I have a penchant for science fiction that deals with psionics in any fashion. From Joan D Vinge’ Catspaw to White Wolf’s Trinity line of games, I am a fan. I had not been aware of any comics that were written in this vein until recently. Aron pointed out to me that Red 5 comics had just recently started a new book entitled 7% which may be well within my wheel house.

I was unfamiliar with Red 5 comics and did some investigating. They were founded by Paul Ens, Formerly of Lucas films Lucas Online and Scott Chitwood, co-founder of TheForce.net. Their vision is to create and produce cinematic-style comics. They also try to stay on the cutting edge and do a lot of things with digital comics. All this seemed to indicate that a science fiction book from this company would be good so I gave it a chance.

7% is created by Luke Keith written by Jeremy Fiest. The story is set in the year 3499. MAnkind has spread out amongst the stars and and is controlled by the Union and various corporations. The earth is little more than a relic. A relic with a secret. 600 years prior a machince of enormous power was created. Instead of letting it fall into the hands of the Union, it was hidden by it’s creator. He died to protect his creation, The Psion Machine. The book opens with the discovery of the machine on earth which has also become the home of those hiding from the control of the Union. The flaw in the machine has been that no subject has been able to be enhanced over 93% of brain function without suffering debilitating psychotic breaks. The problem lies in the last 7%.

I love the story. As I mentioned above, I am fan of stories that play with psionic trappings and this is central to this story. The characters are interesting and make me want to learn more about them. The dystopian setting is also intriguing. What is the Union? How are they using mind control? Why are corporations given so much power? I am looking forward to the answers as the story moves forward.

The art by Jarreau Wimberly does an excellent job of complementing the story.  It has a gritty look to it that  points out that this future isn’t as shiny as one would hope. As a counterpoint to the grittiness, Wimberly infuses the panels regarding the Psion Machine with energy and light to highlight the untapped potential that it represents. His style is very evocative and reminds me of Akira.

All in all, This is a solid book. The story well paced with plenty of interesting questions to keep the reader interested. The arts is good and does an excellent job of complementing the story.  I’m looking forward to the next issue.