Connect with us
Self/Made #1 Review

Comic Books

Self/Made #1 Review

What happens when you diverge from your defined role in the world?

[amazon_link asins=’B07HYKV6KV’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0891e6cd-f686-11e8-a119-516b22834697′]

The world as we know it is getting ever closer to being 100% online. Virtual reality allows us to experience video games in a more realistic way, we’re already interacting on the internet more than in real life, and living an alternate life online is incredibly common. It’s why so many stories like Self/Made are less fantasy and more of a foreshadowing of things to come.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

Introducing a new creative team everyone will be talking about–superstar talent writer MAT GROOM and artist EDUARDO FERIGATO. When chaos besieges the kingdom of Arcadia, warrior Amala Citlali sees it as her chance to escape her clearly-defined role–and to change her destiny. But she could never have predicted that it would also be her chance to confront her God. In his debut editorial role, comics veteran KYLE HIGGINS guides this intimate, worlds-spanning story of self-discovery.

Why does this matter?

Do you like fantasy and sci-fi? How about a gut-punching twist in your storytelling? What about Westworld interested in that? If any of these things are of interest to you read this book.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Self/Made #1 Review

So this dude means serious business.
Credit: Image Comics

This is a tricky series to review since the first 18 pages are all a bait and switch. Just saying that is going to spoil things for readers, but it’s impossible to talk about the main conceit of the series without giving some of it away. The book opens in a fantasy world where a wizard of sorts wants to end everything. The main character is a soldier who doesn’t agree with the tactics of war but fights anyway. Enter the prince who is a pompous egomaniac who thinks he knows better. It’s not until midway through that things get weird. The prince and other characters are killed. The story then restarts things before their death and the story carries on. This all leads to a logical explanation, but for the life of me, I did not see it coming. That was one of the joys of reading this issue since it hid its bigger purpose.

This is a story that plays around with the idea that programs may be sentient and alive. They may appear to be code, but do they actually exist? If an A.I. thinks, is it not alive? This is a concept I’m sure this series will explore further and it is wrapped into a video game plot that is intriguing.

The art by Ferigato is very good at capturing the wide sweeping fantasy world. There is definitely some Lord of the Rings inspiration afoot. Amala is a strong character who you’ll root for in part because of how Ferigato draws her. She’s sure of herself, smart on her feet, and relatable.

Self/Made #1 Review

You’ll like Amala.
Credit: Image Comics

It can’t be perfect can it?

[amazon_link asins=’1534312277′ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a207c9a7-f686-11e8-a5a6-19111d5e9056′]

The underlying premise of this story has certainly been done in other forms before. Westworld comes to mind as the closest to the plot of this story here. I don’t know if you can truly dock something for not being entirely original, but as it stands the story laid out here is done well enough, and different enough, to be its own thing.

Is it good?

A good start to a sci-fi fantasy series that is one to watch. Westworld fans are going to love this. The first issue knocks your socks off with a twist you won’t see coming.

Self/Made #1 Review
Self/Made #1
Is it good?
A good start to a sci-fi fantasy series that is one to watch. Westworld fans are going to love this. The first issue knocks your socks off with a twist you won't see coming.
A very cleverly written first issue that keeps you on your toes
Interesting underlying premise
Mixes fantasy and sci-fi
The underlying premise isn't exactly original
8.5
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke' X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke'

X-Men Monday #241 – Steve Foxe Talks ‘X-Men ’97,’ ‘Dead X-Men,’ and ‘X-Men: Blood Hunt – Psylocke’

Comic Books

Films to check out at SXSW Films to check out at SXSW

Films to check out at SXSW

Movies

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup