Psy-Comm

Reviewed by Angie Quidim
April 3, 2006

Authors: Jason Henderson, Tony Salvaggio Artist: Shane Granger Publisher: Tokyopop Website: Click Here Rating: 7 out of 10

“In the not-too-distant future, sovereign nations have been replaced by corporate city-states. War is entertainment—scheduled, televised and rated. It is the new opiate for the masses and its stars are the elite Psychic Commandos. Trained from an early age, these gifted Psy-Comms have honed their various special abilities to lethal perfection. Though equal parts soldier and celebrity, they are little more than servants, shackled to the wills of their masters and the fickle whims of the fans. In the corp-state of Electromedia, no star shines brighter than that of young Mark Leit. Using a psychic ability known as "capillarity," Mark can predict the near future based on the evidence around him. Destined to possibly become the greatest of all the Psy-Comms, the tragic events of his first mission will set in motion an uncertain future that even he could not have predicted.” - from Tokyopop

Mark Leit is a Psychic Commando in a Sci-fi future where corporations rule and get ratings by televising their wars. Mark has a past that haunts him and soon proves to create a need for him to escape his current commission. David Jerold is a telekinetic superstar paired with the troubled solider. Their mission was to infiltrate an enemy Psy-Comm school and that's where trouble began.

Both Henderson and Salvaggio are great writers, never missing a beat in the action. From social commentary to the down to earth humorous antics of the story's characters, the plot is well written. In the complex scenarios, viewers never are left hanging on what could have been or what is really going on. The dialogue is not dry and never gives you that rambling feeling. Granger's art is a great compliment with the characters visions and the story environments. From the coarse witty looks to the numerous vehicles and battle armor, this series promises to be a great hit for those who like Sci-Fi and robots.

This manga has storytellers who are good at what they do and the artwork only adds to what the story has to offer. A good beginning read for those interested in manga and like Sci-Fi stories as well. It may be a once over read but definitely worth the initial investment.