The Tomorrows #1

by Curt Pires, Jason Copland, and Adam Metcalfe

Curt Pires is a man of intriguing concepts, having mystified readers with his comic works so far. The writer of Theremin and Fiction has re-teamed with his Pop co-creator to bring comic fans a brand new series. The trajectory and thematic through line of Pires’s work thus far indicates his interest and knack for delving into some abstract areas, blending philosophical outlook and science fiction with fast-moving storytelling. The Tomorrows first issue has elements that feel familiar, but Pires and his creative team put their own stamp on it, and have something quite exciting on their hands.

The first issue of The Tomorrows has a good bit going for it. While the story definitely feels a bit like a prologue in a lot of ways, there is much to credit after just a single issue. Pires raises the intrigue from readers immediately inside the first cover. This is also credit to the visual design of the artists. Jason Copland’s designs, coupled with the vibrancy of the color palette that Adam Metcalfe applies are rather affecting immediately. The story, early, showcases its adoption of the basis of many dystopian stories. Abruptly, readers are met with a narration and sequence of images to indicate such wide-spread control and oppression of the general population. Copland and Metcalfe shine early here however, presenting an absolutely terrifying robotic enforcing group. The static, digital display of the same smiling face on over a dozen bots as they burst through the door of an apartment make for a very uncomfortable and impressive sequence.

Despite the story featuring elements informed by previous dystopian works, the creators pack the first issue with a ton of plot. In a way, the first issue of The Tomorrows feels like an entire story arc. The possibility that it acts as a prologue makes sense in a way such that it spends its time introducing a lot about where the state of society has been and introducing the lead character as she is invited to join a team of rebels. At the same time, the first issue has enough plot in it to have filled an entire story arc. As readers move through the pages, they will likely find far more advancement from one climactic beat to the next than is usually on display in twice as many issues. Pires, with Copland and Metcalfe, use the space very efficiently throughout this first issue.

As the final pages come across, the proverbial gauntlet has certainly been thrown. Featuring a fantastic final page, the creators are not shying away from showing their card with regard to where the story is headed. Though the construction of the story is certainly that of a dystopian society, the unique elements about how this status quo has been reached, connecting it to the collection and use of personal data through the internet is clever. Pires also utilizes a number of casual mentions or background images to indicate so much history to this cause and fight.  It is incredible to get a sense of just how massive this problem is through these elements placed throughout the story. With so much having occurred already, it will be interesting to see where the next issue heads.