Reviewed by: Brian Titus - Producer/Co-Host of The Not So Cool Kids Podcast
River Comics is an independent publisher that recently released the first issue of a three part series called BarCode: Catalyst. A historically charged and colorful melding of science fiction meets thriller. The story follows the journey of a scientist named Dr. Arvind Verma during World War II, as he discovers a strange blue rock formation that spins his world on it's head. The military "powers that be" strong-arm him into working with the government, separating him from his beloved wife Julia.
A quick read but satisfying, BarCode: Catalyst issue one sets up a story set in a tumultuous period of world history but blends an engaging mystery with the introduction of a glowing blue mineral that appears to have a deadly purpose. Straight out of the classified files of World War II, the idea is unique and isolating as it is set in the backdrop of four small islands in the Pacific Ocean. While only being the first issue, it is clear that these characters' moralities will be colliding and clashing with each other throughout the continuation of the series, making for a interesting dynamic. The illustrations are a blend of what appears to be sourced images paired with a Walking Dead style of illustration. That being said, each page pops with various color palettes that make the art very eye-pleasing. I'm looking forward to the building of character developments throughout the next issues but overall would recommend BarCode: Catalyst to readers. That being said, I can only hope the full girth and meat of the story is yet to come.
Author: J. M. Thakar, Illustrated by: Jackie Diaz
The first issue of BarCode: Catalyst by River Comics is available for $1.99 on Amazon Kindle eBooks, Nook eBooks, iBookstore, and directly at their website.
Let us know what you thought of our review and what you thought of BarCode: Catalyst issue 1 by sending us a message at notsocoolkidspodcast@gmail.com
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