Sam119 is published by Undercurrent Comics, a UK based independent publisher. It is printed on glossy paper in standard comic size. The comic is written by Simon James and drawn by Steve Beckett.
The website for the comic is to be found at: www.sam119.co.uk.
Synopsis:
Sam119 is a sci-fi action mini-series set in a dystopian world run by a totalitarian regime. It is set in the not too distant future and follows the story of Sam119, an orphan with no idea as to his identity or real name.
The mini-series follows the exploits of him and his friends as they struggle against this oppressive regime and try to discover Sam199’s identity and origin.
Writing:
The ideas within this comic are really good and mostly well executed. The dialogue is well done and most of it seems natural, however, there are moments where the conversation flow seems a little shaky and you’re left thinking “would they really talk like that?”
At times, it feels that not enough is being explained for you to follow exactly where we are in terms of world and plot. I realise that it’s a tightrope to ensure that the reader has just enough information, but I feel this comics falls short slightly. Admittedly, the comic is neither flooding the reader with long drawn out explanations and not giving enough away for comprehension but a little more could be revealed in the course of the action.
That said, these are minor niggles with the writing and the truth was it was very enjoyable to read, with interesting ideas that made me want to keep reading it.
Artwork:
Sam119 has unique and consistent artwork, although it seems very flat as though the perspective is a bit off. It is difficult to determine whether or not this is a deliberate stylistic device, but it does give the overall impression of repression and understatement.
Sometimes, the colouring seems odd. You have moments where most of the page is washed with a light blue and one panel will be bright green or bright red. This makes it seem a little on the disparate side. To be honest, it seems that the artist has tried to use the colouring as an artistic/plot device and hasn’t quite pulled it off.
Additionally, the artist seems a little too fond of using colour washes. Admittedly, this does work well in the occasional frame, such as during the dream sequence page, where there is a red wash, however, it seems to me that the device is overused and gives a very strange end result.
Even so, the art does an admirable job of conveying this bleak society and the action is clearly defined. You are never confused as to what is going on, which is always a good sign. The artwork is consistent throughout, and characters are always recognizable.
The artwork has a considerable amount of style and charisma, and draws you into the story. If it were not for one or two niggles it would be very nice indeed.
Conclusion:
I know that it may seem that I’ve been a bit critical of this comic, but the truth is I really liked it. I found it very easy to read and at the end of the issue I wanted to read more. That is all that is important, really. If a comic is engrossing then the appeal is greater and Sam119 is VERY engrossing.
The comic is a blend of Cyberpunk, William Gibson and George Orwell and should appeal to most sci-fi fans looking for an entertaining and interesting read.
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