Author: Matt Page
Title: Future Day Saints: The Gnolaumite Crystal
2021.
Comic, 82 page hardcover 8.25” x 10.25” Full color.
Reviewed by Austin Smith
Beautifully done and lots of fun. If you have any interest in the intersection of Mormonism and comics, this is a must-read.
This book is builds on but differs in tone from the first entry in the series, which was much more about world-building, telling a few short stories and leaving tantalizing hints of more details that aren’t spelled out. The sequel jumps back into that same world and tells a full, cohesive (and action-packed) story. In some ways I liked the somewhat scatter-shot approach of the previous book better, but I think having a single, straightforward plot makes up for it (and is definitely more accessible). The extra space to breathe also lets us meet a few new protagonists outside the superhero-esque Valiants and their arch-nemeses, the Curses, that were the focus of most of the first book’s stories. With all the characters involved there is a great range of diversity, without being preachy about it, just showing a rich version of the world (err, well, another world) and of Mormonism too. Chieko Okazaki even gets a well-deserved shoutout as a spiritual leader back on Earth.
The artwork is gorgeous, especially some full-page fight scenes—the color really pops, and the devotion to the book’s graphic influences comes through clearly. It’s greedy, but the only critique I had on the visuals is that I wish there were more of them (there are plenty). It’s also fun to see other artists do renderings of some of the great characters at the end of the book, as well as some fan art that was sent in. The ads are a highlight as well, with lots of in-jokes and nostalgic references.
Without spoiling anything, I loved the very Mormon conclusion—it’s the kind of ending that really couldn’t happen within any other theology. And similar to the original, this one has a lot of heart. There’s definitely the aforementioned action, but the story is mostly about the importance of community, faith, and love. (And great music.) For those who aren’t steeped in the Mormon tradition, this book has a nice explainer about where the characters come from, which is helpful; for those who are deeply aware of Mormon lore and cosmology, there are Easter eggs all over the place.
Finally, if you have the chance to get your hands on a collector’s edition, I’d recommend it. The ashcan comic has some cool work-in-progress art, the mixtape is fantastic, and I hope the gnolaumite crystal toy will be a great conversation starter for years to come!