Archaia/Boom Studios 2015
Created by Alyssa Milano
Written by Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Illustrated by Marcus To
Coloured by Ian Herring & Becka Kenzie
I have to say with the world changing so rapidly and computer technology what it is modern day hackers have more power than ever before. It’s obvious that Government organizations don’t have the people with the same computer skills that these hackers have and the threat that they will take matters into their own hands to make the world a better place, in their own way, is increasingly real. At what point do you cross the line from freedom fighter to homegrown terrorist?
As we open we see a countdown with several people who seem to be those that are involved in this organization .sve..urs3lf. It’s an illuminating look at people disillusioned with life and the circumstances that have led them to become that way. Along with one very heartfelt statement of sincerity for having them in her life and working alongside them. It’s some great characterization and it does wonders to get the reader to feel sympathy for her to a degree but you have to wonder what is she really hoping to accomplish here?
After the explosive start after that narration we switch gears again and we see Nate and Jess talking and she finally believes what he was telling her. Day late and a dollar short and all that business but hey live and learn. Still Nate is now more fired up than ever to stop this group and using his old friend to do it seems the only logical way. After all he gave them the means to be reactionary he just never thought they’d use his work to kill and that’s got him all kinds of messed up in the head.
Ironically the government thinks of them as cyberterrorists and if you ask majority of the average American’s they’ll be split about how they feel. One the one hand our nation has a growing disparity between the rich and the poor with the gap widening constantly so taking action against those who refuse to help others well that isn’t always seen as a bad thing.
That we come full circle back to the young woman who ran the attack and seeing her day to day life is pretty remarkable. I mean sure she works on a hotline, tries to do right legally and helps out at a soup kitchen all the while she can’t help herself when sees injustice to do something morally questionable. Almost a modern day Robin Hood with a hell of a skill set. She cares about those around her and isn’t afraid seemingly of anyone and it makes her both admired and feared. After all with this much confidence it’s likely that she’ll fall that much harder.
The way this story is unfolding shows me so much talent, and that it makes Mr. Robot seem like a pale comparison. With such strong characters and an all too close to home reality behind it this is the kind of thing we expect to make headlines. It’s also a reason we’re drawn to it the way we are. Well that and with To’s just incredible work on the interiors. He is an amazing artist and how he can bring people to life through their faces, body language and backgrounds it’s truly a pleasure to see how he envisions this world.