Potential spoilers for Origins #1 ahead!
Origins, a new six-issue mini-series from Lee Krieger, as well as director Joseph Oxford; it was written by Clay McLeod Chapman (Scream: Curse of Carnage), with art by Jakub Rebelka (Namesake) and colors by Patricio Delpeche (Fissure). The first issue is in stores now.
Boom Studios has distinguished themselves over the past few years with a number of AI running the planet.
The first issue is the epitome of “show, don’t tell.” There is no explanation for the tragedy that fell on humanity, nor why Chloe thinks David will lead to a rebirth for humanity. The exposition is kept to a minimum, and this makes for an intriguing story that compels the reader to read forward. For instance, Chloe and David are foraging for food and when David finds some ripe looking fruit, he picks it, but it quickly dissolves into a mass of black, stringy goo. Readers do not know what it was or what effect it would have had on David - but it was not going to be good, judging from Chloe’s reaction.
The book’s creators all come from the world of film and television, and it is not too difficult to see Origins translated to a prestige television show; indeed, its science fiction setting and style of storytelling recall television classics such as Lost or The Prisoner. The creative team brings the filmmaker's vision to life, creating a world that is our own but still not.
While post-apocalyptic stories are a dime a dozen today, Origins pulls out of the pack with its intriguing premise and dynamic art. The book poses a number of compelling mysteries, prime among them how exactly David will save humanity and what happened to humans in the first place. Hopefully these mysteries will be resolved by issue six, and if the first issue is any indication, the payoff will be worth it.
