A bullets and bolts fly, Olissipo’s SOF and the cybernetic threat clash head-to-head in a desperate ownership assault. But can Rodrigo and co. secure the renegade android intact and expose the secrets behind her creation? From artist/writer André Lima Araújo comes this high-octane dystopian thriller that whisks the reader into the thick of a robotic skirmish and the unsettling conspiracy that lies at its heart.

If Ghost in the Shell, and Blade Runner had a lovechild, it would be Man Plus. While the atmosphere may not be as noir inspired, it is more clear with each issue what influenced Andre Araujo in this story. Honestly it wouldn’t surprise if at some point this was turned into a anime-ish show. The story has enough plot development, and action for that to work splendidly.

The art presents of mix of two things, cyberpunk and action. While the action seems to be getting more intense as the series continues, as things get more violent, and more explosive. Even the few scenes that used to grow the plot, are drawn in such a way as to not make the reader lose interest. For the most part those scenes to take place mostly in the beginning, right before the explosive action begins.

Story: André Lima Araújo Art: André Lima Araújo
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Aesthetics of the Modern Synthetic

As Olissipo’s crack police squad piece together the cause of the recent android attack, a dangerous thread of violence and corruption begins to unravel, leading from the city’s seediest ghettos, to the dizzying heights of its business district.

From artist/writer André Lima Araújo comes the riveting second chapter of this high-octane dystopian thriller that whisks the reader into the thick of a robotic skirmish and the unsettling conspiracy that lies at its heart

The more I read this, the more notice the influence of Masamune Shirow’s Ghost in the Shell. While it may not be as dark, or noir based in atmosphere, the influence is still apparent. That being said, this is a much brighter idea in terms of atmosphere. Of course, if that is a difference of mediums, remains to be seen. Even though there is a considerable surprise in this issue, that I won’t spoil.

While the story has some influence by Ghost in the Shell, the art does not. Clearly the influence is more western in origins. The early, and last part are action filled, and the action is filled with a fluid style of movement. While the middle is more of a story driven art style, as more cyborg characters are brought in. Along side with clearly unaltered counterparts.

Story: André Lima Araújo Art: André Lima Araújo
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Welcome to Olissipo City – a shimmering metropolis where technology rules with a heavy hand, cyborg strike teams are commonplace, and the lines between man and machine grow hazier every day. From artist/writer André Lima Araújo comes this high-octane dystopian thriller that whisks the reader into the thick of a robotic skirmish and the unsettling conspiracy that lies at its heart…

Mixing elements of cyber-punk, noir, and a few other elements, this comic should please anyone who is a fan of futuristic sci-fi. While it may not be traditional noir style comics, since it lacks the dark atmosphere, there is a clear influence by it. There is obviously a lot yet to be revealed about this corporate ruled world but, the issue still manages to be a thrill ride.

The art is almost as well done as the story. Compared to most traditional cyber-punk worlds, it has a much brighter atmosphere.  I will admit despite the availability of cybernetic implants the characters still look and feel human, in appearance. That contributes to the world, and the story extremely well. I’m curious to see how the characters stay grounded in a world, that is slowly becoming less and less human.

Definitely a creator and series to keep your eye on.

Story and Art: Andre Lima Araujo
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review