Between the Panels: Days Missing

Archaia Comics has a new release coming this February that is ready to blow your mind.  Days Missing, presented by Roddenberry Productions, is a hypnotizing look at 5 days in human history that were erased from all memory.  5 days that, even when removed from the timeline, still impacted those closest to the event in such a way that it lingered throughout their lives as a haunting dream or feeling.  Add that to the fact that it is being presented by Roddenberry Productions (yes, THE Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek) and you’ve got an amazing story that’s presented beautifully and seemingly effortlessly even with 8 different writers and artists attached to it.

Creator: Trevor Roth

Writers: Phil Hester, David Hine, Ian Edginton, & Matz.

Artists: Frazer Irving, Chris Burnham, Lee Mader, & Hugo Petrus.

Colorists: Imaginary Friends Studios, Caravan Studios, & Lizzy John.

Release Date/Price: February 10th, $19.95.

Days Missing follows the life of an immortal being who calls himself The Steward.  He’s not unlike The Watcher from Marvel Comics in that he sees everything from a separate location away from all other life, and steps in at their most desperate moments.  When he does step in he arranges events to unfold so those involved will have a penetrating, dream-like memory of the events so they do not occur the same way again.  Once the hour strikes midnight he “folds” the day out of existence and allows it to start once again, this time with each individual having a new view on their situation.

The Steward’s character is a brilliant being who has been around since the creation of the Earth itself.  He’s taken it upon himself to be the protector of life on this planet in hopes that one day it will evolve to be his equal…his companions.  By the time you reach the final chapter you almost feel sad for him, knowing that he’s been alone for billions of years just waiting for the day he can have someone of his own intelligence to talk to.

Each chapter picks a particular day from human history that, if not “folded” out of existence, would have lead to disastrous consequences for the entire world.  For example, the potential outbreak of a pandemic virus, similar to Ebola, that spreads before the host even knows he or she is infected. Or the accidental creation of artificial life. If you’re a history buff you will absolutely love this book.  If you’re a science buff you will too.  And if you’re neither…well…you’re still going to want to read it again!  Extra content includes a forward by Warren Ellis, background on The Steward and his Library, sketchbook and cover gallery, interviews with the writers and creator, and a code to unlock secret Easter Egg messages throughout the book.  Whatever you do, do not let this one slip by you.