Review: ‘Masterminds’ #1 is a Game-Changer
Writer Zack Kaplan is becoming synonymous with sci-fi/cyberpunk thrillers, including the recent Kill All Immortals and Beyond Real, so Masterminds immediately piqued my attention. Masterminds #1, out this week from Dark Horse Comics, is a gripping start to what promises to be another heart-pounding series. Zack Kaplan's script is razor-sharp, crafting a world that's uncomfortably familiar.
The story introduces us to Edward Hale, a talented but struggling video game programmer who's desperate to escape his dead-end job. When he's rejected by his idol for a dream job, he's tempted to join a mysterious organization (think a more sinister MENSA for those seeking power and prestige), but at a deadly cost. It’s not so hard to imagine this possible future where corporate greed becomes even worse than it is today and workers' salaries become so untenable it becomes impossible for the average person to get by without having to resort to something so extreme.
The book has a dark, Squid Game-esque vibe, with a dash of Ex Machina's psychological complexity and Exquisite Corpses’ voyueristic competition. Kaplan's exploration of ambition and power is commentary on our own times, grounding the book in realistic concepts beyond the hyperbolic activities depicted in the book.
The visual team, led by artist Stephen Thompson and colorist Thiago Rocha, bring this dystopian world to life with a cinematic quality that's fully immersive. Several scenes are established with wider panels to great effect and the realistic rendering of the world adds to the sense of unease, making it feel all too plausible. As the stakes escalate, the color palette grows increasingly ominous, hinting at the brutal trials that lie ahead.
With Masterminds #1, Zack Kaplan and team have given us an unsettling thriller that's hard to put down. As the first issue sets the stage for a deadly game of cat and mouse, I'm already hooked. If you're a fan of sci-fi, cyberpunk, or just great storytelling, Masterminds is a series you won't want to miss. I'm eager to see where this series goes from here and how this game plays out!
Rating: 4.5/5
Creative Team:
Writer: Zack Kaplan
Artist: Stephen Thompson
Colors: Thiago Rocha
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
