PopCultHQ received a preview copy of Augmented #1 from Tenacious Comics. In stores on October 19, 2016, the creative team for this new series features writing from Bill Stoddard, artist Chris Royal, colorist Nimesh Morarji, and lettered by Meto Petkov.
Here is PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of Augmented #1…
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review: Augmented #1
In this not-too-far distant future, the Augmented Fighter League, or AFL, is the number one source of entertainment for Americans. Its brutal and violent combat draws participants from around the world, generally purchased by the rich elite, for the purpose of creating modern-day gladiator battles. Through technological enhancements, these individuals become puppets of their wealthy backers and put on a vicious display for the crazed fans.
Marshall Wylen, a wealthy benefactor, seeks the ability of Marcus Chambers, a former MMA fighter who is currently incarcerated. Wylen offers Chambers a deal: become my AFL fighter and be released from jail. Permanently. Taking him to Wylen Tech, a corporation which specializes in robotics and nanotechnology, he transforms Chambers into an even more fearsome and deadly of a fighter, one ready to annihilate all comers in the AFL.
Creator/writer Bill Stoddard has produced a fascinating narrative with exciting potential. There certainly is a lot that can be explored as we have only scratched the surface as to what the writer has in store for us.
The coloring from Nimesh Morarji is bold and vibrant. Shading, accents, and highlights are done with perfection. Chris Royal’s artwork adds to the pace of Stoddard’s story and is well-executed. Strong and intense fighters, Royal is exceptional at capturing the physique of these jacked-up athletes. Meto Petkov’s lettering is a touch different than what you see in most comics. His overlapping of text dialogue bubbles is unique, but was something I appreciated in its variation.
Overall, Augmented #1 is a solid outing for a premiere issue. I’d like to learn more of Marcus Chambers’ backstory in the next issue. I’m excited to see him in action in his very first AFL battle, as that could really give readers insight as to the level of violence imposed, and demanded by the fans and owners alike.
PopCultHQ’s Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Synopsis for Augmented:
The Augmented Fighters League, or AFL, has become the number one source of entertainment in the United States. Athletes from all over the world are sought after by rich individuals to be physically enhanced and turned into modern day gladiators. Ex-MMA fighter and current prison inmate Marcus Chambers is offered just that; a chance to fight in the AFL and escape his prison sentence through the sponsorship of tech company CEO Marshall Wylen. Bestowed with the state of the art S.P.I.N.E. apparatus, Marcus is turned into a fearsome fighter with skills beyond the likes of which the AFL has ever seen. Unfortunately for him, there is more to Wylen than he thinks…
Augmented #1 will be released on October 19th but you can pre-order a copy now directly from Tenacious Comics.
Be sure to follow the creative team!
Writer Bill Stoddard:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.stoddard.58
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/billiam_stodd
Artist Chris Royal:
- DeviantArt: http://chrisroyal.deviantart.com/
Colorist Nimesh Morarji:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nimeshmorarjiart
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nimeshmorarji
- Blog: http://nimeshmorarji.blogspot.pt/
- Tumblr: http://nimeshmorarji.tumblr.com/
Lettering Meto Petkov:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meto.petkov
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/metpetkov
- DeviantArt: http://metpetkov.deviantart.com/
