The future has grown into a decadent, overcrowded gang-ridden cesspool. If you’re not living uptown, you might as well be dead. Such is the case of Darius Smith, an artistic youth living in the hood, doing his best to avoid trouble and live life. Unfortunately, Darius has a hidden talent — he’s an explosive fighter! This makes him the target of several gangs and pits him in many brawls, landing him in the sight of the honorable Timothy Mustafa, a powerful prince. Xogenasys Vol. 1 introduces us to the future where a new gladiatorial sport provides a possibly even more brutal path for Darius.

With a concept by Johnny O’Bryant III and written by Tre McIntosh, Xogenasys Vol. 1 is an intriguing start that mixes a few different concepts. We’re given just breadcrumbs when it comes to what this future is like. The story takes place in 2069 and there’s a clear disparity between the people. Darius attempts to do the right thing but his defending himself is spun into assault by the police sending Darius down a difficult path. When in reality, Darius is attempting to defend himself, and his neighborhood, against local gangs. But, that puts him on a path to be a fighter.

There’s a lot to chew on with just that tidbit. There’s a reflection of the modern slave pipeline of the police trumping up charges to deliver new workers to those who exploit them. But, Darius exploitation still comes in the form of another path with a deal that’s too good to be believed. And likely is too good to be believed. Building wealth off of the work of certain groups, whether in prison or sports, is an idea that’s worthy of exploration and Xogenasys Vol. 1 feels like it dances around the concept.

For those that don’t want to go that deep in their entertainment, it also provides the sport itself. A MMA like entertainment, Xogenasys is a combat sport that adds in powered exoskeletons into the combat. Will Darius become a champion, living up to the potential he’s shown. For those that want to focus on that, there’s more than enough there to entertain.

With art by Nikolas Draper-Ivery, Xogenasys Vol. 1 is visually intriguing. The comic is inspired by manga with a lot of the visual queues that genre takes. There’s some moments where the art looks a little rough and unfinished but it also feels like it fits the story overall. The design of the world is nice. While it is in the future, and things are still rather shitty, the world still feels familiar. It doesn’t take the concept of the future too far, even when it comes to its exoskeleton fights. It’s almost reserved in a way.

Xogenasys Vol. 1 shows off a lot of potential in its story and its underlying themes. It’s entertaining for those who just like sports like MMA and delivers a little more under the surface. Overall, one to check out if you haven’t heard of it before.

Concept: Johnny O’Bryant III Story: Tre McIntosh Art: Nikolas Draper-Ivey
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Tokyopop provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Amazon – Bookshop