The Horizon Experiment: The Manchurian #1

The Manchurian #1 quickly establishes what should be the next great character from Pichetshote in the vein of Edison Hark. Check it out and then get on the hype train to create more buzz why we need more of this very promising title. Read Full Review

It's really difficult to manage a narrative of espionage and such in a postmodern era. No one has really managed to capture the nature of secrets in an information in a way that would transfer to the page all that well in a comic book format. The Manchurian really has a sharp opportunity to engage in that given the nature of Chinese spy tactics. The fact that he's not actually pursuing it is not necessarily a failure in execution. in the story is internally consistent, and well executed. It is, however, a failure in conception. And that's only a little disappointing given how well everything else is put together. Read Full Review

Dodson is a master at the craft of creating beautiful, visually immersive art and this issue is no different. I loved the character designs as well as the visual, romantic tone of the art. Read Full Review

An intelligent and sexy opening for this unique new espionage comic. Read Full Review

The Horizon Experiment #1: The Manchurian starts this anthology run with a compelling story of a unique spycraft set in Chinese espionage. It is a character-driven tale that uses action only when needed and shows how there are more than stereotypical spy types out there. Read Full Review

A conscientious Chinese spy struggles to knit together his fraying personal life while protecting a grieving widow from her corporate masters and his superiors in The Manchurian #1. Read Full Review

If this is an example of what we will be getting from The Horizon Experiment one-shot anthology series, then these will be comic books that comic book fans shouldn't miss out on. Read Full Review

A spy thriller with more depth, charm, and intent than you've seen in some time. Read Full Review

The Manchurian stands alone and has a fairly emotionally satisfying conclusion, but I want more of this world and to learn more about contemporary Chinese espionage. Read Full Review

derbycomics

Sep 25, 2024

For those unfamiliar, today marks the first installment of Image Comics’ The Horizon Experiment, a new initiative from the mind of creator Pornsak Pichetshote. The literal comic experiment features a series of five one-shots which will blend pop culture genres with diverse protagonists and perspectives. Each one-shot is written as a self-contained launching pad, with the possibility of a longer run for each one based on the response from readers. The first issue, The Horizon Experiment: The Manchurian #1, is a high-stakes thriller that introduces Calvin Low, a Chinese super spy inspired by Ian Fleming’s iconic James Bond character. Written by Pichetshote and illustrated by the talented duo of Terry and Rachel Dodson, this was a debut to be remembered, with the perfect blend of world building, character introductions, and a tantalizing story. What's truly impressive is how Pichetshote accomplishes two competing objectives. The issue can be enjoyed as a standalone one-shot, with a satisfying narrative arc that provides closure. Yet, Pichetshote also cleverly leaves enough threads dangling to make readers eager for more in what will hopefully be told via a future mini/limited series or ongoing. Calvin Low is an immediately captivating lead (maybe I was swayed by his shirtless introduction on page 1, hubba hubba) and the larger cast includes a wide range of characters and dynamics that leave ample room for future plot threads. The artwork by the Dodsons is a gorgeous tribute to classic Bond films with a modern style that would make Albert R. Broccoli proud. The illustrations are lavish, detailed, and dripping with intrigue, perfectly capturing the high-stakes world of espionage and counter-intelligence without having to lean too heavily on action panels. From the sleek lines of the characters' suits to the opulent settings, every panel delivers. Overall, The Horizon Experiment: The Manchurian #1 isn’t just a great comic, it’s an important one above all else. It’s the first part of a highly ambitious project that seeks to bring equity to those who’ve previously been cast as “others” in traditional American storytelling. Kudos to Image Comics for seeing Pichetshote’s vision through and I can’t wait to see what the next four stories have in store for us. more