Killtopia Volumes 1 to 5 Review

 

Killtopia Volumes 1 to 5 Review

Dave Cook (writer @Davescook), Craig Paton @CraigPaton & Clark Bint @clarkbintart (art) 

BHP Comics @BHPComics

 
Reviewed by Matt Adcock (@Cleric20)

 
Killtopia is a cyberpunk genre-defining comic book series that delivers a thrilling and visually stunning journey through a dystopian cyberpunk world where life is blighted by the ‘rot’ - a nanobot plague caused by robots. This is a near-future world - the action based around ‘Wreckers’ - humans who hunt robots (and also fight each other to the death in the celebratory ‘Wreckfest’ events. Without spoiling the plot - let me just say that Cook brings a megaton of creativity and a cool tale that takes you over the edge of your seat from start to finish.

 
Now the first set - spanning five volumes - is complete and after re-reading them I can confirm that they combine some gripping storytelling, intricate world-building, and breathtaking artwork to create an unforgettable experience that will stand as a cult classic into the future.

Volume 1: Setting the Stage

 
The first volume of Killtopia introduces a future where technology and the human condition have melded in complex ways. Dave Cook and Craig Paton immediately grab you by the eyeballs and smash you face fries into the gritty, neon-soaked streets of Killtopia, a city overrun by nanotech-infected creatures. The protagonist, Shinji, and his AI companion, Crash, embark on a quest that will shape the fate of their world. It’s a riveting start to a series filled with mystery and intrigue.

 

Volume 2: Down the rabbit hole

The world of Killtopia gets explored and the true nature of Shinji’s mission crosses with famous Wrecker Stiletto. The character development is rich, and it’s easy to get emotionally invested in the struggles and motivations of the players. The kick-ass action sequences really deliver and are not only visually captivating but also serve to drive the plot forward.

 

Volume 3: Unlikely allies as the world goes to hell

As Crash tries to stop the ‘rot’ things suddenly get a lot worse - the stakes keep escalating and here we transition from Paton to Bint on the art duties which works really well. Cook’s twisted tale adds layers and spins a compelling and detailed plot up to a fascinating point - how will this rollercoaster end?

Volume 4:Epic confrontations

Volume 4 delivers the build-up to an epic showdown, unexpected alliances, and jaw-dropping revelations move things to a fascinating endgame. The artwork continues to impress, with the cyberpunk aesthetic providing a visually striking backdrop to the unfolding drama. Throughout the series, writer Dave Cook weaves a complex narrative that delves into themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. Killtopia is not just a thrilling adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in a world dominated by AI and cybernetics.

Volume 5: In conclusion

The Killtopia trip comes to a gratifying end. This is a must-read for fans of cyberpunk and dystopian graphic novels, even if I felt the ending wasn’t quite as strong as the build-up. But overall with its compelling characters, intricate plot, and stunning artwork, this series offers a captivating journey through a future that is both haunting and enthralling. By the time you finish volume 5, you’ll be left pondering this dark tale as you wake yourself from such an immersive world.

Out of a potential 5, you have to go with a Darkmatters:

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(5 - DO NOT DENY YOURSELF THE PLEASURE OF KILLTOPIA!!)

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