Esteemed Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski takes a fascinating approach to post-apocalyptic sci-fi in his new 4-issue comic book series Synthetics.
Published by Dark Horse Comics, Synthetics is written by J. Michael Straczynski with art from Tony Parker (Mass Effect: Foundation), colours from Carrie Strachan and letters from Steve Dutro. The series takes place on a dying Earth, where dead zones are ever-expanding and humanity is fast moving towards impending doom. Humans take two paths, either vent their anger against futures lost, or get lost in the immersive cyber-void, living in ignorant bliss. There’s only one way mankind can prevail: the development of a new kind of human, fit to survive the hostile new Earth.
In issue #1, Straczynski delivers with all the sci-fi excellence and craftsmanship he’s known for. It’s a comic that makes you think; it will come at you from different angles. It leans heavily on existential stakes: human extinction, synthetic life, and moral grey areas. He presents a very realistic take on not only synthetic beings, but how humanity would respond to their creation. Unlike so many other sci-fi stories, they’re not easily implemented into society — the story offers layered narrative. There’s protests and apprehensions about synthetics.
Issue #1 is very much a setup, not much else. It builds broad scope and foundation, but the story itself has yet to fire. The characters haven’t taken the forefront yet, and the issue lacks an emotional core as a consequence, but as the story’s engine kicks in, I expect that to change.
Synthetics #1 delivers magnificent world building, exploring the moral and ethical impacts of synthetic beings. It raises philosophical questions that feel increasingly important to ask, especially in this day and age where technological advancements are happening at a breakneck pace. It focuses on heavily on exposition, slightly to the detriment of developing its characters, but after a big cliffhanger, it’ll leave you fully invested and eager to see how the narrative evolves.
