KILLTOPIA #1, from BHP Comics on 4/21/21, follows amateur wrecker Shinji when he encounters a mech that has achieved sentience, a talent that could save the world.
The Details
- Written by: Dave Cook
- Art by: Craig Paton
- Colors by: Craig Paton, Ludwig Olimba
- Letters by: Robin Jones
- Cover art by: Craig Paton
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: April 21, 2021
Is KILLTOPIA #1 Good?
Dave Cook’s dystopia satire about a future ravaged by mechs, disease, and the general collapse of society may just be the cyberpunk comic you’re looking for. KILLTOPIA #1 displays caustic wit, humorous violence, and an intriguing quest plot if you can get past the dialog-heavy pacing.
Cook’s script centers on Shinji, an amateur wrecker who hunts mechs for scrap to afford life-saving medication for his sister. Most humans have succumbed to a nano-tech virus ravaging their bodies after inhaling the byproduct of mech farming. Now, Shinji encounters a mech that’s sentient, can speak mech and human, and may be able to stop the spread of the virus… if the mech doesn’t get captured by privateers first.
To be clear, the satirical elements of this comic do not reflect the main tone that comes across. For the most part, Cook plays it straight with occasional jokes peppered throughout. You could make the case that the outlandish wrecker costumes and over-the-top personalities create an ever-present atmosphere of humor, but as far as gags go, the jokes come second to Shinji’s quest.
What’s great about KILLTOPIA #1? Cook should be commended for the detailed, immersive world- and character-building on display in this first issue. The broken-down future Cook envisions feels fully realized and lived-in, which makes getting into the outlandish elements of the story easier.
Also, kudos to Cook for taking the road less traveled by starting off with a premise that feels like a Running Man knockoff, but quickly surprises you with a different kind of story.
What’s not so great about KILLTOPIA #1? On the downside, this is a dialog-heavy issue, which makes the overall pacing and energy flat. It would be unfair to say this first issue is boring because there are a few bright spots, but we caught our minds wandering more than once because there’s so little dramatic tension or excitement.
How’s the art? Craig Paton’s art is exceptional. There’s definitely a Euro-2000AD vibe that comes across in Paton’s style, and you’ll marvel at the exceptional amount of detail in every panel. There are some panels that overflow with tiny jokes, references, Easter Eggs, and oddities that have nothing to do with the foreground characters, which adds to the lived-in feel.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s KILLTOPIA #1 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a brief prologue about Killtopia, one of the few remaining urban sectors after a great catastrophe. Wreckers have arisen to eradicate the scourge of mechs that create toxic nano-viruses considered lethal to humans. To keep the masses entertained, top-tier wreckers participate in wreck-fest to hunt each other instead of mechs for the chance at huge cash prizes and amenities.
Shinji, an amateur wrecker, makes small mech kills for salvage to buy the medication his sister needs to fight off the nano-virus infection. During a typical hunt, Shenji encounters a humanoid mech who can think and speak. Recognizing that a mech who can speak and think might have the ability to deactivate the nano-virus, Shinji quickly forms an alliance with the mech. Unfortunately, competing forces are interested in the mech for selfish gain.
We conclude the issue with help from an ally, torture, and a deal with the devil.
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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KILLTOPIA #1 imagines a violent, tech-obsessed future where mechs are the source of disease, and the hunters who kill them are treated like celebrities. Cook’s world-building is impressive, and the plot is unique, but the dialog-heavy pacing and lack of emotional punch dampen the energy.
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