Set in a dystopian future, “Water Wars 2288” calls itself “a post-apocalyptic tone poem.”
Here’s the setup from the book’s first page: “During the second half of the 23rd century, a CME flare erupted, propelling bursts of particles and electromagnetic fluctuations into Earth’s atmosphere. The solar eruptive event contaminated 80% of the world’s water supply almost overnight. In areas where fresh water still existed, heavily armed gangs battled over territories, fracturing society even further. In a desperate bid for survival, the large multinational corporations hired private militias to seize lakes and reservoirs.
“Amidst environmental chaos, all nations rose to create one final, terrible war…”
In this wasteland we meet Sarah Strong and her mechanical dragonfly, PTAD-9 (Personal Threat Assessment Device, Military Grade, Series 9) – or just “Petey.”
They are the main characters in the first two of three stories in book one.
In “Fourth Protocol,” Petey shows what he is capable of when Sarah is threatened.
The somber mood of most of the story is broken up by Sarah’s wisecracking and making references to pop culture from the late 20th century.
While looking for her brother she tries to maintain her humanity even when she is sorely put to the test.
In the story, “Thieves, Monsters and Unlikely Best Friends,” Sarah shows compassion for the people who died in the violence that erupted after water became scarce.
The final story, “Long Distance,” tells the tale of a lone astronaut living aboard the SS Roosevelt, a satellite in geosynchronous orbit around the Earth.
He has food, good coffee, and more books than he could hope to read in a lifetime. However…
“… once I assumed my station, the war started. The other astronauts never came. I never heard why.”
He notes communication with Earth stopped after the first water riots.
The astronaut helplessly watches news feeds from Earth which show him how society has broken down and the lawlessness that ensued.
The ending of that story is shocking.
What writer Timothy Fling, artist Bruno Lima, colorist Dijjo Lima, letterer Justin Birch, and designer Luis Santamarina have achieved is remarkable.
In a very short amount of space, they have introduced us to people we resonate with, people we want to see succeed.
The question that comes up while reading is, “What would I do in those circumstances?”
They also convey the emptiness of the world, how familiar cityscapes look different after the planet goes to hell.
This series shows promise and is a worthwhile investment of your time and money.
You can learn more about the “Water Wars 2288” series as well buy copies here:
https://www.earthdogstudios.com/sector/books/water-wars-2288/
