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Comic Title: Neon Future #1
Publisher: Impact Theory Comics
Story: Tom Bilyeu, Jim Krueger
Pencils: Neil Edwards, Jheremy Raapack
Inks: Keith Champagne
Colors: Abraham Lee
Letters: Clem Robins
Covers: Jheremy Raapack, Neil Edwards, Kim Jung Gi, Mau Lencinas

While the title may refer to an ideal future, blinding and replete with untapped potential, the book itself doesn’t paint such a lofty vision as a reality by any means. In this dystopian America humanity is starkly divided between the Authentic and the Augmented. The advent of human augmentation devastated the economy by catastrophically exacerbating unemployment rates. In response, a new and aggressive authoritarian administration prohibited new augmentations and began to incarcerate the Augmented.

These events are not so far removed, philosophically,  from the current state of political discourse and the team behind this first IP from newcomer Impact Theory Comics isn’t pulling any punches around social commentary. Neon Future tackles so much in the first issue, and yet nothing feels hurried or truncated. The socio-economic paradigm shift that our thirst for advancement requires is often overlooked in fiction in favor of high action and bravado. Here the societal impact is absolutely integral to character motivation and the central conflict. The first issue centers around the abduction of protagonist Clay Campbell, icon of anti-Augmented sentiment and star of the nationally televised Return America broadcast.

Clay is dead; killed in a catastrophic vehicle crash. The ambulance carrying his body is intercepted by terrorist group Neon Future as it rushes from the scene. Their destination is a clandestine medical facility where Neon Future will give Clay the gift of a second chance, but not without cost. From now on he will suffer the plight of those he has sought to imprison and kill. The augmentations that will prolong his life can also grant him unimaginable power. With his newfound abilities Clay can assert his will on the world to an unprecedented degree. However, he also experiences an irrevocable expansion of perspective, immediately elucidating the empathy, humility, and humanity he stands to gain as an outcast.

Ultimately, it seems that the real test for Clay will be discerning which is more valuable, and more empowering in his quest forward. His internal conflict, and the recognition of his contribution to the oppression suffered by the Augmented, are well articulated and effectively render an initially detestable character very relatable. The story development from Jim Krueger and Tom Bilyeu is profoundly engaging in that we are drawn into Clay’s growth early and organically. Likewise, the philosophical schism illustrated between calculating Neon Future leader Kita and the militant Mars is palpable. Judging from some of the more intense later scenes, their divergence is reflective of a wholly warranted rage.

The art from Neil Edwards and Jheremy Raapack is absolutely gorgeous. The tonal transitions are deftly executed and the emotive character work is evocative. Environments are superbly detailed and distinct with clarity of design and motion seemingly of paramount import. The titular neon is taken quite literally in terms of palette, but that vibrancy is  hardly detrimental to the aesthetic. If science fiction is your thing, Neon Future is certainly worthy of your attention.

Check out our interviews with writers Tom Bilyeu and Jim Kruger
Neon Future is available now @ https://comics.impacttheory.com/

Christian Davenport
Cable201@comicattack.net