Musician Tom Morello might best be known for raging against machines, but in Orchid, his epic series published by Dark Horse, he’s written a story of those down and out raging against the man. This week sees the release of Orchid #12, the finale of the first epic story arc (though I’m sure, and hope, we’ll see more).

The future is destroyed by an environmental collapse that made land scarce and wiped out much of the human race. The story focuses on Orchid, a prostitute turned freedom fighter/terrorist looking to overthrow an unjust society lead by a tyrant. The series began when the Occupy Movement was still active and Morello brings his real life political activism to comics, but rarely crosses into preachy territory. In fact the comic initially suffered backlash from the left as the main character was a prostitute, an issue Morello put to rest in the press explaining how he’d handle the character among other things.

But that aspect of Orchid is a key part of her character and the series. She’s property, with the word tattooed across her chest, and lowest of the low in a world turned upside down and struggling. Much like the Occupy Movement of the time, these upstart fighters were a reflection of the 99% raging against the 1% that rule. Much like the world they live in, it’s a twisted reflection of real life and the struggle so many are fighting today. This is a post racial society where sexual orientation doesn’t seem to matter (read the series to get that one, it takes a bit), it’s focus is clearly class, patriarchy and exploitation of the masses.

But, Morello focused on what’s important, a solid story full of action and cool monsters. Sure there’s discussion of class and patriarchy and violence against women, but those themes are weaved within a plot that’s as much epic fantasy story as political parable.

Orchid and her companions are searching for General China, a powerful masked leader who last stood up for the people. Their goal is to take down the fascist dictator Tomo Wolfe. But what’s amazing isn’t just the details, but also the small details.

Those details are brought to life through the art of Scott Hepburn. This is a world twisted by environmental destruction. A world renewed where animals have evolved into new forms to survive in this new environment. On top of those crazy creatures Hepburn adds details to each character that’s mind blowing. Clothes are made from scraps, in a patchwork look, small pieces are added to people’s glasses or worn as jewelry, it all creates a lived in world whose look is as well thought out as the story.

I could say the story and the art are reasons enough to pick up this series, but each issue also comes with free music by Tom Morello.

Orchid is a comic that delivers a message that gets you to think while avoiding being preachy. That’s intelligently delivered in a beautiful package with solid and entertaining story. Do yourself a favor and get the complete series if you haven’t yet. It’s rare for a comic to make you think and entertain at the same time. This might be Tom Morello’s first foray into comics, but it’s one hell of a start. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Story: Tom Morello Art: Scott Hepburn

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review