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The French-Canadian sci-fi comic Titan was originally serialized in 2014 but will finally be given the graphic novel treatment for American audiences to enjoy via Oni Press this November. And enjoy it I did. Creator Francois Vigneault manages to pull off the difficult task of spinning a smart science fiction story that is also easily accessible. Moreover, Titan’s tightly constructed two hundred and eight pages are complemented by Vigneault’s unique cartooning style and minimalist use of color.
Far, Far, Away
Titan opens with dreamy lyrics from the band, Wilco, as we are pulled “far away from those city lights. (( Wilco. 1996. “Far, Far, Away.”Track 2, Being There. Reprise Records. ))” The story follows João da Silva, a high-ranking manager for Terran (human) mining colonies that have been established across the solar system. He is tasked with improving the efficiency of the Homestead colony on the moon, Titan. Upon arriving, João must deal with the eroding relationship between the five hundred Terran occupants, acting as management and security, and the fifty thousand Titans, the much larger grunt-like laborers native to the moon.
As João deals with this social unrest and tries to reform the colony’s mining industry at the same time, he finds out everything is not what it seems. What’s more, a dangerous romance with a Titan complicates things further for João as the tension in the colony reaches a boiling point.
Titan For Titans!
As the social discord morphs into a full-on rebellion, the native Titans adopt a slogan for their plight, “Titan for Titans!” It is easy to see the parallel to a certain social movement in the real world. Perhaps Titan’s issues aren’t so far, far, away after all. It seems a simple question. Why do we divide ourselves based on race or class or anything so trivial? Yet, it is a question that continues to be unanswered based on the state of our current society. I don’t want to tumble down that rabbit hole, but it should be clear to most that there’s social unrest in our culture that continues to fester.
Titan takes on these issues head-first with no ambiguity. Not only are the Titans a different race than the human Terrans, but they are divided into a lower social class. Laborers. Grunts. Terrans are law enforcement and “white-collar” managers imposing their “better way” of doing things on a moon far away and far different from Earth. Both sides harness hostility and prejudice based on nothing more than race and status. And it leads to chaos. No side gets what they want. Many people get hurt, even killed.
Vigneault spends much of Titan’s first half-crafting interesting and complex characters, some that we love and some that we loathe, but his narrative surges to a frantic pace in the story’s latter pages. The early character development pays off, weaving together scenes of exciting action, violence, and intrigue that will make you yell out “Hell yeah!” in triumph but will also make you whimper, “Oh, no,” as you fight back tears. Vigneault’s efficient world-building creates a connection to the characters that adds emotional weight to every climactic moment.
Compliments To The Cartoonist
In Oni Press’s publication of Titan, Vigneault maximizes a simple color palette, using just black, white, and varying shades of coral. This limited coloring approach is used beautifully, adding a high-contrast style that packs a punch in every panel. Additionally, Vigneault’s thick but detailed penciling lends itself to the overall aesthetic of the book: smart science fiction that is approachable for anyone. His cartooning style, to me, is one of playful grit.
It conjures memories of the underground comix of the 1970s drawn by legends like Robert Crumb and Art Spiegleman. Though there is a crudeness to the art, every detail is drawn with care and purpose, inviting us to soak in each panel. The sharp social commentary of Titan is not so biting when presented in Vigneault’s signature cartoon style, but it remains effective and intelligent.
I loved almost every aspect of Titan. My one complaint would be about Vigneault’s use of word balloons at times. Occasionally, they would be awkwardly placed, away from any character, and without tails to direct me to the speaker. Just for brief moments, I got confused about who was saying what. It never lasted long. Vigneault captures his characters’ voices so well that it was hardly an issue. However, there were times when the speaker could have been made clearer to avoid any confusion.
A Titanic Triumph
Even though Titan was originally created back in 2014, it is still an ideal indie graphic novel in 2020. It tells a self-contained science fiction story that is equal parts titillating and socially relevant.
I can’t say it is fully family-friendly, but I highly recommend it for anyone that’s okay with some cartoon violence and a little bit of sex. Fun, exciting, and profound, Titan is an opportunity for American readers to experience a near-perfect effort by a cartoonist at the peak of his powers. According to Francois Vigneault’s website, Titan will be in stores on November 10, 2020. Don’t forget to support your local comic shop; that’s where I’ll be getting mine!
