10 Indie Comics You Must Read Before You Die

Somewhere in the unusual space between Bridge to Terabithia and a noir film, Ether uses the age-old trope of a fantasy world that can only be accessed through specific methods to some incredibly interesting - and surprisingly dark - effects.

Yet more interesting is that it's set sometime after the golden age of our protagonist Boone's life. This is a decision which both makes the comic infinitely more engaging and is also an interesting twist in itself, as it combines a golden-boy background we are used to from heroes with the grittier, darker and arguably more realistic character of the embittered veteran. Having a character that is essentially Superman turned Batman is impossible not to be interested in.

This is not to say that The Ether doesn't have its darker side, however - as, without mentioning spoilers, those who delve into the pages of the series will find some legitimately dramatic stuff, made all the more unnerving by the largely bright and cheery nature of the fantasy world.

All in all, Ether succeeds in being both a gritty detective comic, and a fun romp through a unique fantasy landscape.