Torchbearer 1-5

Prometheus, Inc.: for hundreds of years, they’ve served as a shining example of how corporations can bring peace and prosperity to even the farthest reaches of the galaxy.  But it’s all been a front. They’ve been amassing power and resources, biding their time to take over.  And the time is now.  Torchbearer is a science fiction epic that combines corporate espionage with science fiction and focuses on the individuals inside the resistance movement The Torchbearers and the actions they take to stop Prometheus before it’s too late.

Before I start, I should of course warn you that although this is a batch review, the title is still ongoing.  Normally I try to refrain from tossing out a single piece to the audience unless it’s a complete collection, but exceptions are bound to be made.  This is one I feel is worth providing feedback on with a collective review.  With that being said, let us move on to my experience with the first five issues of Torchbearer.

As a whole, the issues I’ve had a chance to read thus far did a pretty good job of introducing us to this futuristic tale of espionage set in a world full of far out technology.  The major players on the battlefield are Prometheus and The Torchbearers.  The former is the megacorp trying to get their hands into everything they possibly can while trying to mask it as a philanthropic movement.  The latter is the underground resistance, doing whatever they can in an effort to stop the evil corporation by any means necessary.  Like any good espionage story, it’s got your double agents, your months of planning, daring escapes, along with all the treats a good scifi story includes.

I will have to admit, that the story did not grab me as much as I wanted to within the starting issue.  At least, it didn’t within the first part of the book.  By the end though, things just started to get interesting enough to leave you thirsting for the next issue.  Although it didn’t grip me in the first issue like you’d hope, as you move further into the series, things do really get good.  Leaving off at issue number five, I am involved enough to desire for more.

Across all five issues, the artwork stayed at a consistently good level in both illustration and coloring.  Stories like this set in such a futuristic setting need to be full of bright and vibrant eye candy.  The explosions, the impossible technology, even just how things glow, they need that certain feel.  This I can report was definitely attained in the great combination of line and color work.

Despite what I may have said about my slight lack of enthusiasm for the first issue, after reading the four which follow, it was worth getting past.  It’s got a great story that’s been set in motion, along with some very nice art to complement.  I believe issue six is available, so I would definitely say to go grab 1-5 soon before it gets too deep into the series.

For more on Torchbearer, check out Odd Truth Inc.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.