Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Narcopolis: Continuum #1 of 4
Releases 12/9/15
Heavy Metal
Duvall, Singh & Chapuis
"Narcopolis: Continuum" is every bit the sci-fi thriller that the pitch for the comic book promises. However, the initial issue also provides quite an interesting mystery and looks to have some crazy developments in store for the reader in the coming issues. Backed up with some interesting characters and stellar artwork, the read is a very good one. This is definitely a comic book to check out and a mini-series to keep your eye on if you enjoy a fast paced comic, some science fiction or just a good ole time traveling story.
The comic introduces the reader to the character, Ben. Ben creates drugs in a world where drugs are legal. However, his drive is also to learn what happened to his father by creating a time traveling drug.
Ben figures out a way to time travel and it appears he gets in a little over his head. The comic book does have moments that are reminiscent of "Back To The Future" except they are more dramatic and have a very different hook to them, as seen by the issue's end. The cliffhanger is a very good one.
The comic is based on the UK film, but that knowledge doesn't appear to be essential. This first issue introduces the main characters and builds the world just enough to drop the plot in there. The comic moves at a nice pace and doesn't get bogged down too deep into the science. There are moments where some of the characters seem to reference names and events that cause some minor confusion but when the plot unfolds at the end it seems like things will fall into place as the next couple of issues drop.
The artwork is fantastic. None of the comic has moments that are trippy or super-natural looking. The artwork presents a very realistic setting that has some subtleties that make it look futuristic but nothing over the top. The artwork plays off of the character's emotions well as the facial expressions and the drama come across perfectly in the details on the panels. The artwork definitely delivers a thriller.
"Narcopolis: Continuum" is a four-issue mini-series based on the UK sci-fi thriller. The comic book covers the science fiction and thriller aspects very well with the first issue, but it also provides a good mystery. The lead character, Ben, is a drug maker that wants to determine what happened to his father, so he creates a time travel drug. Ben finds some things he probably wasn't expecting as the ending presents more questions than answers for Ben. The comic has a good pace and introduces the plot and characters in a natural way. The artwork provides a dramatic and realistic story that enhances the read. I recommend checking this comic book out whether you've seen the film or not. This comic is a compelling and fascinating read. Check it out.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
