MISSING ON THE MOON

A former cop investigates the disappearance of a billionaire’s daughter on the moon in this SF graphic novel by writer Crater and artist Couceiro.

In an alternate-reality version of 1997, the space race with the Soviet Union led to colonization of the moon. The United States came out ahead in the end, with their people living in glowing lunar cities under domes of glass. However, the settlements are riddled with crime, often involving a new drug called Stardust and social outcasts known as “Darksiders,” who are often former Soviets. Billionaire CEO Robert Brooks is a leading proponent of the moon outpost’s rugged capitalist ethos, and when his 9-year-old daughter, Penny, is kidnapped, private investigator Daniel Schwinn is put on the case. He used to be a shining star in the Lunar Defense Services, but he went off the rails after his daughter died in a horrific accident. He’s been scraping by as part of the force’s cleanup crew, but he’s brought back into the fold when all the other leads in Penny’s case dry up. He quickly learns there’s a much bigger case at play than a simple kidnapping for ransom. Soon, Schwinn is drawn into the depths of an underworld that he thought he despised. The graphic novel’s explosive conclusion answers many of the story’s original questions, but it also appealingly opens the door for further sequels. Couceiro’s illustrations are atmospheric and detailed throughout, supplementing the text by providing necessary context. Crater’s plot proceeds at a fast pace that generally works quite well, but there are several elements that would have benefited from additional explanation. A similar issue affects the action sequences, which move almost too quickly, and could have used a bit more suspense to make their payoffs more effective. The hardboiled tone is well executed and provides a familiar genre tether for mystery fans.

A gritty neonoir tale with a brisk and often compelling storyline.