Sci-Fi Comedy “Ancestral Recall” Preserves Black History – Comic Book Preview

AHOY Comics will be releasing Ancestral Recall issue 1 next week, come August 6, 2025. From writer Jordan Clark, the upcoming comic book is a sci-fi comedy about an eccentric abstract painter capable of tapping into Black History.

With Clark writing the new historical science fiction comedy, the title features artist Atagun Ilhan on the visuals. The narrative follows Melvin Warring, a famed abstract painter who was well-known for his groundbreaking work back in the 80s. Currently, he’s living a reclusive life in East Oakland with his wife and manager named June. However, a fateful day gets Melvin displaced from time itself.

Also part of the cast is Myran Kang, Melvin and June’s next-door neighbor, who has noticed several disappearances. The missing include a handful of unhoused people, residents at her grandmother’s nursing home, and more. Myran knows there’s something bigger happening, but no one is interested in listening to her until June disappears, too. Of course, that has Melvin and Myran working together to uncover a dangerous mystery.

Along the way, readers will get to witness Melvin’s ability to tap into the power of Black History when under duress. The folks Melvin connects with let him use their knowledge and abilities throughout time. From musicians, writers, fighters, and more, the narrative portrays Black History as a superpower. It’s also an interesting way to encourage readers to read more about the historical figures mentioned.

Here’s a preview!

Ancestral Recall will consist of five issues. Cover A is by Atagun Ilhan. Cover B is by Khary Randolph.

“As Black history is literally being erased all around us, ANCESTRAL RECALL feels like an urgent call to not just preserve it but celebrate the links between our past, present, and future,” shared writer Jordan Clark. “Melvin’s journey takes readers through time and space and introduces them to figures who are rarely seen in history books, such as Jean-Louis Michel, the greatest swordsman of the 17th century, and Cheryl Linn Glass, the first Black woman race car driver. The series is my love letter to those who paved the way and hopefully an affirmation for us here in the now.”

According to series editor Sarah Litt, Ancestral Recall can be described as one part Everything Everywhere All At Once and one part Don Quixote.

As someone who received a digital review copy of the upcoming debut issue, I skimmed through it yesterday. I do like the artstyle and the worldbuilding (Myran has a cute animatronic panda pet). It’s also nice to see a story with an older lead character. Of course, I Googled the historical figures that came to Melvin’s aid.

I do plan on reading it properly. However, the point I’m trying to make is that even though I just skimmed through the pages, the storytelling was still engrossing enough for me to look forward to the second issue.

Are you interested in picking up Ancestral Recall?

Let us know.

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(via Press Release)

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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