There’s no doubt that the current global pandemic is going to have a major influence on comics, movies and novels going forward. Chromosome 96 is ahead of the curve, as it’s creator Miguel Ferrera (aka Lewis Michael) has been working tirelessly on his virus-themed thriller for several years, and it’s initial inspiration was sparked all the way back in the mid-90’s. It is a strange quirk of timing that inbetween launching the kickstarter for his project in November 2019, and shipping the first issues in July 2020, his story got a whole lot more relevant!
Chromosome 96 is a 6-part miniseries, being independently published by Ferrera, with issues #1-#3 out now, and issue #4-#6 to follow in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively. So far, I can tell you that the story opens as a Michael Crichton-esque science thriller, before introducing the villain (and main character), a monstrous humanoid virus on a rampage known as EV-20:9. From this point, and for the most part of the first 3 issues, the readers are treated to a spectacle of ultra-violence and destruction which would make the WWE proud.
Ferrera’s narration is informed and packed with exposition, which makes for a rich and engrossing first issue. It’s a bit of a shame that this narrative voice is dialled-back for the quicker pace in issues #2 and #3. The artwork is stylised and cartoonish, but Ferrera’s design and storytelling are always eye-catching, and the colouring teams make the action really pop off the page. The result is an unlikely cross between The Andromeda Strain and MTV wrestling parody show Celebrity Deathmatch. With big twists promised, I’m looking forward to seeing where Ferrera takes this next.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5EHOPzJRI0&w=560&h=315]