Review by Frank Plowright

Castle Swimmer introduces a gorgeously realised undersea world, and begins with the birth of Little Mer. No sooner has he emerged than he’s told by a disembodied voice that he has a part to play in many prophecies believed by assorted societies. The voice may refer to him as Little Mer, but to other denizens of the undersea world he’s the Beacon, due to his brightness, and they’ve awaited him for centuries, one society believing he’s to bless their community with healing flowers.

It seems every undersea community has a prophecy concerning the Beacon, and the one occupying most of this volume concerns a cursed society whose prophecy concerns good for all if their prince kills the Beacon. It’s Prince Siren in place when the Beacon finally turns up, at which point Castle Swimmer takes an unexpected turn.

Via the Beacon’s presence and so many prophecies, what Wendy Martin appears to be setting up is a succession of tales concerning those prophecies. That’s the case, but there’s a clever subversion simultaneously hanging some tension over proceedings. However, it’s at the cost of closing down a world of possible imaginative fantasy adventure to concentrate on more human drama, despite the undersea setting.

The scenery is richly rendered by Martin, largely in tones of blue, yet giving an impressive and contrasting set of locations despite the limitation. Her characters are equally impressive, very expressive with their sadness on display as no-one is happy with their situation.

Because the art is so seductive it takes a long time to realise Castle Swimmer swims around in circles without ever going anywhere. By page 35 Martin has set up two contrasting prophecies, and the Beacon, or Kappa as he later reveals himself to be named, has swum into a situation. By page 200 there’s been one hell of a lot of conversation, but the situation is essentially the same. We’ve been over and over and over Prince Siren’s doubts, during which a little has been learned about his society, and a yearning gay love story has been hinted at, but never fully developed.

Martin’s art takes Castle Swimmer a long way, but anyone who wants a story will be hoping she picks up the pace for Volume Two.