Self-Published 2016
Created & Written by Erik Bitmanis
Created, Lettered & Illustrated by Ross Zucco
Set in the not-so-distant future, the internet has grown to the point where people now hook themselves up to it, and live out their lives without ever having to go back to the real world.
In this online world, we’ve created a world that depicts the future we have always imagined. Massively tall buildings that scratch at clouds, flying cars, amazingly quick transport. Sounds pretty great, huh? Well, one person doesn’t think so. And that would be our hero. Sam Wyerznowski.
Well here is another great example of what self published comics can be like when the creators have talent and passion for what they do. What we have is a great premise that doesn’t seem too far fetched considering what kind of technology we have today. As a society we’re moving more toward less social interaction and more toward seclusion so I find this rather interesting.
I’m impressed with how this first issue is structured. From the opening that sets up conflict that needs resolution to the entrance of Sam the book’s hero and how he’s being asked, ever so nicely, to come back to work it flows extremely well. It has the right blend of now and backstory so that we understand what’s happened without having to have a flashback to see it. The characterisation is strong and we get a really good look at each character that appears here and that is something we don’t always get.
I like the interior artwork here. The attention to detail is pretty amazing to see and the choice to do this in black & white really makes the art pop. Seeing Sam in his boxers and the way Ross can show a “normal” anatomy was really nice to see, including that happy trail. At times it almost felt busy but the use of backgrounds here really made me appreciate what we see here more. The use of page layouts through angles and perspective are utilised really well.
This was a very easy book to get swept up in. It’s pretty fast paced and you find yourself caught up in what is going in so that when the issue ends you want to see more. The hook is there in it’s strong premise, the story structure, pacing and characterisation show me that Erik isn’t an up and coming he’s already here and ready to take the industry on, hard. Alongside Ross’ interiors this is one of those that you think wow self-published this needs a good company or a wide audience to get the word out that you need to read this.
I urge everyone to get out there find this and give it a go and let me know what you think. You can find it here, https://hardwyredcomic.com/ so do yourself a favour and support the little guys.