The Foundation Issue 1

Written by John Rozum

Drawn by Chee

Published by Boom! Studios

What would you do if, if you were told that one life was more important than eighty? How would you act if you thought that every action, even your perceived free will, was prophesised, was controlled? If the world's fate is written in stone, then why do you have to save it? John Rozum is one of horror comics great undiscovered talents. Several years ago, he was responsible for both the magnificent Midnight, Mass and Xombi and his work is categorised by a keen eye for detail, a unique slant on traditional ideas and a cheerfully bleak world view. The Foundation is no exception.

The central concept here is that Nostradamus was not only right, but his prophecies were far more specific and wide rnaging than anyone has been led to believe. The Foundation, of the title, is a group of individuals who are tasked with ensuring that the prophecies come to pass and securing the people who will be important further down the line.

This job sits on the razor's edge between free will and predetermination, with the first issue following Valentine, a Foundation agent, as he manipulates a man into not getting onto a plane. The plane will crash, the man must survive but why is he more important than the others? If Valentine tries to intervene, to save them all, is that what will ultimately cause the crash? Is he free to do these awful things or locked into his course of action? It's a fascinating world view and a fascinating concept dealt with unflinchingly and with tremendous intelligence. Rozum's script tells you exactly as much as you need to know, develops the central character and gives you a clear look both at Valentine's mind set and the world he lives in. It's the perfect set up, working as a fully functional story in its own right and still leaving you wanting more.  Valentine may be tortured by the work he has to do, but the ethics, and accuracy of it, promise a fascinating story.

Backed up by Chee's expressive, grounded artwork this is a great first issue for what promises to be a fascinating series. Fans of The Da Vinci Code, National Treasure or espionage stories could do a lot worse than check this out. After all, you may not have a choice...

Alasdair Stuart