Following an impressive showing at NYCC 2018, newcomer Impact Theory Comics’ Neon Future is poised to make the leap to a local comics shop near you. A recently announced deal with Diamond will see a wide distribution of the sci-fi epic Neon Future #1 on March 28th. In anticipation of this release, we’ve taken this opportunity to highlight our previous review of issue #1 and interviews with writers Jim Krueger and Tom Bilyeu.
Neon Future takes place roughly thirty years from now, depicting a future economy decimated by the widespread automation of production and services. In response to social and political upheaval, the U.S. government enacts Article 10, or “The Return.” This heavy handed legislation aims to rectifying the mass displacement of human workers by outlawing advanced technology and biotech enhancement.
Developed in association with DJ Steve Aoki by ITC co-founder Tom Bilyeu and veteran writer Jim Krueger, the dystopian series focuses on the ongoing conflict between the “Augmented,” a persecuted minority population enhanced through technology, and the Authentic, the fervent majority that eschews any biotech integration. Nowhere is this schism more apparent than the nationally televised “Return America” broadcast, featuring the hunting and capture of Augmented fugitives in real time. The show is hosted by Authentic movement poster boy Clay Campbell and openly plays off the pervasive bigotry depicted toward the Augmented in the U.S.
Issue #1 also introduces the titular Augmented resistance group Neon Future, headed by cryptic sage Kita Sovee (Steve Aoki). Labeled a terrorist organization by anti-Augmented fascists, the group openly opposes systemic oppression of the Augmented across the country. Kita’s aim is to reverse the phobic narrative around augmentation and eventually attain lasting peace. Despite espousing a hopeful vision of a future in harmony with technology, he remains acutely pragmatic on the nature of this conflict and the necessity of direct action.
Having secured the remains of Authentic icon Campbell following a fatal accident, Neon Future resuscitates him hoping that their former adversary will become an ally against the increasingly authoritarian regime. The life saving technologies surgically implanted in the anti-Augmented stalwart are now not only the key to his survival, but also his rise as a champion for those he once persecuted. In Neon Future the ITC team sought to craft a action packed and thought provoking exploration of unchecked power, phobic tribalism, and the limitless potential of the human spirit and ingenuity.
Neon Future is currently available for pre-order with an FOC of January 24 and expected release date of March 28.
Christian Davenport
cable201@comicattack.net
