MISS TRUESDALE AND THE FALL OF HYPERBOREA #1 / Script by MIKE MIGNOLA / Art and Colors by JESSE LONERGAN/ Letters by CLEM ROBINS/ Published by DARK HORSE COMICS

The Heliopic Brotherhood of Ra is, like most esoteric orders of 1883, more of a glorified Gentlemen’s Club than a source of serious scholarship. Despite Queen Victoria ruling in England, the opportunities for women in such societies are limited. This is a cause of concern to Tefnut Tronius, who is little more than a figurehead despite being a reincarnated queen of Heliopis and a prophet. It is also a concern to Miss Truesdale of the London temple, though she dare speak against the men in charge.

Miss Truesdale finds herself astonished to be summoned to Paris and the presence of Tefnut Tronius, who has had what she believes to be her last vision. It is a vision of the past that ties Miss Truesdale to the ancient origins of their order in the fallen lands of Hyperborea and an enslaved barbarian. It is also, potentially, a key to a better future for them and women like them.

Set in the same world as Hellboy, this first issue of Miss Truesdale and the Fall of Hyperborea evokes the spirits of H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. This is to be expected from Mike Mignola, who weaves classic pulp tales like few others. Thankfully, this issue is easily accessible to new readers and no previous experience with the Mignolaverse is needed.

The art by Jesse Lonergan is roughly hewn, but this fits Mignola’s tale perfectly. Unlike most fantasy heroines, whom sport some impressively hairless bikini zones for women born in a Land Before Time AND Nair, Lonergan’s barbarian heroine looks more like a warrior born than a fitness model in fetish gear. The action is bloody and the colors visceral in the past visions, balancing the muted tones used to render the dull days of the Victorian Age.

Miss Truesdale and the Fall of Hyperborea is a must-read for all fans of weird horror and sword and sorcery. The story is gripping and the art is thrilling. I look forward to seeing how the adventures of Miss Truesdale and Yassa continue.

Miss Truesdale and the Fall of Hyperborea releases on May 17, 2023 from Dark Horse Comics.