I read Matz and Jacamons The Killer and was mesmerized by that stylish French-Noir-in-a-comic, so it was a no brainer to pick up Cyclops. In the foreword, Matz cites Starship Troopers and Blade Runner as influences, stating “I like the way these two movies smoothly throw us into a world apparently different than ours, but not that much of you take a closer look. They then use that world to deliver a message about ourselves and the world in which we live today.” Mission accomplished, sir.
The year is 2054, The U.N. is now outsourcing it’s military mission and Multicorps Security, Inc. has won the first contract. Our hero, Doug Pistoia, a golden boy and former teen soccer star with youth teams in Milan is now married and desperate for work. He accepts a position as a soldier with Multicorps, who broadcast the action worldwide through the microcam-equipped helmets the soldiers wear. Thus the name, Cyclops. He distinguishes himself on the battlefield and the ratings soar. Not only is Doug promoted to Captain, the powers-that-be create a whole new series called “A Hero’s Life” that will film every aspect of his life, not just in battle. For example, he even has endorsement deals and clauses that require him to drink to only drink a specific brand of beer and vodka. Naturally, things aren’t what they seem and Doug becomes increasingly skeptical that playing the game and following their orders is the right thing to do.
“In war, truth is the first casualty”- Aeschylus
I really enjoyed this book, the artwork is slick and brooding, creating a terrific futureworld and Matz can really write an absorbing take on media, war and consumerism.
