Ancestral Recall Vol 1 Review

 

Ancestral Recall Vol 1 Review

Writer: Jordan Clark

Artist: Atagun İlhan

Colorist: Pippa Bowland

Letterer: Rob Steen

Publisher: Ahoy Comics

Price: $17.99/$24.99 CAN

Release Date: April 15, 2026

 

Melvin Waring is a renowned artist who draws on his Black heritage to create paintings that speak to people around the world. Yet while his studio is his stronghold, he fears venturing outside without his beloved Junebug. So Melvin rarely leaves home and devotes his life to what he's best at. How will his life change when his wife needs surgery? And who will help Melvin when his wife leaves him alone? Let's leap into Ancestral Recall #1 and see!

 

Story

After June's surgery, the doctor confines her to bed rest. Still, she knows how flustered her husband gets when interacting with others. So June calls ahead to let the pharmacy staff know that Melvin is coming. Reluctantly, he steels himself and ventures out to procure her prescription. But while he focuses on completing his mission and returning to his stronghold, he meets Myran Byun.

 

His teenage neighbor also feels insecure interacting with others. But instead of hiding away like Melvin, she focuses on photographing the world around her. Petunia eases her discomfort, accompanying Myran as she observes the people and patterns of life behind the protective shield of the camera lens. With the animatronic Panda walking alongside her, or sitting in the basket on her bicycle, Myran realizes that some of her neighbors have gone missing. One of her photographs, of workers in coveralls carrying a body-sized bag, seems to offer a clue.

 

In Ancestral Recall Vol 1, Melvin's world changes when June vanishes. At first, he frantically searches for her. He seeks strength and inspiration from the historic people who inspire his paintings. As he strives to emulate them, Melvin stumbles. But as he continues to push through the barriers he has erected to protect himself from the outside world, Melvin grows increasingly adept at overcoming the challenges he faces. When Myran notices his distress, she insists on helping him. While Melvin recognizes that he cannot afford to turn away a helping hand, Myran's incessant need for connection threatens to overwhelm him.

 

Art

As Melvin contemplates his progress with a palette knife in hand, creative chaos surrounds him. A painting rests on an easel, and sketchbooks lie open on his desk. Pens, brushes, and open pots of paint adorn desks, tables, shelves, and the floor. Slim and athletic, June ventures into her studio. While a smile seems her natural mien, Melvin hides his serious features behind a black-and-white beard in Ancestral Recall Vol 1.

 

Atagun İlhan reveals Melvin’s thoughts as images that seemingly float above his head like balloons or suns. A pink-red energy rises from his upturned hair as Melvin increasingly channels his heritage. As opposed to the vibrant colors of Melvin’s world, Pippa Bowland casts the future in green interior lighting. And as the man who rules the future wears a domelike hat, his silver servants follow his bidding in Melvin and Myran's era.

 

A cursive white quote in a black box welcomes readers into each chapter of Ancestral Recall Vol 1. Blue block letters in light blue boxes introduce characters and locate readers in time and space. While Rob Steen fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters, a black rat's nest in a balloon indicates Melvin's turmoil, while letters in a beige box translate his distress. Sound effects enhance a bid for freedom, an attempt to recover disused skills, and a dramatic high-speed chase as danger threatens to prevent Melvin and Myran from ever seeing June again. Thanks to Ahoy Comics and Superfan Promotions for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Some see Artificial Intelligence as crucial to sustaining society and propelling technological progress. Others view AI as robbing Humanity of its uniqueness and individuals of their livelihoods. When an inventor strives to reduce people's fears and meet their needs, he robs them of their heritage to keep them safe and comfortable in Ancestral Recall Vol 1.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Ancestral Recall Vol 1.

 

For a more in depth view of the first issue, see my review of Ancestral Recall #1.