The winner of Top Cow’s Pilot Season makes its triumphant return to print! What if the greatest military mind of our generation was born to a people who are already supremely conditioned to wage war, who know nothing but violence since birth, and must continually adapt to new predators in order to survive? What if the second coming of Alexander the Great, of Genghis Khan, of Napoleon, of Patton…what if it was a teenaged girl from South Central, L.A. named Destiny? And what if she decides to secede three blocks of the ‘Hood from the Union? Who is going to take it back from her and her army of gangbangers? Who CAN?

Genius #1 is an action-packed tale of a city that declares war on a brilliant young woman pushed to the edge. With a story by Adam Freeman and Marc Bernardin and art by Afua Richardson, I first read this issue back in 2010 as part of Top Cow First Look. Back then I said the story was “original,” the art was “great” and I “wanted more and more.” Luckily, four years later I finally get a chance to get more, since this series will be released weekly.

The first issue is solid, with an amazing set-up. We not only learn about Destiny and her rise to power, but what she’s doing now to create her kingdom. On the flip-side is the police who don’t know what they’re up against. There’s that interesting aspect that we know more than they do.

But overall, the issue (and series as a whole) just has a great premise, what if gangs got their act together behind a real leader and wanted to do more than control their corner to sell drugs. This is a premise I’ve thought about before, so to see a comic take that idea and run with it is great.

The solid story also includes solid art that gives every individual a unique look and feel. There’s no cookie cutter stuff here, and the style as a whole is one I like.

Overall, I liked the issue when I read it four years ago, and I still like it. While the price has increased a bit as a single issue, it’s still well worth picking up and checking out some new talent.

Story: Adam Freeman, Marc Bernardin Art: Afua Richardson
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review