Last year on Comic Con's Preview Night, Dark Horse Comics announced a trio of new books. Word was out that Tom Morello was going to be writing one of them.
As I stood shoulder to shoulder with John and Stephe, we heard Morello announce
Orchid and describe his main character as "the Spartacus of hookers."
At least that the way I remember it.
I also remember being intrigued by the idea of Morello writing a comic.
As it turns out, my curiousity was well placed.
Orchid is described as follows:
When the seas rose, genetic codes were smashed. Human settlements are ringed by a dense wilderness from which ferocious new animal species prey on the helpless. The high ground belongs to the rich and powerful that overlook swampland shantytowns from their fortress-like cities. Iron-fisted rule ensures order and allows the wealthy to harvest the poor as slaves.
Volume 1 collects the first four issues of
Orchid and does what any good origin story does. It presents Orchid's particular dystopian future. It introduces us to the players. It puts the story in motion. Pretty basic stuff.
Given Morello's political leanings, the causes of the world's collapse shouldn't come as a surprise. Neither should the issues of class and wealth that are at the heart of Orchid's struggle.
While
Volume 1 is only four issues long, it does a really nice job of moving the story along once the premise is established. We see several characters evolve, setting the stage for the future of the series.
And, then there's the mask of General China.
Seemingly of mystical origin and sinister effect,its exact purpose has yet to be revealed, but its a tremendous image and I look forward to seeing how it is used.
Overall, I was pleased with
Orchid Volume 1. If you haven't been reading the title all along, it will serve as a great jumping on point for new readers.
Volume 2 is scheduled for a December 2012 release so catch up now and see how the struggle progresses.
As a special bonus, each issue comes with a musical score from Tom Morello. The score can be downloaded from
NightwatchmanMusic.com.
Orchid Volume 1 will go on sale July 11.
You can pre-order it right here.