With FAB, StoryWorlds Media continues to establish itself as a top-notch name in science fiction comics with an electrifying tale of big tech, intrigue, clones and identity crises. With the aptly titled story "Pandora," FAB goes in-depth about the consequences of innovation, the dangers of unchecked technology and the power of human memory as a tool for self-acceptance.
The story begins with tough-talking veteran Marcia Clay and her close run-in with a rogue mutated experiment. When she awakens in the hospital, a government agent inexplicably clad in a bald eagle mask recruits her to track down the leader of the tech company Ouroboros, tied to the eponymous fabs - clones fabricated from a mysterious 3D printer leaked on the black market. In doing so, Marcia and her partner Mig uncover malicious tech startups, government conspiracies and sentient AI with intentions beyond comprehension.
Right off the bat, it's clear that the world of FAB is seriously off-kilter. From the harsh palette of reds and purples to an uncomfortably close-up grotesque pig snout and the aforementioned eagle-head government agent, it's clear that this book will wade into some delightfully strange territory. As the story unfolds to reveal a world and setting that is surprisingly grounded in reality, the various twists and turns involving mutants, clones and government conspiracy become all the more shocking and compelling.
The main premise of FAB revolves around the eponymous invention introduced, short for "Fabrication," used to clone bodies, recreate objects and bring imaginary concepts to life. Of course, this seemingly utopian invention has a dark side. The topic of the unchecked power of "big tech" and the concept of Fab, which bears a striking resemblance to the 3D printing tech of today, is relevant as it is compelling. The clones -- or "fabs" -- in this story are usually empty vessels or animalistic in behavior. But as the plot continues, there are some that have full personalities, emotions and memories; even some computer programs are shown to have agendas and human identities of their own.
Fab wears its influences on its sleeve. Much of the plot, its focus on clones, and its setting are reminiscent of the original 1982 Blade Runner. Even the wise-cracking protagonist Marcia has a lot in common with Harrison Ford's interpretation of Deckard.
Despite the dark premise, FAB features a limited but vibrant color palette. Artist Stefano Simeone combines rough, loose line art with skewed perspective and strong cinematic angles rendered in purples, reds and blues, with occasional flashes of orange and turquoise. The limited but consistent colors serve the story well, reminiscent of classic science fiction films of the 1970s and '80s and their use of neon, making for a read that is as beautiful as it is disturbing, another visual nod to its influences.
Happily, FAB has an identity of its own that's rooted in today and the state of modern technology and innovation that's never too on the nose. Writer Ramzee blends political conspiracy drama, science fiction and thriller with rapid-fire, naturalistic dialogue. The story is fast-paced to the point of dizzying, with twists and turns and tense, suspense akin to a Hitchcock film. While the plot is serious, it never crumbles under the weight of its own intensity. There's some levity to be had in FAB. Marcia is wonderfully witty and quick with her dialogue. When she is with somebody -- whether with her partner Mig, her mysterious eagle-headed employer or even an evil twin -- she always has something to say, and it's usually pretty funny.
Despite the high stakes, shifty characters, and catastrophic premise, FAB comes across less as dystopian and more speculative. The subtext is a careful critique of big tech, social media and the effect of casual technology use on society. But the story of FAB is human at its core. Behind the blood, guts and pixels, Marcia's story is one of self-acceptance, reconciliation and self-realization. There are moments where her vulnerability is front and center, giving the audience someone not only to admire but to relate to as well.
This is not a read for the faint of heart. Between mutated bodies, impromptu clone orgies, government conspiracies and a plot chock full of nonstop twists and turns, FAB #1 is decidedly best suited for older audiences. But for fans of science fiction and comic readers in need of a thrilling fast-paced story, the first issue of Fab is a worthy read and an excellent introduction to StoryWorlds' repertoire.
