In the hyper-technological world of the later 21st century, Mosely is a bitter old janitor on a mission from a higher power-to unleash holy Hell upon the “too big to fail” Tech Gods. It’s a future where corporate powers have used their influence and technology toe oppress society. Mosely is going to change all that with things kicking off with a bang in Mosely #1.
Written by Rob Guillory, Mosely #1 is a solid start to the series setting up an intriguing world, delivering some action and humor, and also getting readers to think. Like good science fiction, Mosely #1 delivers a story that not just entertains but examines our world. In this case, it’s technology.
Guillory kicks off the story on Marvin Mosely who is hired to teach robots. For a year he has to abandon his family living in a weird community where it’s hinted he’s to interact with robots teaching them what it’s like to be human. Fast forward years later, he’s now a janitor, his daughter works for some corporation, and it looks like artificial intelligence has taken over to enslave better humanity.
It’s hard to read Mosely #1 and not immediately think of the debates we’re currently having about artificial intelligence and automation and its impact on society. The comic is perfectly timed to capture the zeitgeist and a technology that can profoundly change society for both good and bad. Hopefully, Mosely will explore all of that more.
Sam Lotfi‘s art is fantastic. With Jean-Francois Beaulieu on color and lettering by Andrew Thomas, the comic pops in its design and look. There’s something both futuristic and familiar with the comic. It’s a future we’ve seen in other media mashed together in some ways but also original and intriguing. Lotfi’s art hints at what this world is like, filling the gaps that Guillory hasn’t dived in to and helping round out the world making it more than just a setting. Individuals in the background hint at the technology and what society has become in a way spelling out the addiction and enslavement to technology the series addresses.
Mosely #1 is a solid start delivering a familiar story but one that looks like it might dive a bit deeper into themes as well as a father/daughter relationship. It could easily focus on just the action and smashy smashy of robots, but instead the team presents a debut that has a bit more depth and shows of an intriguing world and concept readers will want to explore more.
Story: Rob Guillory Art: Sam Lotfi
Color: Jean-Francois Beaulieu Letterer: Andrew Thomas
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy
BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
