Psy-Comm

 

By Jason Henderson, Tony Salvaggio & Shane Granger (Tokyopop)
ISBN: 1-59816-269-1

This punchy science fiction manga from a US creative team deals with much-loved traditional themes and concepts as a future war tests attractive yet socially accessible young heroes in a crucible of hi-tech ordinance, combat mecha (robotic suits of armour) and deadly psychic abilities.

Both sides in the war – business corporations, rather than countries – use young Psychic Commandos not just as frontline weapons but also as telegenic marketing tools, beaming their exploits into the living rooms of their customer-bases, turning the conflict into the ultimate reality-TV show.

Against this backdrop Precognitive Mark Leit’s personal tragedy unfolds. Obsessed with the loss of his comrade Raven six years previously, he becomes derailed by the resemblance of enemy Psy-Comm Snow Lucente, whilst on a mission. Amidst the carnage he captures her, and deserts the field. Now he is on the run with an unwilling enemy hostage, and pursued by his partner, the psychotic telekinetic David Jerold, who has taken his abandonment as a personal betrayal.

This is standard adventure fare, well-crafted, unchallenging and uncomplicated. If you like this sort of story you’ll like this story, although you ought to be aware that the book ends on a cliffhanger. You might want to pick up volume 2 at the same time. I wish I had.

© 2005 Granger/Henderson/Salvaggio and Tokyopop Inc. All Rights Reserved.