Orchid #1
Written by Tom Morello
Art by Scott Hepburn
Colors by Dan Jackson
Cover by Massimo Carnevale
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: October 12, 2011
Cover Price: $1.00

In all honesty, I asked to review this mainly because it was written by Tom Morello, of Audioslave and Rage Against The Machine (one of my favorite bands ever) fame. I went in with an open mind and I truly expected something slightly strange…I was not disappointed. Orchid #1 is a glimpse into a future to which none of us wish to bear witness.

Orchid is the story of a world after the sea has risen and changed the topography of the land. The wealthy live up high while the poor are forced in dirty villages and live as slaves to the folks in charge. Nature has kicked evolution into overdrive and there some scary creatures living in the forests surrounding each town. We get to see some of the rebels who want to change the way things are but are both out manned and outgunned at every turn. One of them escapes the clutches of the authority only to find himself hiding with the family of Orchid, a local prostitute who also has a healthy sized rebellious streak. It all wraps up with them being carted off to be sold as slaves.

Unfortunately, not much happens to give me an idea of what the actual plot line is going to be in this arc. We get a bit of adult-oriented conversation, some foul language, and some flipping of the bird…all to give the impression of lawlessness, or at least that’s what I gathered. I’m hoping the story gets lined out in the next issue, I really want to know where it’s going.

Scott Hepburn‘s art lends itself to the story, he gives a desolate feeling to the comic that really sets the stage. I’m also happy to hear that Morello is promoting each issue with a new song. I have no idea if the song will be in any way related to the comic or story, but it’s bound to be good!

In essence, the comic has merit. I’m unsure of how the story is going to unfold, but sometimes that’s okay. I think you should give it a try, it’s only a buck! Seriously, it’s less than the cost of a soda…what have you really got to lose? Who knows, you might like it…I know I did.