Mezo: Rise of the Tzalekuhl

by Tyler Chin-Tanner, Justin Zimmerman (Editor), Joseph Phillip Illidge (Editor)

The rise of the Tzalekuhl Empire threatens to disrupt the peace that has lasted for generations across the land of Mezo. When the conquest begins, a young girl named Kyma witnesses the death of her father, Hegol, a tribal leader who refused to yield. As the solar eclipse nears, Kyma must unite the various tribes against an emperor determined to make them all kneel before his god or be sacrificed in his name.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2020

Reviews

[Jessica Strider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros: good artwork, interesting set-up, interesting characters

Cons:

Still angry that as child refugees they received no aid from their neighbours, the now adult Children of Tzalekuhl go to war determined to make the Huax’kin submit to their rule - or wipe them out.

This is a fantasy graphic novel inspired by Mesoamerican history and mythology, in particular that of the Maya and Aztecs.

I loved the artwork and how the various tribes look distinctly different, with their own hairstyles, clothing and adornments (jewelry, piercings, body art), weaponry, etc.

This is an opening act, so there’s mostly some character introductions, set-up for the various conflicts, and some background on how the various groups ended up where they are. It starts with a battle, so that’s not to say there’s no action. I found the different protagonists compelling. I felt conflicted about Roden, who seemed like a decent guy doing things to protect his family and home. But some of those things are kind of horrible when seen from the other side.

I was curious how much of the story was based on actual history (if any) and so was overjoyed the author included a ‘historical notes’ section at the end going over this, including a few book recommendations for those wishing to learn more.

This is an era of history that isn’t often used for fantasy storytelling so I found it fascinating and would love to read more.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Mezo Vol. 1: Rise of the Tzalekuhl' with story by Tyler Chin Tanner with art by Josh Zingerman and Val Rodrigues is a graphic novel set in Mesoamerica, which made it an unusual and interesting setting.

The story is about two tribes fighting each other, and the back story that led to this. On one side is a young girl who witnesses the death of her father. She grows up knowing she must unite the tribes or worse things will happen.

The story is interesting, but I got a bit confused along the way. The art throughout is pretty fantastic. I really liked the setting, and I appreciated being able to tell the tribes apart while I was reading. It's obvious that some thought went in to the look and presentation. The book ends with some history and further reading.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from A Wave Blue World in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art is striking. The characters do seem interesting. But on the whole I feel lost in this build up toward what exactly? There seem to be a lot of interwoven threads but I am at a loss as to weave them together fully. Perhaps sequels will do this but this narrative simply doesn't compel me to read onwards.

[Ευθυμία Δεσποτάκη · Rating 4 out of 5]

Χαριτωμένο, αλλά κάτι του λείπει. Δε με ενθουσίασε η απεικόνιση της Μητέρας.