Title: Cognetic
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artists: Eryk Donovan
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Release Date: 21 October 2015

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This is a cracking read. Right from “You know these things are supposed to be smart” all the way to the last line of the notes at the end where the James Tynion IV invites us in. “Welcome to the end of the world, I hope you enjoy the ride.”
I couldn’t help thinking of John Carpenter’s ‘Prince of Darkness’ when I read this. Although it’s a very different animal, the one thing that they both have in common is they start with the mundane and build a palpable sense of foreboding as they progress. Nothing is sinister and then it is. It’s all about the escalation, baby, and escalate this does. I don’t think we are anywhere near the snow encrusted pinnacle of where this story is going to go.

The story moves cleverly between two building tensions. The Big Bad’s introduction and escalation, then our protagonist Annie’s mundane start to the day. Then the juxtaposition between the two moving seamlessly to the inevitable meeting in the final panel. Artist Eryk Donavan brilliantly portrays Annie’s dread as she begins to understand the nature of what is happening, and her inability to keep loved ones from becoming entangled. Then the determination she shows as she keeps moving forward. I have said brilliant, haven’t I?

James Tynion IV has done a very good job of sucking me into this drama. He appears to have the knack of creating characters that appear grounded in reality even though the situation they find themselves in is unreal. The interaction between Annie and her boss is an excellent portrayal of an individual relationship that I’m sure more than one of you could relate to.

I have to say, his final panel revelation was superb (no skipping to the end now, ya hear?) and it really does make me want the next issue now. Hmm, is this how a hive mind works?

Scores on the doors? What the hell 5/5. I hope 2 and 3 are as good.

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The writer of this piece was: John Wallace

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