HYPER AWARE (ONE-SHOT), from Source Point Press on October 19, 2022, examines what happens when the crew of a damaged spaceship, drifting in space, has to wrestle with repairs and a contentious love triangle.
The Details
- Written by: Jonathan Hedrick
- Art by: Debora Lancianese
- Colors by: Debora Lancianese
- Letters by: Debora Lancianese
- Cover art by: Debora Lancianese
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: October 19, 2022
Is It Good?
Well, now. It’s not often we’re surprised by an original concept that grabs our attention, so hats off to Jonathan Hedrick for a distinctly original premise in HYPER AWARE (ONE-SHOT). Based solely on the premise this issue is a winner.
The plot centers around a damaged spaceship and its three-person crew struggling to make repairs and find a way home while contending with a love triangle gone sour. This issue may be set in space, but the heart of the story revolves around emotional turmoil and what the “injured” parties will or won’t do for the greater good.
To be clear, the issue isn’t exclusively a romance drama as the issue kicks off with danger and space action to set the stage. The plan to get home is risky and involves sacrifice, but hats off to Hendrick again for throwing a twist in the works for a gut-punch ending. The dialog sounds natural, the plan is justified given the circumstances, and the twist ending will catch you by surprise.
The down point of the issue is the inconclusive ending. The ending is clear, but it’s not so much an ending as it is a “What now?” If this truly remains a one-shot, Source Point Press dropped the ball by not commissioning a part two. As it is now, the shock ending is a point of frustration without follow-up.
Lancianese deserves just as much credit for a stellar (no pun intended) job on all art duties. The characters have distinctive designs, the panel layouts and compositions are excellent, the coloring is outstanding, and the lettering is flawless.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a spaceship under assault by a meteor shower that threatens to rip the ship apart. Ordering a desperate move, Commander Granger orders the ship to launch into hyperspace to escape.
Later, Specialist Jones allows his resentment of Cdr. Granger to bubble to the surface with a right hook to the jaw. Jones resents Granger’s reckless move that stranded the ship in the middle of nowhere, and he resents Granger for “stealing” Officer Roya away from him. A complicated love triangle is now much worse as the three crew members must work together to survive.
With the help of the ship’s AI, Algernon, Jones devises a rescue plan involving a long sleep for two while the third stays awake to make repairs. We conclude the issue with simulation results, a volunteer, and deep sleep.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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HYPER AWARE (ONE-SHOT) is a banger of a one-shot that sets the stage for a painful, personal drama set in an impossible space mission. The character work is excellent, the plot sets up the twist ending beautifully, and the art is fantastic.
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