Sky Doll

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Sky Doll #1 cover.
Sky Doll #1 cover.

Sky Doll is a series of comic books by Alessandro Barbucci and Barbara Canepa, who also collaborated on W.I.T.C.H. and Monster Allergy. Sky Doll distinguishes itself from these two works by its more "adult" content and a departure from pure fantasy to a more science-fiction aesthetic. Religion and science fiction, as well as the power of the mass media, are important themes of the story. So far there are three volumes with a fourth in development, as well as a sketchbook published by Carlsen Comics. Currently, none of the volumes have been officially released in English, although Heavy Metal magazine released a summer issue in 2006 that reprinted the first three volumes in English.

In May 2008 Marvel Comics, in collaboration with Soleil Productions, will be publishing the series in English[1].

Text in this article is supplemented by the German and Italian Wikipedia articles on the same subject.

Contents

[edit] Story

The action is set in a fictitious parallel universe, in which the papcies of Agape (representing spiritual love) and Lodovica (Ludovica, or Ludowika, depending on the language, and representing sexual love) fall into a conflict, resulting in the banishment of Agape and the creation of a dystopia in which both spiritual and sexual freedoms have been perverted. With Agape's followers labeled as heretics, Lodovica rules the galaxy through extensive control of the mass media, using "miracles" to impress the fanatical populace. The main character is Noa, a so-called Sky Doll: A life-like android without rights, resembling a young female, who exists only to serve the state's desires. Noa meets two "missionaries", and with their help escapes from its tyrannical master. Unknown to Lodovica, it accompanies the thoughtful, naive Roy and distrustful Jahu on their interstellar mission to uproot the growing "heretic" religion on the planet Aqua, which soon develops into something much more. Eventually, mysterious powers seem to suggest Noa is more than just an ordinary robot.

[edit] Characters

[edit] Protagonists

  • Noa : A Sky Doll with a mysterious destiny who seems to have some connection with the banned Agape. Unlike the other mechanized dolls, she possesses an oscillating personality and powers yet to be discovered. She has no problems making friends with Roy, but seems to have a bit more trouble with Jahu.
  • Roy : A young idealist and papal emissary. At first beginning the mission with enthusiasm, the trials of their journey may transform him into a cynical and rebellious individual.
  • Jahu : Long-time servant of the Lodovic system, Jahu has a history of ambition, despite his demonstration of humanity by admitting his betrayal to Roy.

[edit] Religious Figures

  • Lodovica : The power-mad ruler who strives to keep the faith of the populace through any means possible, whether by creating the illusion of divine power or by distracting them with the erotica of the Sky Dolls.
  • Agape : The representation of spiritual love, whose very memory Lodovica seeks to erase forever.
  • the Miracolatore (the spirit of miracles) : The genius behind the miracles of Lodovica, which are in reality little more than a television show for an impressionable audience. All the bishops and high priests are convinced he exists only to glorify their leader, but in reality he is a fervent supporter of Agape and waits for the day when Agape's rebels will come out of the underground and overthrow the government.
  • Gaia : The spiritual leader of a population consisting entirely of the female sex, the denizens of the Aqua planet. She is the foundation of a religion that is expanding at high velocity all over the galaxy (allusions are drawn to Scientology) and presents a threat to Lodovica's authority. Lodovica sends Roy and Jahu (with Noa secretly in tow) to Aqua to destroy the Sacred Fish, source of life for the Aquarians, and thus putting a stop to the dangerous heresy.

[edit] Others

  • Frida Decibel : Celebrity television personality, host of a talk show on channel TriniTeevee (play on the words Trinity , trinità, and TV ) and official mouthpiece of the Church of Lodovica. Her show is actually a subversive tool in which a good part of the staff is comprised of "heretics", to whom she gives sanctuary without fear of being caught- Her show is, after all, all for the glory of Lodovica.
  • Eliantho : A "scropo", or a fictional animal race present in the world of Sky Doll. The scropi are small, hairy quadrupeds with large noses. Eliantho, Noa's domesticated pet, sacrifices itself to a laster blast intended for Roy and Jahu. Through unknown means, Noa is able to resurrect it.

[edit] Themes

The depiction of the interaction between religion and power is described quite cynically. The miracles which are achieved by the Pope Lodovica are in reality produced by illusion or during television transmission, and do not depict the power-hungry leader as she really is. The aquatic religion is in reality an esoteric New Age chain store/spa, which is out to sell their products under the guise of bringing welfare through its profits.

The sexuality of the comic is another recurring motif. The erotic nature of the character designs and depiction of female bodies are generously represented; this is expressed conversely in details such as the Sacred Fish character in volume two.

[edit] Art Styles

The look of the comic is influenced by various art and architectural styles. For example, the buildings and clothing on the Lodovica's world resemble the Baroque period, while the ornamentation on planet Aqua is reminiscent of 60's and 70's psychedelia.

[edit] Volumes

  • Volume 1: The Yellow City
  • Volume 2: Aqua
  • Volume 3: The White City
  • Volume 4: Sudra (currently in the works)
  • Volume 0: Doll's Factory (a "making-of" sketchbook volume)

[edit] External links