
diplomat.

96

Kickstarter Edition
 I’m with
Sparrow… Cobra.
You do them
proud.

I hate to
say it, but your
CQC training could
use some work.

Between the
Look, breach of contract “Vrij in leven
there’s no and the damage they en dood.” Free
need to fight. left behind when they in both life and
I’m just a ran off… death.
simple scrap
dealer now. …They’re sixty
What’s thousand credits in
your the hole.
mission?

I’d like to hang

up my guns, too.
I’m sick of being a
repo man for the
corporations, but a
guy’s gotta eat.
We’re both
looking for
them, but
there’s only
one reward…
so let’s go
our separate
ways, and may
the best man
win, OK?

Two poor
shitheels quit
their company
without Your targets
notice. are long gone…
the escape pod
crashed here
hours ago.

I’ll find
them before
you do!

97

Kickstarter Edition
 It’s so
beautiful… so
huge! I couldn’t
have even imagined
it… I had to see
it for myself. The
only walls I’ve ever
known were man-
made steel…

Yeah, and it’s

even more
magical once you
understand how
it all works, this
intricate network
of systems… And to think
when I showed
you my home, it
was the corner
of an airlock in a
You can’t tin cabin floating
help but feel through the middle
connected to of nowhere... I feel
these places. ridiculous.

98

Kickstarter Edition
 But I saw a
close-knit
community there.
A home, like
you said…
the only
thing I knew
about station
life was what
I’d read
in books.

I get the feeling

that up there, they
were hiding all of I was an Idiot.
these wonders from And the proof
us to keep us is right here in
docile … front of me.

You know, I
lived on Earth
and I never saw
places like this…

Breathing
this pure air is
so... natural.

My headache’s
coming back. Of
course.
Koff
koff!!

You OK?

Can we
rest for a
few minutes?

99

Kickstarter Edition
 hiiik!!

kii!

Look out,
Goku!

You know
what it’s like
in New Chai-
San?

It’s a small type 45

import/export colony.
Other than that…
no idea.

Thanks.
Sure, why
not.

You think we
could settle
down there?

100

Kickstarter Edition
 I think
we can set
up camp
Koff here.
koff! We
covered
a lot of
ground
today.

uhhhh...

I prefer
watching you
from down
here, ladies.
That’s for
sure.

101

Kickstarter Edition
 Hurry,
hurry! Bring
all the rope Hang in there,
you can I’m gonna gauge
find! the depth and
find us a safe
on our passage!
way!

ok!

Shit!

mppff!

Back
up a little,
then come
full throttle
straight
at me.

You have
to tow it
over that
way! The snow
there isn’t
as deep!
The boulders
are set solid,
you’ll have better
traction.

102

Kickstarter Edition
 Perfect--
This way!

Yeah!!!

Heh heh!
We did it!

Yes!

Thank you Thank you I spotted

so much! for your help, you from the Solidarity is
traveler. You… ridge. I couldn’t rare around
you didn’t stand by and here. Please,
have to. do nothing. accept our
gratitude by
sharing a meal
with us.

It’s
nothing. My
pleasure. These
rivers can be
treacherous.

103

Kickstarter Edition
 you’ll find what I’ll make
you’re looking a note of
for Southwest that. thanks
from here, on for the
the Isidis meal.
Furrow.

I’m sick
of my military
If you’re rations. I had no Where
looking for idea such are you
equipment, we’ve flavors from?
seen many wrecks existed.
along the way.

We all come
But we Yet here In fact, we were
from different
all met at you are in employed by the big
cultures and
Argyre the north. mines in the south…
places.
Planitia.

With enough
gear so you
It’s in never have to
the southern go back, I’m They are ravaging
hemisphere, in the guessing? everything down
lands of the First there.
Colonies.

And with And

competition ...The first unfortunately,
between the to suffer are there is no
mining companies the workers. shortage of
growing That’s us. people to
increasingly replace us. There
fierce… is no other work
in the area.

104

Kickstarter Edition
 We tried to make
And it’s our home in New Chai-Sai,
not a good but they didn’t want us
idea to settle there. We’ve organized
there… the into a traveling
private security caravan…
companies shoot
on sight.

Yeah, Shooting
on sight is all
they know how
to do…

We tried
to settle down
elsewhere, but
each time, a
corporation
would privatize
So where
the land without
are you
anyone lifting
headed?
a finger.
It’s become
our way of life…

We are
nomads.

You have
to adapt
and evolve.
I completely Perhaps
understand. We go this is how
where we’re meant
the wind to evolve!
carries
us.

To Where
the wind
carries
us!

105

Kickstarter Edition
 Coffee?

I’d love
some!

“Energy
solution”?

Seriously? They must

be exiles,
We too. Where
saw some Yes, I were
people found it they?
from that strange.
company the To my
other day. knowledge,
Energy
Solution has
no interest
here.

To the
southwest. I’d Why would
say about a you want to Ah.
day’s walk away, I thought
find those they might
in the direction people?
of Mount need help.
Chryse.

106

Kickstarter Edition
 No, don’t It spares
worry. It’s us having to
just one cross a few
Are you day. rivers that
sure this might have
won’t take you been tricky
too far out to navigate.
of your way?

And it
brings you
closer to
your goal.

You help
us, we help
you, and you
help these
people. Sounds
like a virtuous
path to me.

But we won’t
be able to
take you any
closer than
this. The land
beyond the
salt lake
belongs to
Unanco Corp.

And they
keep a
close watch
over their
territory.

So be
careful.

107

Kickstarter Edition
 This looks
like the silicon
mine I used to
work at:

scarred
by all the
intensive
digging…

You OK,
Ji-Soo?

A bore
hole?

It used to be
a terraforming
facility. The air
was unbreathable,
like it is on many
other planets.

It took
decades of
treatment to
make this planet
habita… uh,
exploitable.

Let’s avoid
that way. this
slope won’t be
much of a
detour.

Yeah,
good
idea.

108

Kickstarter Edition
 You think
this’ll work?
I don’t have
a good
feeling
about it…

Don’t worry, I
spent all my time
in the vacuum of
space. I know how
to handle safety
lines.
In space, one
wrong move and
you’re adrift
for eternity,
ha ha!

Is that
supposed to Oh
make me feel God…
better?

Don’t
worry.

OK…
here
you go.

Everything
OK?
Hold on
tight, Goku.
Beginning
my descent.
Give me a
little slack.

Yeah,
yeah!

109

Kickstarter Edition
 C’mon,
stay calm,
Seeing
I’ve faced
where you’re
worse…
going to
fall is even
worse than
the void.

rahh!

Alex!
What’s
wrong?

…But gravity
is new to
me...

Why do
I feel so
weak…?

…Why does
every single
muscle
ache…?

110

Kickstarter Edition
 Can’t…
hold
on…
Alex!!!
Are you
OK?

Wh…
why do I feel
like I weigh
a ton…?

Shit!

ahh!!

111

Kickstarter Edition
 mpff
!!

ahhh
!!

hold
still!

OK, I’m
gonna go
fetch your
buddy.

Who
are
you?

112

Kickstarter Edition
 Hey, can you Wake up!
hear me? You
with
me?

What...?

I…
I got
sucked
into the
void…

All this
gravity
makes your
head spin,
doesn’t
it?

you
ok?

...yeah. I
think so.

How
is he?

Whew.

he’s Coming
around.
Everything’s
fine.

We can
continue our
descent.

113

Kickstarter Edition
Never
again,
Alex.

That gear
By the way,
you’re
what’s your
Camina. hauling
name?
And around…
yours?

I’m Ji-Soo,
and this is
Alex.

I, er, might
have salvaged
your escape pod
for anything
of value…

Uhh... Since you

left it all
behind, I
didn’t think
you’d miss
it…

114

Kickstarter Edition
 You have
a repo man on
your tail. I We had
Don’t worry, wanted to find to leave the
someone you before he Energy Solution
should get station in a we’re trying
did.
some use out hurry. to reach New
of it. Wasn’t Chai-Sai…
really ours Because he
to begin with. sure won’t go
easy on you.

You must
Thanks
have hit some
for your If you want,
debris when you
help… I can escort you
were entering
to New Chai-Sai…
the atmosphere.
in exchange for the
Unfortunately,
gear I picked up
that’s pretty
in your wreckage.
common.
How does that
sound?

You
saved our
lives just
now…

Energy
Solution
hired a debt
collector
to find you…
I’m guessing
you must have
caused quite
a ruckus up
and just
there.
between us,
I can’t stand
them…
so helping
you is my
pleasure.

...thanks.

115

Kickstarter Edition
 I don’t
mean to hey, I used to
pry… be in the army,
I’m warning so I know these
you, if you lab animals can be
touch a hair on real virus bombs…
his head, I’ll--! I’m just asking,
that’s all…

…But that
little monkey,
there… I’m
guessing he
belongs to
Energy Solution,
too? You sure
he’s not carrying
a lab virus or
something?

well,
he is a
cute little
fella.
One more
Please reason to
excuse Alex, help you.
he gets touchy
when it comes
to Goku.

We can
trust her,
Alex… OK.

You’re
a “Spatial”,
aren’t you?

How did
you…?

I know a
way to get you
back on your
feet, but we need
to get going
right away.

116

Kickstarter Edition
 Say,
Camina… You said you
used to be in
the army… what
branch? I was in the
commandos…
3rd extra-
vehicular After that,
intervention I went into the
regiment… mercenary business.
Private companies
paid a lot better…
I can’t say I’m too
proud of that.

But what’s done

is done. but if
But back everyone would
then, I needed pick up some
action, and I of the crap
was damn good drifting through
at my job. space, we could
avoid further
tragedies…

Until I lost an
arm, which made
Lots
me realize that it
of suffering,
wasn’t worth it.
lots of death…
senseless
waste of human
life.

So I decided
to do my part.
Just as soon as
my tractor ship
is ready, I’ll get
started. It’s
gonna be a
painstaking
job.

But you
have to
start
somewhere,
right?

Here
we are! I’ve spent
Where? most of my
life on space
missions…

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Kickstarter Edition
...And whenever
we were on
planet leave, a
nice, hot bath These
was the best hot springs
reward. are a real
gift.

In space,
water is a
luxury.

C’mon,
get
naked!

Ha ha,
don’t be
afraid,
Alex!

whoa.

Ah,
happiness!

118

Kickstarter Edition
 How’s
he holding OK, I think...
up? These past few
days have been
rough…

Let’s let him

enjoy this.

Let him find

himself and
reconnect to
who he is.

119

Kickstarter Edition
 You’re
That sounds
kidding. Spatial
incredible!
archeology?
Why’d you quit
your job?

Well, it’s
not that simple.
When the company
I worked for Legally, maybe,
got bought out, but I was the
everything one who was
changed. afraid to give
it all up…

And you
couldn’t
continue
your project
somewhere
else?
So I stayed,
like a rock in
their shoe.

Ha ha!
Now that I You’re making
think back me change the
on it, what a way I look at
waste of time soldiers.
that was!
Oh, don’t
come to any
hasty conclusions,
the army’s full of
dumb grunts.

We
all have
blinders on
when it comes
And I
to losing
was one
everything
of ‘em.
we’ve worked
for…

sometimes we
find comfort
in the lesser
evil...

120

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 ikk!

mpff!

Are Ha ha!
you OK? It’s nothing,
I just
stumbled.

this rocky
terrain’s a
real pain,
huh?

Alex!

121

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 The lighting is
perfect for
stargazing.
Look, up there...

see, Goku,
these stars
are a window
That’s to the past,
the Condor and to our
Constellation, history.
and there, to
the right, is the
Monstera...

We can’t keep
Ji-soo! pretending
everything’s
fine…
See
what?
Alex is in
bad shape.
He needs
immediate
medical
attention.
Do you
see?

That I’m
wasting This
away. planet is
killing me,
isn’t it? Thanks for
It welcomes trying to comfort
and rejects me me, but you and
at the same I both knew
time. that this was
hopeless.

My body was
made to live in
space… and with
every breath I
Maybe take, this planet, as
it’s just an magnificent as it
adjustment is, reminds me of
period. that…

Hang in
there, it’s
gonna be
OK…

Alex…
I’m so
sorry.

I wish you
could live
life to the
fullest on
this world…
There’s no
need to be But we
sorry. I have have to be
no regrets. realistic.

122

Kickstarter Edition
 You showed
him a new
Even
perspective.
I wanted though it’s
him to adapt hard, it’s
so badly. important
for him to
experience it
at least
once.

I’m afraid
he won’t survive
the trip. We still
have three days
to go… and
his condition is
deteriorating
fast… It won’t
be easy.
If we cut
directly to the
northeast, we
can be there in
a day. You think
he can hang on
until then?

The ground
we’ll have
to cross
isn’t exactly
I hope the most
so... hospitable.

I suggest
we forget about
New Chai-Sai and head
But if we
for New Tanegashima.
wanna save
That’s the outpost
Alex, we have
where my tractor
no choice.
ship is being
worked on.

123

Kickstarter Edition
 How
His
is he?
temperature
is rising
again.

But the
meds can
keep him
stabilized
for a few
more
hours.

He’s
gonna pull
through.
C’mon, go,
go, go!

124

Kickstarter Edition
 A vehicle is
approaching.

Maybe
they can hmmm... I doubt it.
help us… Looks like
a security
company.

…well-
armed…

It’s
gonna Shit!
be OK, Your They’re
Alex. Energy gonna think
Solution we’re spies!
uniform!

...
huh?

125

Kickstarter Edition
 You
hit?!

I We have
don’t to find
think cover!
so!

Get in the
ditch!

Shit, they
have zero
tolerance!

126

Kickstarter Edition
 This
fucking
logo…
shit, Energy Stay focus...
Solution calm, keep
just keeps your head
making down!
my life
miserable.

Shit!
Shit!

127

Kickstarter Edition
 Koff You
Leave me
koff! guys all
here…
right?

Alex...

You Without They’re in

OK? a gun, the ditch.
this is Spread out.
gonna be
tricky.

C’mon
think...

Affirmative!

You take
the left, I’ll
cover the
right.

ok!

128

Kickstarter Edition
 Thanks
for all
your help,
Camina.

Sorry
I dragged
you into
this.

What
the…?!

A sniper!
Take
cover!
He’s up
on that
hill.

Shit,
was this
a trap?

An
opportunity.
Help me
What’s remove the
happening? safety on
this flare
gun!

Shit,
I missed
one! They’ve
spotted
me.

129

Kickstarter Edition
 Over
here!

AAAH1

Reloading.
Cover me!

We’re
not just
gonna sit
here!

What the
hell is that
thing?!

raah!!

It
burns!

130

Kickstarter Edition
 “Vrij in leven
en dood.”

“Vrij in leven
en dood.”

He’s barely
Well? breathing.

Go on,
do it. We
aren’t giving
up now.

Do we One last
have any injection…
adrenaline
left?

Hurry, we
need your
help.

I hope
you pay
better than
my client.

Prepare
to be dis-
appointed.

Alex,
open your
eyes!

131

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 132

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 “DOLPHIN”
MINERVA ORBIT

133

Kickstarter Edition
 You wanna
show me
something?

Hey!
Hello,
you.

How are
you, my
Goku?

Lead
the way!

So did
you get
Alex!
some shut-
eye, sleepy-
head?

Uh,
yeah...

Here,
have
something
to eat.

You need
to get your Where
strength back. are
You’ve been in we?
bed for three
days.

134

Kickstarter Edition
 This
is the
Dolphin. It’s a Class 1
tractor ship, small
and maneuverable.
You gotta start
somewhere.

Here, come
on. You need
to take it
easy for
now.

We’re still in
orbit around
You really
Minerva.
gave us a scare.
We’re glad to
have you back
with us…

thanks.

We can
finally be
on our way.
I paid Cobra
off to leave you
alone. your debt so Are you
has been wiped ready to
clean. clean up
space with
me?

Where
to?

Wherever
the wind
carries
us.

Huh?

135

Kickstarter Edition
 Reactor?

Testing
lateral Testing.
roll.
Perfect!

smooth
reaction!

Now approach
the object.

Test
docking
systems.

Deploy
claws and
open the
magnet.

Perfect.
Cut the
throttle.

Beginning
approach.

You’re
doing great
for a lab I know
tech. all about
probes...

Slowly
now...

Distance:
two meters…

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 Shit, I
lost my
grip!

We’ll
You got have to Some
this. adjust things don’t
that. sync very My
well. years of
study have
Hey, don’t to be
give up. good for
something.

For a
prototype, it
handles pretty
smoothly.

I may have given

up my search for
the origins of
the universe…
Ji-Soo,
putting this
…But cleaning pod together We couldn’t
it up seems from salvaged expect it
like a noble parts was a to function
alternative. miracle to perfectly from
begin with. the get-go.

This sure
doesn’t hold
a candle
to the hot
springs…

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 How
about
some
chicken
and rice,
Alex?

Alex?
Physically, how
do you feel?

Alex, you
need to eat
something.

quit moping
around.

Much better…
like a fish back
in the sea.

You guys I can’t

really stuck understand how
your necks out people can hurt
for that little such innocent
Hey, you
rascal. animals…
little thief!
That’s not
for you!

Well...

At first,
I was mad at
myself for
acting so
impulsively…

…But in
the end, we’re
here thanks
to him.

I had to
lose my arm
to figure
things out.

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 It might
seem silly,
but I identified
with Goku.

We were both
“property” of
a corporation.

By freeing
him, I freed
myself. I know
that
sounds
naïve…

A little naivety
and honesty
never hurt
anyone. Our
path?

Sometimes,
I don’t know
its the simple
where I’m
feelings that
at anymore,
help us find
where I’m
our path.
going… where
do I belong?
Where does
he?

For now,
you belong Don’t rot your
here. brain thinking about
the past or future.
What matters is the Whatever
here and now. happens, whatever
And right you decide, we’ll
now, you’re support you…
stuck with
me, ha ha!

ha ha!

One day at
a time, step
by step, you’ll
find where you
belong…

…Wherever
the wind
carries
us!

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 140

Kickstarter Edition
 141

Kickstarter Edition
 OK, let’s Thermal
try to avoid saw.
cutting the
gas lines...

Thanks.
There,
that should
do it.

OK, the
At the first
cockpit’s
sign of danger,
all set. But
tell him to come
we’re going
back. I’m not sure
OK, the to have to
going back to
right flank leave the
work so soon
has been rest behind.
was such a
cut. good idea.

Hey, I
have bills
to pay,
Alex…

All right, I’ll

take care of
the right side
and we can baby
haul off the steps...
cockpit.

Don’t worry
about him, he’s
better off up
here than down
there…

What’s
Hey, I can
going
hear you,
on?
you know.

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 Looks like
some drifting
containers.

Sounds like
a job for us!

The radar’s
picking up
some moving
objects.

Can you
calculate
their
They’re
trajectory?
headed straight
We have
towards what
about thirty
appears to be
minutes to
a station.
get there!
We have to
warn
them!

I’m going
to try to
find their
com-line
It’s gonna frequency.
get hit hard
if we don’t do
something.

Ji-Soo, configure
the most direct
interception
course!

Ji-Soo,
Alex, hurry put this
and get back on!
here with
everything
you’ve
caught…

Why?!

During an
interception, there’s
always a risk of
contact. It could
OK, we’re
be rough...
in the hold and Ignition!
buckled up.

oh
god…

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 It’s a super
massive cluster They’re using
of containers… an encrypted channel.
I can’t communicate with
How’s it them directly.
coming with
the station?

I’m initiating
a distress
signal for
any nearby
vessels!

You think
the weights
could hold
it back?

All the
pods are
in position.
Activating
reactors!

We won’t
stop it, but if
the weights slow
it down and push
it off-course
by even a few
degrees…

…Then we’ll
avoid the C’mon, c’mon,
worst. hang in there,
kids!

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 What just
happened??

shit!
A pod
overheated
and exploded!

Damn
prototypes!
I fucked up!

With one less

pod, I’m not We
sure we’ll be have more
able to divert urgent
it enough... problems…

Prepare
for multiple
impacts!!

huh? I’ll
avoid as
many as I
can!!

???

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 I’ve got
your back!
This is
the Aleste.
Stellar
Need any
Fighter Ikaruga
help?
here, I heard your
distress call! I’ll
take care of
the debris!

besides
that, there’s
nothing else
I can do.
I have a
visual on an
approaching
spaceship!
I sure
do!

Dolphin
here,
thanks
Ikaruga!

Since we
Camina, move can’t rely on
in closer. the pods, we’re
going to have to
do this the old-
fashioned way!

Our
Alex, you options
Ask the
sure you are
Aleste to
know what limited.
deploy their
you’re We’re
winch.
doing? pressed
for time, so
we need to
stick to the
basics.

Okay!

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 What, you You’re
Don’t worry, right… you
wanna come,
I’m not going to and I have been
too?
faint this time. through a lot.
ikk! We’ve
We’ll do this got
together! this!

But...

I’m at You sure

home out about that,
here. Goku?

Phew… what
are we getting
ourselves
into…?

What’s the
plan, Alex?

Alerting
them now.
Take
care of
yourself!

Step one: I
harpoon the
container…

Tell the
Aleste and
Ikaruga
If we
to do the
all work
same!
together,
we can make
it change
course.

Don’t
Step two:
worry!
I lock in the
harpoons.

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 You want to
Ji-Soo, go inside the
locate the structure?
weakest
anchor
points.
kii!

Sending
To
you the
attach
data!
other
cables?

OK, go
on, but not
too far.

the
central
structure’s
all wrapped
up!

Copy that, Ikaruga.

That’ll improve
our traction!

Twenty-seven
minutes to And the
impact. station?

They finally
opened their
channel. They’ve
started
evacuating, but
it’s going to
be close.

If I focus on the anchor

points, and if I let the hiik
pods do their job… hik!

That’s
a lot
of “ifs”.

What
…It should is it,
work. Goku?

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 This is the
Aleste. We’ll add
Alex, we The energy more on our end
still need needs to as well.
five anchor be equally
points… distributed.

…if we wanna
tow the
structure
without it Otherwise,
tearing apart. we’ll end up
with a cloud of
debris on our
hands.

There’s
no time to
secure the
cables.

We have
more urgent
matters…

There are
passengers in
here. We have
to evacuate What the hell are
them. people doing in
these containers?

I have no
There
idea. Stowaways, are seven Well hurry
probably. of them. up, then!
Alex, we I can’t
don’t have leave
much time! them in
here!

station
in sight!

Aleste,
I sure hope
you have room
on board.

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 We can take
three on board
the Dolphin. Can
you handle the
Affirmative!
others?

Eighteen
minutes
to
impact.

what if
we use
C’mon, explosive
c’mon, charges?
follow
the little
guy!

Way too risky!

are You
Beginning thinking what
to board the I’m thinking,
passengers. Dolphin?

What do we
do about the
station?
We
have no
choice.

OK, send us
your interception
vectors.

We’re wasting
time. We don’t
Three have enough
of you, traction.
this way.
The others,
head to the
Aleste!

Aleste,
do you care
about your
ship?

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Kickstarter Edition
 Go
ahead,
I’ll cover
you!

If we
can’t pull
it, then
we’ll have
to push
it!

Camina,
what
are you
doing?!

Go!!

Move,
damn
it!

C’mon,
just a few
degrees!

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 BELLONA
BELT

Well,
how’d
we do?

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 Not too
shabby…

We’re gonna
need some time
to perform
a complete
assessment.

Copy that. Our

first priority
Anyway, we
is to seal the
can count
breach…
ourselves
lucky.
The storage
ring was hit… …Then we
extensive recover the
material debris. I don’t
damage, but want to start
nothing a chain reaction.
vital.

We barely
avoided
a major
catastrophe.

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 We have injured
people and refugees!
Set up an emergency
infirmary!

Move it,
move it!

Attention, all
“EVA” teams!
Get to Dock
Three!
I’m sorry,
my trusty
Dolphin…

You just won

a trip back to
the workshop.

She’s in
sorry shape,
but she hung
in there!

Don’t
worry, I’ll Without you, the We’re
put my best consequences administering
mechanics on How are first aid to
would have been the surprise
the job. devastating. them.
passengers?
It’s the
least we
can do!

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 They’re suffering
from hypothermia,
malnutrition, and
dehydration.

The most serious

cases are going to
be transferred.

We see this
These aren’t the
more and more
What were first ones we’ve
frequently. they
they doing taken in.
get overwhelmed
in those
by debts and bad
containers?
contracts…

Not to pry,
but didn’t anyone
…A lot of warn you about
employees try to these containers’
escape in freight trajectory?
containers. This
one must have
gotten detached
from a convoy.

The containers most

likely got detached from
a convoy, which explains
their high velocity. Only
close-range radar could
have detected them…

As far
as security is
…And unfortunately, concerned, there’s
they were heading definitely room for
straight towards us. improvement…
By the time the alarm went
off, it was already too
late. Luckily, some of the
ships waiting for landing
permission answered
your distress
call…

By the
way, I’m I’m the Chief
Ren. of Operations,
but we don’t
pay much
attention to Follow me,
hierarchy here I’ll show you
on the Amytis. around and find
Alex. you a place to
this is catch your
Goku. breath.

Ji-Soo.
Nice to
meet you.

Camina.

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 Don’t mind Originally, this
the mess. was a recycling
center.
Since
In addition recycling is
to today’s our specialty,
repairs, the we quickly
station is found ways
undergoing a It was to keep the
major trans- quickly station
formation. abandoned, running...
due to its
lack of
profitability.

But the
crew stayed
on in spite of
the corp’s
departure and
lack of
financing.
...And to
give it a new
What identity as
do you well.
mean?

At first, yes,
lots of us For many, this
The team is
joined over station is a
made up of
time. fresh start.
former station
personnel?
Some are
refugees, some
are disenchanted
people looking
for a new way
of life.

You sure don’t

waste any time.
The Dolphin is
you wouldn’t
barely out of
happen to need
commission, and
any scrappers,
you’re already
huh? I can offer
talking shop!
you a discount.

Ha ha! I’m
sure we can
come to an
agreement.
We’ll take all
…The Amytis
the help we
is a refuge
can get.
for space
travelers.
whether
you’re passing
through or
here for a
stay…

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 That’s the
goal we’ve In practice,
been striving however,
for, anyway. it’s all still
a work in
progress.

And we
don’t want
to draw the
corp’s
attention.

Building an
ethical, thriving
ecosystem…

For the
time being, …Establishing
people help ties to other
each other stations and
out and colonies.
pool their
resources.
This may not be utopian,
but it’s motivating. Our
entire community is fully
committed to this
project.

But
there’s
still work
to be
done…

this idea
appeals to me.
What do
I wouldn’t mind
settling down
you think, Uh, I think
here for a Ji-Soo? we lost
spell... her.
ji-soo
sure! ?
Same
here! Do
you have
room for
us?

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 It can’t
be...
She’s
a beauty,
isn’t
she?

Huh?

We found
her drifting
two months
ago. She’d
been
deactivated
for years.

A damn
shame, if
you ask
me.

hey...
“ Indy .”

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Kickstarter Edition
 We were completely
blown away when we
took her apart. So
Ah, much capacity in such a
there compact format…
you it’s brilliant.
are!
Figuring
everything out
required a lot of
trial and error. we
were reluctant
to dismantle her
to reverse
engineering
Hey, Ren! You things.
could have told
me that we had the When Energy
Discovery’s -- I mean Solution
Indy’s -- designer showed up to
on board! “reorient the
project,” I was
kicked off the
program…

Indy? What? for

Wait, is real?!
this your
“Indy”? I never
thought I’d
ever see my
baby again...

Sure
is.

I’d be
delighted
to help you
understand.

But what
do you intend
to do with
her?

To
spearhead
our big
project!

Flora
exploration.

Follow
me, I’d like
to show you
what Has
attracted so
many talented
individuals...

…to our
community of
outcasts!

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Kickstarter Edition
 This
way!

Go on in,
I’ll close What is When
the airlock. this place? the station
was cut
off… …Our first
priority was
to become
completely self-
sufficient for
food and
oxygen.

The renovation
took years to
complete, since
we had to
import a lot of
raw materials.

Our
engineers
decided to
convert the
toxic waste
processing
area. But thanks
to the ambition
of the original
crew, coupled
with our own, we
breathed life into
a project we are
very proud of...

That
smell…

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 GREEN STAR
AMYTIS

Welcome
to the Green
Star.

Undoubtedly
the largest space
greenhouse ever
created…

This is
incredible.

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 Impressive!
I can only imagine
the advantages
to the station…
particularly in air
purification!
But in terms of
food… some of
your arboreal
choices of tree
species don’t
appear to be
the most
appropriate… Sorry
to be blunt.

You make
a good point…
energy self-
sufficiency
is our first
priority, of
course, but
what about
beauty?

This is Anoki,
our Chief Botanist
and Project Ren, have you
Coordinator. finally come to bring Ah, no…
me the thirty tons you brought
of soil I need? the heroes of
the day. You
want me to give
them a tour,
is that it? Follow me,
and close the
airlock behind
you!

got a
minute?

Here we have
…In order
thousands of seeds
to keep these
from Earth, Minerva, …But to create a species safe from
and Juno… Our goal full-fledged bank the stranglehold …And
is not to merely of plant life… of corporations while we’re at
plant carrots…
on harvestable it, to provide
farmlands… a pleasant way
of life for
ourselves.

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 And that’s
It’s Like some where Indy
kind of botanical comes in!
Noah’s Ark…
I imagine
certain species
could also be
beneficial to some
of the colonies…

To preserve
what we can, and
We need to improve the lives
explore as many of countless
exoplanets as colonies. And
possible in order let’s face it: this
to discover new could make us
species. rich!

I’m talking
Maybe.
about preserving
Will you You’re a
the plant life of the It’s Mother
ever trust rascal.
known universe, and Nature’s legacy,
all you can think me?
and our job as
about is how But a
sentient human good-hearted
you’ll profit beings is to
from it. rascal.
preserve it.

Come on, Anoki,

doing a little
business can’t
hurt, can it?

You want
one? The Green
When I lost Indy Star required
to the corporations, a lot of
I lost my spark. I hate sacrifice.
myself for not fighting
back, for abandoning
my ambitions…
There is
Nah, no perfect
I quit. solution.
I’d feel
guilty.

I’m
sure that
wouldn’t be
your worst
regret.

I can I preferred
tell there’s whining and
something else complaining,
weighing on your because it
conscience. was easier.

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 What
you’ve built It was
here is just a complex We’re all
incredible. challenge. like stray
cats who
finally found
a home.

Is living of course,
together With such
It’s not always
complicated? a wide range
But I easy, but we all
of different
don’t want share a common
opinions.
to paint a goal… we must
sad picture. never forget
that!

Here’s your
order. Enjoy
your meal.

Thanks!

It’s crazy
how we never
heard of this
station before.
It’s a dream
come true.

Ah,
there
he is!

I guess it
wasn’t exactly in
Energy Solution’s
best interest to
advertise for
them…

Frankly,
I wouldn’t be
surprised if they
granted asylum
to outlaws…

You
referring
to us?

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 You OK, she’s never lost her
Ji-Soo? I was thinking spark… and despite
about Anoki... her disagreements
she poured all with Ren, she stays on
her energy into course.
this project, and
She’ll never
see the fruits
I didn’t
of her
have that
labor…
kind of
strength.

Don’t be so You’re
hard on yourself! right.
We all know how You can’t
determined you tell me that
can be! when you saw
Indy, you didn’t
want to get
back in the
saddle?

No
bureaucrats, no
pencil-pushers.
Just you and
your creation.

This place
is a beautiful
oasis… let’s
see how we
can help.

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 166

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 167

Kickstarter Edition
 Waaahh…

Time to
wake up,
Goku!

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 Gokuuu!

Goku, your Shit,

juice is on Where where
the table. are you is he?
hiding
now?!

No
way…

You want to
I can’t I’ll
Hey, come get him?
find him in Yeah, sure. be right
Sandra, Say, have you He’s adorable,
any of his He’s here. over!
did I wake seen Goku? but I’m still
usual hiding allergic to
you up?
places. him.

ikk!!

Nope, haven’t
been to bed
yet.

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 She wants
Guess she’s her daddy to
not sleeping take care of
If that
through the her 24/7.
ain’t love…
night yet.
Heh heh!

Hey…

Waahh!

Waahh!

You guys …But I’ll be

Alex is
working at the there. We have to
taking care
greenhouse start work on
of Mia…
today? the east sector.

Oh c’mon,
someone’s
in a bad
mood…
Wahh!

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 Here’s
Goku, your
Ji-Soo is breakfast,
here! you scamp! And
you need
to quit
sneaking
out.

ikk!

Are we
still on for
tonight?

Yes,
of
course.
Come
over
after
work.

If Alex
hasn’t died of
fatigue in the
We’ll
meantime, sure.
What a bring the
Ha ha!
delicate dessert.
flower!

You
comfy
enough
on my
shoulder?
Ikk!

Aren’t you
just a little
freeloader?

Great! Well,
gotta run. See
you tonight,
Sandra.

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 Rahhh!

ikk?

So
No, Camina, how’d We were on a
we don’t kill it go? wreck when they
people! showed up. Barely
a dozen of ‘em,
and we had to
run off…

Then we
might as well Pirates!
give up!
I’m so But you
pissed! came back
safe and
sound.

Camina, you
Seriously, if
know better
we’d been armed,
than anyone that
we’d have come
violence begets
back filthy rich.
violence…

I’m keeping
my dagger.
They were I won’t be
amateurs, and defenseless.
we didn’t even
put up a fight.

And besides,
weapons are
forbidden on
the station.

Without
adequate
security, we’re
at the mercy of
marauders.

It’s not
Playing nice
that hard to
guy is fine and all,
understand.
but out there it’ll
get you killed!

Anyway,
I’m gonna
get some
rest.

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 Yeah, sure, Between Alex, Ha ha!
but I can’t who only gets Yeah, lovely
promise I’ll two hours of indeed.
Are be very good sleep per
you still company. night…
coming …And your
over stress, the
tonight, evening is shaping
Camina? up to be just
lovely.

But she It’s better

should listen not to draw any
to Ren. We live attention to the
safely off the station, let alone
grid here. to ourselves.
ikk!

Hmm? She
seems more
and more
frustrated
to you,
too?

Hey,
everyone!

Hey!

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 This is
The Troie,
registration
number 465-700.
Permission
to land?

Permission
granted.
Proceed to
Deck 47. Welcome
aboard the
Amytis.

This is a refugee shuttle

from the Rock Breaker.
There might be some
What are faces we know.
Welcome. you doing
Please follow here?
the staff
to complete
registration.

Medical
attention will
be provided to
the wounded.

Hey, isn’t
that…

Isaac and
Dr. Huwei!

Doc, look!
It’s Alex and
Ji-Soo!

How about
that!

It’s good to
see familiar Ikk!
faces. Welcome,
Doc!

boss!

Isaac!
never thought
I’d see you
again!
Goku! So we
meet again,
you little
troublemaker!

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 Alex and
Hi, I’m Camina. Ji-Soo’s exploits Management
What brings planted seeds became
you here? of dissent in completely
Their shares the station. paranoid, and
plummeted, so
put the screws
they got rid of
to everyone…
all positions
they deemed
“nonessential.”

Medical
examinations are
now conducted
by artificial
intelligence.
There were
massive layoffs at Life had become
Energy Solution. At unbearable on the
first they tried to Rock Breaker,
replace the old-timers anyway.
with inexperienced,
underpaid newcomers…

They certainly
have a gift for Yeah, okay,
This isn’t
getting themselves so we were
the time or
in trouble, that’s a little
place to
for sure. impulsive.
tell
stories. Let’s get
When I found something to
them, they were in eat and relax
pretty bad shape. a little, huh?

I don’t In front of
The believe it! Those everyone? Are you
fu... bastards are crazy? Calm down,
here! I’m gonna damn it!
kill them!

They’re
standing right
there, just a
few feet
away!

Yeah, I saw
them… but I Don’t
don’t want to get worry, we’ll
thrown out the have our
second we got revenge…
here, got
it?

Just
bide your
time…

175

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 I’ll see
you when
you get
I’m going OK, back.
to go see sweets.
the doc for I’ll wait here for
Mia’s check- Ji-Soo and Camina to
up. pick up these supplies
for the refugees.

All these It’s

memories… open!

huh
?!

That’s for
the crate you
threw in my
face!

ahh!

shit!

176

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 And Stop!
that’s Calm
for all the your ass
trouble you down!
caused!

agk!

ah !!

Wh…
who are
you?
Because
of that shit
you pulled on
the station,
we lost You…
everything! you’re from
Huwan…?
And
where’d
you get
that gun?!

Shut
up!

You
really don’t
remember us?
Now you
remember
Don’t
us.
worry,
we haven’t
forgotten Good,
you! ‘cause now
you’re gonna
help us
out…

Help You idiot, don’t

us? you understand
the opportunity
we have here?

…Shit, I…
Put a bullet I’m sorry…
in his head
and let’s
finish it!
The hell are
you talking
about? This dude
fucked up our
lives! He’s
gotta
pay!

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 You’re right,
I went crazy…
You’re it was nothing
sorry? personal…
Who gives I was mad at
a shit? Huwan.

What do
you want?

Don’t make a Please, put

sound, or he the gun away, and
gets it! leave Alex and
Alex, Goku alone.
OK, OK,
we’re
just calm
here!
down…

Shit,
the other No one
one! wants to
see this
end in
bloodshed…

Shut the
door!

They’re
refugees
from the rock
Breaker… they
worked in the
What Huwan labs…
the….?!

Pffft… we should
just kill them right
So let’s now…
All that You only
settle things
trouble for thought
once and for
some fucking about
all....
monkey. And yourself,
the shit you asshole!
caused… you
have no idea!
The pressure
they put on us
after that almost
killed us! Now we
have repo men on We’re taking
our asses to the three of you
And instead collect our back to collect
of just giving debts! the bounty, erase
him back our debts, and
to us, you get our jobs
ransacked back!
the whole The bounty still
fucking lab! counts if they’re
dead…

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 Our bounty
was paid off… Oh,
there is no yeah?
more bounty…

As far
as shitty
ideas go,
you’re one
to talk!
…But this
plan of
yours is a
bad idea!
We’re They…
sorry for they’re
what happened right, Ji-
to you… Soo.

You have no
idea what life outside
of the corporations
is like, because
it’s all you’ve ever
known… I used to
think like that, too.

You can find

new meaning You’re
You think they’re to your life by better
going to reinstate joining the Amytis than this.
you? That won’t community.
happen. I promise.

If there’s
no more
bounty, I
say we kill
them. Blood
for blood.

Shut the
fuck up! You’re
just saying that
to confuse us!

There’s still
a bounty on your
heads, and Energy
Solution is gonna
take us back!

Give me that.
I’ll do it if
you won’t!

What!?
Get
back,
Ji-Soo.

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 Rrah,
I’m gonna
let
kill ‘em!
go!

GUgk!
urg!

Ahh!

ahh
!

OK,
OK, I
give
up!

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 It’s
over,
Camina!

You
win! Fuck,
let me
go!

Did… did
you kill
them?

Camina…
why?

I’m hit…

I... shit...

Oh,
no…
shit,
Ji-Soo!

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 Are we
still far How do Will
Only about you feel? I there be any
from
ten hours can increase complications?
Juno?
away… the dosage of
painkillers, if
necessary.

We’ll do
all we can
to keep them
to a minimum.
That’s why we’re
transferring
you.

…Doc, is
this really
the only
solution?

Space
is slowly
killing me.

But I don’t
Yes, unfortunately. The know anyone on
Your pulmonary complications Juno. What am I
You’ll take
alveoli will will always be going to do
good care
regenerate better if there, but on down there?
of Alex, his
you’re in contact with a planet, they family, and
pure air, as opposed won’t be so
I was happy Goku, won’t
to the station’s bad.
recycled air. The risk with you on you?
of infection would be Amytis…
far too great…

You can
count on
me.

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 Is Camina
here? I have to
talk to her.
I can take
the pain.

She’s the one

flying the ship.
She’s still in
shock.
Hey, you’re
not supposed
to move!

Camina?

What
are you
doing here?
You’re
supposed
to be in
bed.

Don’t
worry.

Thanks
for playing
ambulance. On Amytis,
How are weapons aren’t
you? ...But that’s You can’t
what I do allowed… and I
blame yourself.
Like a junkie best. am a weapon.
You saved our
who just lives.
relapsed.

Those guys
back there…
It goes
I had no
deeper
reason to
than that,
kill them…
Ji-Soo…

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 I tried to
fit in up there.
Amytis will have to
learn to get by
without me.

When I quit
the army…

…The guys didn’t

believe I could do
Are you anything else…
telling me
you’re leaving
Amytis for …And they
good? were right.

Don’t worry
about it. You’re
a nerd, and I’m a
mercenary.

I don’t Expressing
know what our feelings isn’t
to say… exactly what
we do best.

Hey, it’s You’re going to

all right. find me a nice place
to live, I hope!

Count
on that.

pfff...

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 JUNO
ORBIT

I’ve got it
Sure thing.
under control,
Are you sure
don’t worry!
re-entering the
atmosphere
won’t be too
rough?

OK, here
we are! Doc,
can you
get Ji-Soo
buckled in?

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 Boss,
we’re all
set. Give the
Whew, this green light
stress… whenever
you’re
ready.
I hope I’ll
make you
proud.

Uhh,
ok...

Ehem...

The collective
energy you brought
Sorry, to this project
speeches has been beneficial
aren’t really throughout its
my thing… development. Each of
you contributed your
talents and
expertise.

Not everyone who

took part in it is
here today, but
we’re going to make
them proud.

Together,
we’re shaping
the future of
the Amytis…

…and the
future of all
free, independent
communities.

…But know
that I could
not have
hoped for
a better
team.

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 All right, Hello, are
…I’m sure you coming to
no need to Indy can’t
draw this out see the launch,
wait to start too?
any more… exploring Detaching
space! security
cables!
Isaac will
let us into
the control
room.

Hi,
Ren!

Oh, that’d be Alex?

great. What do
you say, Mia?

Yes!

Honey?
Sorry, my
mind was
wandering.

You
coming,
goku ?

ikk!

Go ahead,
catch up with Ren.
I’ll be there in a
few minutes.

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 VERY SMALL ARRAY
HELLAS PLAIN
JUNO

Do I bring
the package?

Yes!

And leave
your weapons
here.

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 It’s fascinating.
It tells us so
much about the
Andromeda Belt.
It’s
us.
How are
you doing,
Camina?

C’mon in,
it’s open! Look, this is the
latest report by
the OWB, Observers
Without Borders. We just got
back from
a mission
escorting a
humanitarian
convoy through
a war zone.

Whew, you
returned
safely!

Koff,
koff!

Excuse
me.

deep thank
breath! you.

Here, we
brought you
a good supply
of medicine.

A little,
Oh, it’s
Do you but I’m
nearly
miss space? happy Let’s go
time!
here. outside,
everything’s
set up.
I have my
books, and
can I always
stargaze.

Thank
you.
I’m not
at death’s
door yet.

I just
miss you all
a lot. Here, let
a friend
help you
up.

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 Ikk!

That’s right,
you know this is
the best place
to watch it!

We’ll be
comfortable
here. Go on,
climb up.
Watching a
launch is nice.

Better than
watching a
funeral.

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 Have you
talked to him
recently?

Not really.
Haven’t had
the time.

When you’re
out in the field,
there’s no way
to communicate,
y’know.

I heard
Camina, that’s everything
nonsense. How was going well
long are you for him and his
going to let family.
this drag on?

Any news
from Alex?

Glad to
hear it.

Ahem! Yes, the

launch went
smoothly!
So, is The Amytis
Indy team did an
visible? amazing
job!

Don’t forget
that it’s all
thanks to
you.

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 I’m sure both
of you are out
there, looking
at the same
place we are.

Goku and
I thank you
for letting us
discover the
world.

SOMEWHERE IN THE GALAXY

Hey, my two
little space
boys. Thanks for
welcoming us into
your home.

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Kickstarter Edition
 _ _ _
//ENCRYPTED DATA// //Introduction:
/ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ When I went back into my archives to retrace the
>decoding
>... / /_ _ / _ _/ / _ / / _ / / /_ / / / / / _ _/ steps of FRONTIER’s creation, I realized that this
>use>code_talker.apk / _ _ / / / / / / / / / / / / _/ / / / _ _/ / / project had been around, in some form or another,
>... / / / / / /_/ / / / / / / / / / / /_ _ / / since 2013. And every year, this ever-elusive idea,
>successfully_open this uninhibited exploration between two projects,
/_/ /_/ /_ _ _/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_ _ _/ /_/ this visual escapade slowly took shape. Without
README.TXT >>ALL ABOUT FRONTIER//A2013TOA2023LABEL619RDS saying that the project matured over the years, it
nevertheless came to life through various ideas,
concepts and sketches, becoming increasingly
tangible.

//year 2013//SPACE QUEST//

Almost ten years ago, all of the visual foundations of

FRONTIER were already in place. While in the middle of
drawing THE GROCERY, I wanted to explore an entirely
different kind of universe, science fiction, but with
characters of a very particular kind.

The original idea told the story of a pair of digital

data scavengers, lost inside a massive storage facility.
The duo, which included a monkey, would evolve, but they
remained until the end.

Kickstarter Edition
 //year 2014//LIGHTYEAR//

The idea of scavenging explorers lingered, but it

took on a more space-oriented dimension with the
introduction of a spaceship for the duo, both as a
means of transportation and a place to live (the future
Dolphin).

Kickstarter Edition
//year 2015//GREEN//

The contrast of vegetation in an outer-space universe

always brought a powerful image that appealed to me.
The duo would cross paths with an old man whose ship
had become a jungle. Over time, the idea of this
solitary character would become the Grey character
in PTSD.

Kickstarter Edition
//year 2016//COLONY//

In terms of visual inspiration, sticking to spaceships

and space had its limitations. What if our duo were to
explore planets? This was an opportunity to break away
from the geometric framework of spaceships and dive
into more organic forms. Images of the Moon and Mars
fascinates us with features that are both familiar and
strange, filled with mysteries that are unveiled as we
explore our solar system.

//year 2017//SPACE PIRATE//

A less prolific year, but one that brought about the

idea of space pirates, mercenaries, and Western-style
action, which would later give birth to the character
of Camina.

Kickstarter Edition
 //year 2018//PRE-FRONTIER//

All at once, the project came together, and the

idea of a trio started to take shape. Ji-Soo,
the scientist, was already there, Alex was, for
the moment, a ship’s cook, and Camina was a man.
But the trio’s dynamic and the little monkey were
already there.

Kickstarter Edition
//year 2018//QUARANTINE//

I had a fleeting idea for a tighter storyline that

would, alas, prove to be prophetic. It dealt with
the exploration of a station that had fallen victim
to an epidemic where a society, now more mystic than
scientific, rebuilt itself.

But in the end, the idea, which seemed commonplace

and more graphically limited, ended up getting
discarded.

Kickstarter Edition
 //year 2019//FORMULA 5//

This was another period when I began exploring more

specific ideas for the story. Up until now, all of
my research and sketches were more geared towards
the universe in general rather than the pleasure of
drawing.

The idea of turning this into an actual project had

been planted. At this point, I was aiming for a story
about a spaceship racing championship, but since
the subject is a bit niche and limited in terms of
research, I decided to move on to something else.

//year 2020//CYBERPUNK//

I toyed with the idea of telling a more megalopolitan

cyberpunk story, but after PTSD, which already took
place in a very urban context, I wanted to try
something different.

//year 2020//FRONTIER//

All of these drawings over the years weren’t

intended to culminate in this FRONTIER project.
They are a digression, but also proof, for me, that
working on a science fiction universe with this art
style is something I deeply enjoy and will never
get tired of. So I gathered all of these ideas and
sketches together and came up with a first draft of
the story, which constantly evolved throughout the
production of this graphic novel.

Kickstarter Edition