An artist’s discovery. When struggling artist June is injured in a severe car accident that leaves her boyfriend in a coma, she begins to experience strange visual phenomena. Soon, she’s able to see that we are all actually living in a computer simulation. June must set out on a journey of possibility and peril into the metaphysical layers of the simulation to reach the world’s creator and save her true love from death. Beyond Real #1 takes the philosophical debate and delivers a visual treat.

Do we live in a simulation? It’s a debate that rages not just in pot filled rooms but in scientific communities and everywhere in-between. It’s a question we may never answer but Zack Kaplan with Beyond Real #1 gives us steps to discover in one woman’s journey.

Beyond Real #1 might feel like The Matrix focused on its more philosophical heart but it’s a story of loss, letting go, fate, and faith. Yes, faith. Beyond her reality, June has discovered there might be someone out there that’s determining her life. That person could save her boyfriend. And, she wants to get answers and do what she can to make things the way they were. If that’s not a journey to find “god,” I don’t know what is.

Taking us along the journey with Kaplan are Fabiana Mascolo and Toni Fejzula whose art is magical and more amazing as the comic progresses. Visually, it feels like a slide build until the rollercoaster really gets moving. They’re joined by Jordie Bellaire on color along with Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou on lettering. The visuals just become more fantastic the longer the comic goes on and it uses its concept to deliver real mind bending visuals that become otherworldly.

Beyond Real #1 is a story about discovering a higher power and then getting answer for that “divine being’s” wisdom and choices in your life. It’s delivery along with beautiful art will get you to pause long after reading and ponder your own role in the greater world and ask if there’s something out there guiding it. As part of Vault’s program where the first issue is given away to retailers, this is one to get and then make sure to order the second.

Story: Zack Kaplan Art: Fabiana Mascolo, Toni Fejzula
Color: Jordie Bellaire, Toni Fejzula Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Vault Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Kindle