REVIEW - Ministry Of Space

Review by Brian Grindrod

Ever wonder what kind of world we would be living in if the American War for Independence failed? Perhaps ponder what would modern music sound like had Elvis Presley never walked into Sun Record Studios? We are only limited by our imagination when we conceive about such possibilities. With Ministry Of Space, Ellis invites the reader to an alternate reality where England employs Nazi rocket scientists to secure its prosperity and empire. The scenario is credible as to why The United States and The Soviet Union's achievements in space flight is in full lag when compared to Britain's. The reason is mainly due to the protagonist of the story, Sir John Dashwood, who lacks moral values and is as ruthless as the empire he serves. There is a revelation that should not be too surprising since it is hinted within the first issue that Dashwood is in the same category as Bayer, Mercedes, Hugo Boss, Ford and Switzerland.

Ellis shifts the story's timeline effectively throughout the script. The reader is given the backdrop in doses instead of the usual diarrhoea method that most writers employ when relating past events that led to the current outcome of the story. The flashback sequences does not affect the pacing whatsoever but rather enhances its drama. While the science-fiction aspect reminds me of what can be found in a Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon comic strip, I appreciate that Ellis bothered to make (fictional) reference to the men and their science behind the technology to make the fantastic plausible in our eyes. I also admire at how he manages to lend a sense of authenticity and regard to what presently appears to be out of man's grasp; Colonizing other planets in our solar system.

The story may appear to be a wish fulfillment about Britain retaining its past glory but Ellis hammers the point that while England is enjoying the fruits of space travel and the establishment of off-world colonies, a segment of its empire will always be categorized as second class citizens. You may be the daughter of one of the first men to land on Mars as well as a qualified space pilot but if you are not male and (especially) Caucasian, rest assured that you will be segregated. The ethical ambiguity that is at the foundation of Dashwood's vision is really what makes Ellis' story a compelling one since it really emphasizes the following question; Does the end justify the means?

The art work and overall production is the literal definition of drop dead gorgeous. Chris Weston's retro-futuristic designs of the uniforms, traveling devices and rocket ships is so highly intricate that one cannot help but think that the technology may be accurate (!).

Weston's realistic style is definitely on par with that of Brian Bolland. The background work is beautifully detailed but it is the sense of perception and depth with the forefront that makes this series a true artistic vision. The Mars landing scenario is totally breathtaking with its cinematic vision that I would dare to compare to Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Weston's work on Enemy Ace: War In Heaven and The Invisibles is quite impressive but he has truly outdone himself on Ministry Of Space. Weston has now made my favourite Top 10 artist list!

Ministry Of Space is the graphic novel equivalent of Robert Harris' Fatherland with its original premise and grandiose theme. It will not revolutionize the North American market a la Dark Knight Returns or Watchmen because there are no costumes or powers but it proves that a writer can intelligently use the element of the fantastic to provoke not just a sense of wonder but that of thought.