A warning, this review will be a little spoilery.

When 7% came out last month from Red5 Comics, I was excited. Here was a comic with a science fiction bent that focused on the perfection of humanity through unlocking the full potential of the human brain.

It hit on two things that I enjoy in science fiction, Hope and Psionics.  In that first issue we are introduced to a setting where thoughts are controlled by corporations which run everything for a monolithic government. The 7% is that last bit of brain that a scientist is trying to actuate with the hope that this would allow him and his people to free others from the yoke of oppression. The side effect of this procedure is the heightening of the human mind’s psionic capability. Squee!

At the end of issue one, there were lots of interesting questions to follow. The one that I really wanted answered was who was this soldier and why did the symbiote respond to him?

Issue two gives a good answer. We learn that the soldiers name is Cole. He is a musician and one of the sons of the head of Stone Corp. He has done his best to stay out of the corporate life and pursue his own agenda on a residential planet of Lux. It all comes crashing down when his father orders him to the company headquarters in no uncertain terms.  He has to leave behind the woman he loves and hopes to marry, for an uncertain future.

While we learn about the person Cole was we also get to see the aftermath of the ending of issue one. He has been captured and the process of enhancing him has begun. Instead of being cautious, He is subjected to the entire procedure without thoughts of his safety or security protocols for what he might become. As one expects, things go pear shaped.

Once again the writing and art on this book are excellent. The story moves along a great clip. It answers questions, both large and small while still presenting further mysteries to be explored. The art is also top-notch as well. It has a very energetic quality that goes well with the story. As I’ve mentioned before, it reminds me of Akira and the story benefits from this stylistic choice and accrued nostalgia.

Once again, Keith and Fiest have done a bang up job. This book keeps getting better. I am looking forward to the next issue to see what new answers are waiting for me.