Psion #1 – Mind Your Environment

A Southern Cosmic Thriller from Crimson Sleeper Studios

FROM SOLICITATION:

“Meet John Lewis, a Criminology major caught in the crossfire of a corporate conspiracy. The philanthropy group, M.E.D.I.C.I., has made its way to Gibbs-Green College, and only John seems skeptical of their charity. Are his doubts justified, or should he have more faith in these benefactors? Help John and his classmates unravel the truth in this 48-page, full-color thriller.”  – from Crimson Sleeper Studios

• Writer: Mark Bandy
• Writer/Artist: Uchenna Ugbor
• Letterer: D. C. Hopkins

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #1*

PSION IS THE STORY OF US

   James is a student at a HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Jackson, Mississippi where he majors in Criminology. Not only does James excel in his classes, but he’s a young man with a mission and a chip on his shoulder. He aspires to honor and carry the legacy of his mother. But James and his friends Etta and Willie pose questions about what it takes to effect actual change for the better. Especially when an individual comes into a position of power. Then there’s the mega-conglomerate called M.E.D.I.C.I., a multi- division, multi-corporation entity that seemingly has crept their way into everyone’s everyday life.  

THE POWERS THAT BE

M.E.D.I.C.I. seems to play the part of the big bad wolf. This colossal entity with endless resources and nefarious intentions. But better yet it’s a reference to the real life Tuskegee experiments. Which is an unfortunate and dark part of our history that is not commonly known as it should be. Unsurprisingly, M.E.D.I.C.I. is pushing their products and services for free trials to volunteers in a HBCU in the south of the United States. James’ life will be directly impacted by the actions of this Mega Corporation. He will endeavor a path that takes him from the lived African-American experience to gaining cosmic awareness.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Undoubtedly, Uchenna Ugbor crafted an easy-to-follow and easy-to-digest visual story. There’s plenty of scenes with palpable emotions because of the uncomfortable conversations the characters have with each other. Moreover, when the characters of James and Etta navigate difficult yet common situations of micro-aggression or racism, the pencils from Ugbor do not shy away from the moment. Finally, do not let the vibrant coloring deceive you. Though Psion might be bright and shiny on the surface, this is a cosmic thriller. 

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

FINAL THOUGHTS

Finally, I want to highlight the writing by Mark Bandy. That is another area where Psion excels. There’s real life history poured in this fictional world that makes it all too eerie or familiar, depending on your life experience. If you’ve never heard about this history, Psion is pointing it out for you to do the leg work and learn it. But if you know this is history, it’s just a reminder of how dark life was and can be for some.

Historical accuracy and lectures aside, Psion has rich and complex characters. There’s compelling and interesting internal struggles and interpersonal conflicting ideals that make it all very much alive. Psion is one of those independent works that was made by a specifically informed life experience that transcends barriers. I highly recommend you check it out. 

If you would like to read a digital copy of Psion #1, its available in the GlobalComix platform (Link Below)

If you would like to support the crowd funding campaign for issue #2, it will be launching soon on the Kickstarter platform. CLICK HERE, to check it out.

Let us know your thoughts on Psion #1 in the comments section below: