Cryptocracy #1 Review

Story & Art by: Van Jenson & Pete Woods
Lettering by: Nate Piekos of Blambot
Published by: Dark Horse Comics

 

There is a world within our world, one unseen and unknown about to those outside of the knowledge of the 9 circles. Where true power resides, where reality is shaped and where only the very pinnacle of the elite can exist. Our world is only really a thin veneer, beneath the surface is an entirely different structure of governance than the one presented to humanity itself. One replete with the Greys and other delights. Cryptocracy lends heavily from conspiracy theories – with a ‘men in black’ aspect here, aliens on the payroll, and a global shadow government. Jenson & Woods successfully blend these various aspects together into a coherent narrative, one that encompasses the themes of the book, while maintaining a decent level of entertainment value for the reader. The characters come across well, with motivations, personality conflict, ego, all deftly applied, along with some nice nuanced touches – all is definitely not as it seems.

Cryptocracy#1Int

The art on the book is very good, from the catastrophic explosion of the opening segment to the moments of high drama to the exquisite Greys. There is a nice blend of visuals throughout the book which is an excellent quality to have. There isn’t a mundane or dull page from start to stop, just a very solid piece of work.
Van Jenson and Pete Woods have come together and put together a very appealing, both in terms of the story and the visuals, story. The shadow government concept isn’t new or original, but in Cryptocracy it is handled nicely. There isn’t a downside to this book, the characters are interesting, the action is effective, the plot and pacing feel very professionally done. With the culmination of the issue, you definitely feel the need for the story to continue. It is as if the book is really galloping along and the issue closes, leaving you with a real desire to see what happens next. The appetite is well and truly at fever pitch, which is the hallmarks of a really well told story.