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“The Last of Us” meets “Blade Runner” in BOOM! Studios latest Sci-Fi thriller. In Bloom #1 by writer Michael Conrad, art by John J. Pearson & Lola Bonato and letters by Pat Brosseau.
Previewed in Hello Darkness
Earlier this year, BOOM! Studios launched an anthology series titled “Hello Darkness”. Inside issue #4 there was an 8-page preview for “In Bloom #1“. I laid my eyes all over those eight pages in wonder. I couldn’t wait for the full launch of the series. Any fan of “The Last of Us” I.P. should jump on this. A world where people’s bodies have been undertaken by a fungus of some sort. Yes, give us more of that.
However, that was all the similarities I could find. The most significant difference in this take, is that it isn’t another zombie apocalypse story. No end of the world. Nor there was a threat of human extinction. Presumably speaking, at one point humanity started to develope fungus in their bodies with no warning. But society as a whole adjusted and carried on. This was the new way of life. Most people welcomed it with open arms. While others, a small minority, did not buy any explinations given for the change. This was what the preview shared, more or less.
*SPOILERS FOR IN BLOOM #1*
The Blooming
In this world, the people have evolved with the help of fungus, bacteria, and other elements from mother nature. This major event in history was dubbed the Blooming. The ones who go through the change are called bloomers. Likewise, the people who protest this change are called anti-bloomers. Granted the Antis were a small minority in comparison with rest of the world who welcomed the change. At first, the world came together and bonded over the Blooming, wars stopped, crime was down. It was a new dawn for civilization. But eventually complications arose with the new way of life.
Recycling for the Future
An interesting development in this world, was the creation of the Upcycler. Where deceased become fertilizer. This way the plant base parts of the fallen can be reused. Surely a creative way to dispose of people’s remains. In fact, I thought it was a brillant concept. However, there’s a macabre twist to the Upcycler. The goverment has stated there’s a problem of over population. So, now is legal to recycle the living. Of course, it’s not just legal but highly encouranged. For example, old and sick people are welcomed. Furthermore, they are treated as heroes. And yet, the leading character thinks it’s all too convenient.
Murder on the rise
Finally, Detective Cole Spears is the leading character in this issue. Prior to joining the police force, Spears was a soldier. Matter of fact, he is a veteran from the last war before the Blooming happened. Detective Spears is one of the few people around who hasn’t bloomed yet. Hence the distant demanor and agnostic attitude from the Detective. When the series starts, Detective Spears and his partner Detective Pollack, found the thirteenth murder victim.
Killing of the Bloom
Although Blooming became the thing to do, there are those who recent it. Case in point, Detective Spears believed there is a connection to all 13 murders. Without a single clue as to who or why, there’s no doubt this is an active serial killer on the loose. It’s up to Detective Spears to solve this crime. Despite his neutral stance on Blooming.
How about the art?
John J. Pearson and Lola Bonato have a seriousness to their style that draws you into the story. While there’s some elements to photo realism, its still able to pull the key sci-fi elements that make this world. Quite frankly, it feels like reading the pages of someone’s nightmares. When you look at the panels with the white duck tape edges, it makes you wonder if that’s by design. To illustrate that lies hold this world together like duck tape.
I give this issue an 8 out of 10
Of course I don’t spoil everything in this review. Because I believe there’s scenes worth leaving alone. So the readers can be shocked just as I was. I would’ve preffered my focus stayed in the murder mystery alone. At least for the begining. Regardless of my petty objection, this is quite the story and quite a world. Makes you wonder about the people who create this sort of works. If this is what they bring to life, what are the horrors that don’t make the cut?
