Forsaken

[F!]

Details here (http://www.forsaken.defuser.net/).
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How much am I digging this book? The answer is a lot.

Issue #3 hit the stands a few weeks ago, #4 is due out soon. #1 and #2 are sold out at Diamond, but track them down if you can. I'd say it's worth it.

What we have here is a genuine sci-fi/noir potboiler. All the usual themes are here - crime, political intrigue, haunted past, loyalty/betrayal - but the future setting and the uncommon treatment of the relationship between humans and aliens in this fictional society push this above many similar concepts. The closest comparisons I would make would be Blade Runner or maybe The Fifth Element. Things definitely gather pace by #3, and from the flash-forward intro in #1, it looks like this first arc is set to conclude in a not-altogether happy ending.

The highlight of the book for me is the art. I'm getting the same kind of vibe from Kristian Donaldson's work that I got from Cory's on the first issues of Invincible - solid storytelling, great sense of design, and a totally fresh style. Expect to see a lot of imitators in the future. There's also a selection of Donaldson's character designs on show and plenty of guest pin-ups to ogle.

The only crit I have is down to the few annoying typos in the lettering, but that really is the worst thing I can say about this book.

Recommended. 8/10

[BenitoCereno]

I dig Forsaken a lot. My main problem is it needs a proofreader like a car needs gasoline.

[Vargas Prime]

Coming in a bit late on this one, but I just recently got my hands on (and read) issue 3.

I gotta say, I'm really enjoying this book. Something about it just exudes "cyberpunk" more than most other books that have tried to do the same theme in recent years. The story is solid, so far, and I really want to see what's next. Although according to the Image boards, Forsaken looks to be on the chopping block, so I'm not sure how much of "next" I'll get to see.

The art is spot on for the book, as well, and the storytelling is pretty damn good. My only complaint art-wise so far is one background shot in issue 3. There was a panel where in the background, these huge, Times Square type monitors were visible, and on one of the monitors, a picture of John Kerry was recognizable. Just a minor gripe, and it's probably just me, but little details like that can detract from the atmosphere of the book.

I do agree with Benito about the proofreading thing... I've noticed many a spelling and/or grammatical error that I've wanted to grab a pen and fix, but again, a minor detail that probably wouldn't bother most people.

All in all, I picked up the first 2 issues on a whim, and wound up pleasantly surprised at what I found. I look forward to hopefully seeing more of Carmen, Kristian, and Nick in the future, even if it's not on Forsaken.

[F!]

Forsaken definitely deserves more exposure. The critical acclaim the book has received has unfortunately not translated to sales.

I understand it hasn't exactly been cancelled, though. We should see it wrapped up with #6, which was to be the conclusion of the first arc. After that, it'll be on hiatus. Hopefully we'll get a trade out of it (with corrections, natch) and some positive buzz from that could justify a return further down the line.

[Mase]

That's too bad, because I relly enjoy this book. Kristian is kicking all types of ass with the art. Its the most successful mix of tones and colors that I've seen yet. Visually, its sooo damn original.

[F!]

Well, it seems Forsaken has now been officially cancelled, with #3 being the last issue to ship. Which is a damn shame. Not only will it deprive us of a complete story, but sadly, it'll probably never see the light of day again in any other form; the pulling of the plug seems to be down to creative differences, rather than poor sales.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing new work from both Kristian (http://kristian.defuser.net/) and Carmen (http://www.carmentreffiletti.com/) very soon.

[Carter]

I liked the preview art for this a lot, but I never got a chance to pick it up. I don't guess there'll be a trade, either. Ah well.