Genius #3 Review

Is there worth in this franchise? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

GENIUS: ISSUES 1-5, WEEKLY THROUGHOUT AUGUST

The Winner of Top Cow’s Pilot Season makes its triumphant return to print! What if the greatest military mind of our generation was born to a people who are already supremely conditioned to wage war, who know nothing but violence since birth, and must continually adapt to new predators in order to survive? What if the second coming of Alexander the Great, of Genghis Khan, of Napoleon, of Patton…what if it was a teenaged girl from South Central, L.A. named Destiny? And what if she decides to secede three blocks of the ‘Hood from the Union? Who is going to take it back from her and her army of gangbangers? Who CAN?

The comic that exists within the confines of these pages is something that’s downright different. It’s a smartly crafted street level drama that in just three short issues has proven why it’s a beast worth recognizing. Add in a creative team that knows exactly how to execute their plot and what’s showcased here easily earns admiration.

Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman present a script that does something more than highlight urban elements. It would be predictable for the authors to simply pen something that either glorifies or undersells this lot of criminals, but instead they elect to paint an honest picture. Ultimately they yield some interesting anecdotes that further propel events while giving depth to the genius at its epicenter. In short: we have modern day outlaws with the proverbial vehicles of justice waiting at their door.

I close this outing with a continued respect for the works of Afua Richardson. The talent effortlessly builds up a visual cadence that’s unique in its own regard, while dancing the fine line between detail and overabundance. Within that scope lies a reality that will no doubt please even the most discerning fanboy or fangirl, as colors pop off the page. It’s a finely tuned machine that deserves recognition even from those few that might be inclined to take one look and write this off.

Genius #3 is a superbly realized act in a topical epic that deserves to hold your attention. There are a lot of comics that come and go, but there’s no doubt in my mind that this one’s special and in the end it comes highly recommended.