For today’s review I bring you yet another piece of material hailing from Dark Horse Comics, however this time around instead of a original piece I bring you somewhat of a bridge between a popular series and it’s two segments.

Serenity : Those Left Behind is a three part science fiction comic that essentially fills in the gaps that it’s predecessor, the television show Firefly left gaping open. If you are a fan of either Firefly or the straight to film sequel, Those Left Behind is a must have. It takes place right after the end of Firefly and right before Serenity the movie.

Those Left Behind follows mercenaries, fugitives and a woman of questionable taste scouring the cosmos for an easy way to make some quick cash aboard their ship, Serenity. While this is indeed a continuation, this comic has not in the least sparked any interest for me to watch either Firefly or Serenity. The characters barely make an impression on me and the plot itself seems predictable, with twists and turns no more complex than a straight line. A short rugged line. What saves this comic is the beautiful art and panel presentation. The colors are vibrant and magnificent, detail is unparalleled and it is an overall joy to look at. I’d be better off using them as wallpaper than reading material.

What I do understands however is that due to me not being a fan of Firefly or Serenity, my appreciation of this work by Whedon is indefinitely stunted, and I believe that this will be the case for all of those that share my predicament. I frown at the lack of content for the general reader, however this is not truly intended for them as you are left asking “wait what just happened”. Those Left Behind may be a great read, I just cannot appreciate it. With already developed characters it becomes quite hard to just jump into, and the ones left behind will be you.