Compass from Image Comics brings Indiana Jones adventure to 13th century Britain. This new mini-series promises to deliver Indiana Jones-style adventure, but with a heroine at the forefront. Shahidah El-Amin may give Lara Croft a run for her money.
Image Comics has had several hit series, from The Walking Dead to Invincible and Spawn to Saga. They have done series about apocalyptic horror, superheroes, and fantasy settings. Now, the company will bring readers an “Indiana Jones-esque story” that will take their new heroine from Baghdad to Britain.
According to a press release from Image Comics, Compass is an upcoming five-issue mini-series that will tell the story of Shahidah El-Amin. She shares a lot of things in common with Indiana Jones besides just a love of adventure. This series is written by Greg Rucka, Robert Mackenzie, and Dave Walker with art by Justin Greenwood. The summary reads as follows:
In Compass, readers meet Shahidah El-Amin, a main character who is many things: scholar, cartographer, astronomer, mathematician, scientist, explorer, adventurer, and—when need be—two-fisted fighter. Setting out from Baghdad’s legendary House of Wisdom during the Islamic Golden Age, Shahi’s quest brings her to 13th-century Britain…where the Welsh are whispered to possess the secret of eternal life. But Shahi’s not the only one after it…
Like Indiana Jones, Shahi is a very talented, multidisciplinary individual. She knows science, astronomy, and mathematics while understanding maps and being handy with her fists. She is a scholar, so there is a high chance she will also share an academic background similar to that of Dr. Jones. She is from Baghdad and travels to Britain during Medieval times – a time when women aren’t valued or respected in the same way they are now or would be in later centuries, particularly in scholarly disciplines. Shahi likely has a hard time ahead of her as she uncovers not only historic mysteries, but also faces social limitations.
The press release includes some creative thoughts from the team behind the series, who want to tell a story that isn’t based on colonialism and exploitation. Compass hopes to be a teen series that will provide a classic adventure story in a new way, from a new perspective. Shahi will be exploring in a time before Indiana Jones. Despite their differences, if this series is as enjoyable as the creative team hopes it will be, Indiana Jones and Shahi may be parallels of one another through time. Shahi will have the opportunity to inspire readers in a similar way to Indiana Jones. The next generation of scholars and adventure seekers will have a new story to enjoy, along with all the adventure fans already out there. Both Shahi and Indy are intelligent characters who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Compass will be released on June 16, 2021.
