By Hiroki Endo (Titan Books)
ISBN: 978-1-84576-501-9
Following a worldwide pandemic, society has fragmented into warring factions. The Closure Virus decimated the global population, leaving religious society Propater in a position to conquer the remains of humanity. Young survivor Elijah Ballard is searching for his mother in South America when he becomes involved with a group of resistance fighters using the most modern tech and the most ancient tactics to halt Propater’s advance. Led by the ruthless Colonel Khan, the group are making their way to Cuzco City when they encounter a heavy Propater force, including a detachment of seemingly invincible cyborg Aeon Soldiers.
Starting with a pitched battle this tense volume is one long engagement that escalates into all-out war. As Kachua, an Indio girl, and the cybernetically augmented spotter Wycliffe try to make their way to safety through the ancient Inca tunnels, Propater forces run wild above them. Elijah’s devoted robot bodyguard Cherubim is the group’s only advantage but even he is outmatched in the carnage that follows.
The bigger story is largely sidelined in this volume as the all-consuming combat takes its toll on the cast. This cyber-punk, post-apocalyptic tale is by turns viciously graphic and deeply philosophical, but this book is all action as the bleak and brutal, terrifyingly savage saga moves toward a harder look at the politics of survival and the value of ideologies.
These Titan volumes are printed in Japanese format – reading from back to front and right-to-left, but don’t let that deter you. You’ll easily adjust and the minor effort is worth it. Blending beautiful drawing with breakneck action and strong characterisation, this series will appeal to fans and casual readers alike – as long as they’re over 18.
© 2007 Hiroki Endo. All Rights Reserved.