While cultures like Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt have been well-mined over the years for stories of fact and fiction, other historic eras have gone woefully neglected. Luckily, Compass #1 aims to fix that, exploring a rarely seen side of history -- the Islamic Golden Age. Published by Image Comics and spearheaded by Greg Rucka, Compass #1 is an adventurous series filled with action, intrigue and an abundance of real-world history. Co-created by writers Robert Mackenzie and David Walker and artist Justin Greenwood, with colors by Daniela Miwa and lettering by Simon Bowland, Compass #1 is an exciting start for what looks to be a fun trek through the old world, channeling the best aspects of Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones.

Compass #1 begins in the year 1242 with a young explorer named Shahidah El-Amin exploring the Castle of Fallen Maelor in the Kingdom of Powys Fadog. Unfortunately, as she escapes the castle's many death traps, she realizes that her old "friend" Ling has beaten her to the castle's treasure -- a ring with mystical properties that can extend one's life. Even worse, Ling betrays her prior friendship with Shahi and summons an army of warriors to slay her, leaving Shahidah with no choice but to fight for her life. In the aftermath of this battle, Shahidah escapes and sets on a path towards finding other trinkets of power, while Ling conspires with the House of Hua & Sons to secure the secret of immortality for themselves.

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Mackenzie and Walker team up to write a vivid story that is as immersive as it is intriguing. The pair's script makes Shahidah a likable lead who feels credible and smart. She's able to hold her own against a legion of foes. After her trust betrayed, she perseveres. It will be interesting to see how Ling's betrayal of Shahi plays into the larger narrative. Mackenzie and Walker also built a unique world for the story that integrates real locations and historic people into Shahidah's tale. These details also enhance the authenticity of the setting.

Artist Justin Greenwood is given a great opportunity to showcase his talent in Compass #1, as the issue opens with only two lines of dialogue across its first seven pages. It is a very bold artistic decision and it pays off, as Greenwood's atmospheric art helps craft the world and instantly establishes the tone of the series. It is a true testament to the clarity of Greenwood's storytelling skills that he is able to pull this off so well. Joining Greenwood is colorist Daniela Miwa, who creates both a golden color palette and a shady, blue one to further distinguish this book's setting and time period. The nighttime scenes look particularly natural, as the story becomes cast in the blue/grey hues of the moonlight. This contrasts well with the vibrant colors of the day scenes. Together, Greenwood and Miwa make this story a visual feast.

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While much of the marketing for Compass promoted Greg Rucka's name, it's important to note that he is not involved in the story itself. Rather, Rucka's name is used to entice readers who may be unfamiliar with the creative team and looking for new indie characters to follow. Mackenzie, Walker, Greenwood, Miwa and Bowland have all worked with Rucka in the past, but it is clear that his endorsement comes from a genuine desire to enjoy this series from the outside. As Rucka states in his welcome letter at the end of the issue, "I wanted to read the story they were telling me. I wanted other people to read it." In less capable hands, Compass would have been overshadowed by the illustrious Greg Rucka, but the entire creative team knocks it out of the park to create a work that stands on its own strengths.

Compass #1 is a refreshing read that rejuvenates the adventure genre. The book emulates the strengths of classic pulp novels, but it never feels like a relic of the past. Shahidah is an exciting lead and it will be fascinating to watch her story develop. While an eclectic cast of rogues fight to find the key to eternal life, for Mackenzie, Walker, and Greenwood, the secret to immortality was creating Compass, a story that feels instantly timeless.

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