High Level #1
Recap
Hundreds of years after the world ended and human society was rebuilt from scratch, a self-interested smuggler is forced to traverse a new continent of danger and mystery to deliver a child messiah to High Level, a mythical city at the top of the world from which no one has ever returned. Don’t miss the start of a new series from writer Rob Sheridan, co-creator of Nine Inch Nails’ groundbreaking Year Zero alternate-reality game!
Review
A wonderful mix of Mad Max and Children of Men set in a stunning punk apocalyptic wasteland as we follow a girl on a mission to High Level, a utopian city that no one has ever returned from.
The story follows a woman named Thirteen as she does what she can to make a living in a destroyed world. At times the story feels a little cliche, touching on several elements common among post apocalyptic stories but it is presented in a way that makes much of it feel fresh and entertaining. Being the first issue, I feel this series will become more original and exciting in the coming issues.
The art for this issue was outstanding; from the great line work and eye-catching colors to the character designs which are a splendid mix of cyberpunk styles done with the tattered clothes and salvaged equipment one might expect from a future after the fall of civilization. The landscapes are wide, barren, and desolate but are filled with lively characters that look like they walked right out of the future.
This issue felt a little slow but I feel that may just be because it’s taking it’s time to set up something big. This series has potential to become a very interesting story that raises some important questions.
Final Thoughts
A somewhat slow issue that sets up what should be a fascinating and insightful story.
High Level #1: The City in the Sky
- Writing - 8.5/108.5/10
- Storyline - 7.5/107.5/10
- Art - 9.5/109.5/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10
