Genius #1

Genius #1

Top Cow/Image Comics
Written by Marc Bernardin & Adam Freeman
Art by Afua Richardson

 

Sometimes you look at a book and think, “I dunno”… For me, this was one of those times. I decided I’d give it a read through and see what it’s about, as I’ve already read almost everything out on the stands anyway.  What I found here was an incredibly good story that does not fit the norm and that in itself makes this worth reading.

For those who like strong female characters who are intelligent and interesting, this is right up your alley. Det. Grey has written up a psychological profile on the person he thinks will be the one to unite the various gangs of LA. As you read the issue you begin to see the fallacy in his thinking. He’s convinced it’s a man who is behind all this but in reality it’s a young woman, Destiny. Aside from that, his reasoning is sound as the plot continues to unfold. Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman have crafted an introduction to a story that is utterly fascinating.   We see throughout that she’s smart, determined and extremely gifted, not only that but she reads and understands innately the strategy of warfare.genius-insert

The writing really is inspired in this book. It totally captures the imagination and comes across so believable, almost as if it were straight out of an episode of 48 Hours. The artwork is a high rendition of cartoon animation that helps tell the story in ways you don’t expect. From the point where the gangs are united under her rule, to the all-out assault on the LAPD, everything is so in sync its mind blowing. By the time you get to the last page you cannot understand how this wasn’t ever on your radar to begin with.   While not the best thing I’ve ever read, the build-up as the story goes along makes you realize this could be greatness in the making.

 

Overall score: 8/10