Cosmic Times 2015
Designers & Storyline Developers: Topi Koivisto & Tapio Miettinen
Storyline Writer Tapio Miettinen
Production: Topi Koivisto, Tapio Miettinen & Jukka Planman
There really is something about this series that I find so captivating. This level of computer generated interior artwork is seriously amazing. I get that these folks are also in the gaming industry and that Void of Heroes is a game so it’s only natural that the level of imagery we see is this so far advanced.
There’s something special about what we’re getting here. As the story progresses we see and learn more about what we’ve seen the first issue. Though I have to admit there’s something lyrical about the narration here as we experience the thought process and realization of waking up for a long slumber. When we see the statue bathed in light surrounded by the dirt whirling in the air and talk of a civilisation long past it’s really kind of oddly stunning.
Then when we see the wreckage and it’s repurposed into useable armour for him. There’s all kinds of retro imagery going on here and it’s kind of awesome and cool to see here and how it’s being put to use. The writing here crosses the line between A.I. and human in ways that really just boggle the imagination. Between seeing a tank and dead skeletal man in body armour it confuses things more than I would have thought possible. I mean there’s a humanity in the writing and narration that skews the boundaries of what we think of as a sentient being.
Finally we’re seeing more of this world, the buildings and such from a perspective looming above looking down and then of course there’s all the rubble as well. I can’t get over just how well this is being presented. When the Red in what appears to be helmet comes it’s like an alien attacking. The words are hypnotic, well crafted in a way to take you this place where you shouldn’t exist almost as if at the end of time. Alone, lost and adrift with one voice of reason left around you trying to find their way it’s really that enveloping.
The way this issue ends is pretty damn spectacular. It’s like when you finally realize your purpose and place in the world and someone tries to tell you to conform to standards you don’t agree with. That is the feeling, the emotional output I got from this story and it also goes a long way to letting us know why this one will be pursued and why we’re going to see all the action of the shoot em up variety as the story goes onward. A story without meaning, drive or purpose leaves you empty here however we’re left with a desire to see this one succeed and be that singularity.
As far as comics based on video games go I think this one is stellar. This is the kind of investment you want to have with a character when reading a comic. This is unique, fascinating and extremely well told through words and pictures and will take you on a journey. I highly recommend you take it.