Invisible Republic Vol 1 Review: Secrets of The Fallen Regime

Review by Daniel Schwartz

Contributing Guest Reviewer

Publisher: Image Comics

Writers: Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko

Illustrator: Gabriel Hardman

Colors: Jordan Boyd

What if man could travel through the stars? Could we leave our differences and our political strife behind us, or would our humanity follow us?

Invisible Republic takes a look at a colony of living humans living on an unforgiving moon called Avalon. Told through a reporter’s findings and a series of flashbacks, the story unfolds as the journalist discovers documentation about the early life of a recently deposed leader. Written by a mysterious woman named Maia, the papers tell the tale of Arthur McBride’s rise from slavery to lunar leader. As the intrepid reporter delves deeper into McBride’s secret past and attempts to find Maia, he must also escape the deadly reach of those who wish to keep his discoveries hidden.

Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko do an amazing job merging the sci-fi and political thriller genres together in this book. As the futuristic story develops, the familiar tale of a downtrodden people rising against their oppressive government emerges with McBride serving as the lightning rod for this revolution. The writers not only make the characters and the story interesting within the sci-fi backdrop, but they tell a tale that would be interesting in any setting.

Taking on a full slate by sharing the writing and the penciling duties, Gabriel Hardman is able to brilliantly illustrate a story that highlights a technologically advanced future and the political strife that occurs within the narrative. With a drawing style that fleshes out the characters and brings the future setting to life, Hardman provides stunning visuals that capture the story perfectly.

Overall, Hardman and Bechko tell a very compelling story about human nature, politics, and the future that has amazing visuals and a stunning backdrop that leaves readers wanting more.

Rating: 5 out of 5. Tell your friends about this one!