Serenity: The Shepherd’s Tale (2010)

I loved Firefly and the movie Serenity but I have been a little disappointed with the comics that have come out from Dark Horse. To date there have been two 3 issue mini-series (Those Left Behind and Better Days) and a one-shot focusing on Wash called Float Out. The comics have been decent enough but I am always left wanting more – more story; more character development; more comics. The latest comic tie-in arrived in stores this month and focuses on Shepherd Derrial Book.

The back story of the mysterious Shepherd Book is something that has been hinted at throughout the Firefly series (e.g. see the last page of this web comic). Book seems to know things that it would not be expected that a man of God know – like Alliance operational procedures; how to handle a weapon; how to take care of himself in a fight. The crew of Serenity, and the fans, have always been left wondered about the enigma that is Derrial Book. This book, written by Zack Whedon (based on an outline by Joss Whedon), goes some way to addressing it.

The book opens on the Haven mining colony just before an Alliance attack – the aftermath of which appeared in the Serenity movie. As Book lies wounded his life flashes before him – in discreet memories where, like in the film Memento, each one leads into the previously seen one. From Haven, Book’s memories take him to an incident aboard Serenity; the lead up to meeting Kaylee at the space port for the first time; his finding God; his life as Alliance officer; his involvement with the independence movement; his life on the streets; and his life with his father. I am not going to go into any more detail as I don’t want to spoil the story for others but I will say that the format allows for new revelations and constant re-evaluation of Book as the story unfolds – you will find out who the real Derrial Book is. This is a great story that is told well and left me wanting more – why can’t Dark Horse produce an ongoing series like they do for the Buffy franchise and really do something with these characters that are so well loved. 

As I said previously, the history of Shepherd Book has intrigued fans and the cynic in me cannot help but think that Dark Horse has exploited this in the production of this book. Originally it was to be a 3 issue mini-series, like Those Left Behind and Better Days, but has been published as a single hardback book with a measly page count of 48 and a high price tag ($14.99). Fleecing the fans or giving them want they want? With this book Dark Horse has done both.

For a little extra value (and reward) for those reading this blog I include links to another Serenity short story that originally appeared on Dark Horse/MySpace Presents and a guide to some of the Chinese curses used in the show (be warned that they might offend some) – even though, strangely, none appear in this book.

First published on RevolutionSF on Monday Nov 15, 2010