ComiXology's new original title, Lost On Planet Earth is a book made with a millennial audience in mind. Helmed by writer Magdalene Visaggio and artist Claudia Aguirre, Lost On Planet Earth tells the story of Basil, a young woman living in the future of 2381, whose only goal in life is to become a captain for the Interplanetary Fleet. Basil's resolve is shaken in the middle of the exam to become Captain when the exam asks what makes her happy.
Readers would be mistaken for thinking the title is literal. The world and initial premise all seem very attempt to emulate Star Trek so often go for larger than life conflicts. Lost On Planet Earth's primary strength is that it is a small story. As far as the audience knows, the fate of the world doesn't rest on Basil's shoulders. She's just a young woman who suddenly realized that she doesn't know who she is.
The focus on character shouldn't come as a surprise given the writer and artist team of Magdalene Visaggio and Claudia Aguirre. Visaggio is perhaps best known for her series Vagrant Queen which now has a TV adaptation airing on SyFy. Her and Aquirre previously worked together on the Eisner award-nominated series Kim and Kim. While the chaotic energy of Kim and Kim is absent in Lost on Planet Earth, both comics display a clear understanding of millennials. Visaggio's ability to make the reader empathize with her characters is in full force here. Basil's inner monologue drives home how directionless she feels after the exam. Aquirre's art compliments Vissagio's writing well. She manages to pack each of Basil's expressions with personality. The writing and style combine well to make Basil likable and relatable.
One slight issue with the book's visuals is the narration boxes. For some reason, the text of Basil's inner monologue is blurry. The effect isn't terrible, but readers who have limited sight might have problems reading them. This might just be an issue with the review copy, and if so, that criticism can be dismissed.
Some readers might not enjoy the lack of apparent tension in Lost On Planet Earth. There is no sense of urgency in the first issue's final moments. Instead, the first issue ends with Basil agreeing to go explore the earth with an alien named Valda. Press releases about the series have stated that the story is a romance and it's safe to assume that the romance will be between Basil and Valda. Readers looking forward to romance will have to wait for the next issue though as the romance elements are only lightly hinted at in this first issue.
Overall, the first issue of Lost On Planet Earth offers a unique story set in the kind of world you would find in Star Trek. While the first issue's romance elements are more subdued, the art and writing are compelling and uniquely speak to a generation who might be feeling lost in their own world.
