Publisher: Valiant
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Clayton Crain
Release Date: 30th April 2014

The first murder Japan has seen in 1000 years has fairly shaken up the many sectors of the country filling city. The ‘Raddies’, a rebel group who hate all things electrical, have escalated their anti-electrical activities and it’s up to Rai to find out what the hell is going on in this nice little opener.

The painted art is damn good and impressively shows you a city that’s built as high as it is far. The rain soaked streets of this sprawling Japanese city has a lot in common with Blade Runner’s L.A. It’s a visual treat packed with weird and wonderful beings within a city boasting just as much character. Settings don’t get much grander than this and I hope to see every inch of it.

Much of the exposition is provided by younger character which is an interesting choice. She speaks about the opinions of others being too young to fully understand it all herself and thinks of Rai as some kind of awesome myth. It is very economical and by the end of this first issue we are very well grounded but it does tell a lot more than it shows.

Rai (or perhaps this version of him) looks to be an interesting character; he’s already conflicted and recognises the tricky challenges ahead. Even for someone this powerful, you get the feeling the situation is dangerously running away from him. Peace time is over and it’ll be a compelling ride to watch Rai try and drag it back.

Rating: 4/5.

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The writer of this piece was: James McQueen
You can also find James on Twitter.