Join The Future #1 Review

Writer: Zack Kaplan

Artist: Piotr Kowalski

Rating: 7 of 8

Join The Future #1

It can be hard to change. Sometimes, you just want to stay where and as you are, instead of making a change to how you live. But sometimes, change can be all too inviting - even if it means compromising who you are. That's a conflict Mayor William and his people, especially his kids, have to confront.

While his son Owen wants them to start using more advanced weaponry and technology, William doesn't want him or his daughter to compromise, to bargain away their values. I think he wants them to lead a principled life, despite it's difficulty, though I'm not sure if that's what his son wants. Right now, I'm not sure what his daughter Clementine wants, but maybe that'll be made clear in future issues.

Reading the issue, I couldn't help but feel the promise of a megacity eliminating disease, crime and poverty was too good to be true. I felt there had to be a catch somewhere - and I feel like I was proven right.

Kowalski delivers some really good art; like earlier in the issue, when Clem's gotta deal with an attacking wolf. There's a palpable sense of fear across her face, though I feel he could've shown more ferocity in it's eyes. I've also gotta compliment Kaplan and Kowalski for a brief moment where we see Clem stop to look at the megacity, while her brother and father walk on. It says a lot without any dialogue, which is a great skill to have.

Later in the issue, their town's visited by a man trying to convince them to move to a megacity. Even though he's trying to sell the idea of a better place to them, he's flanked by two armed guards, indicating a lack of trust of the people he's talking to, or a more sinister intent. At the end of the scene, even his face radiates a sinister aura. 

Overall, a really promising debut, with some interesting ideas and intriguing conflict. The stage has been set for a compelling series, with a lot of questions to answer and a really thrilling cliffhanger that'll be great to see followed up. I heartily recommend it.