Xogenasys, Volume 1: Volume 1

The future has grown into a decadent, overcrowded gang-ridden cesspool. If you're not living uptown, you might as well be dead. Such is the case of Darius Smith, an artistic youth living in the hood, doing his best to avoid trouble and live life. Unfortunately, Darius has a hidden talent -- he's an explosive fighter! This makes him the target of several gangs and pits him in many brawls, landing him in the sight of the honorable Timothy Mustafa, a powerful prince. XOGENASYS is a successful gladiator sport fought with powered exoskeletons, and as the owner of one of the most successful teams in the country, Mustafa wants Darius to become his newest fighter. Can Darius become the next champion? Or will he fall like so many before him? This is an underdog tale, and one that is effectively told; it feels reminiscent of a sports biopic with narrative. Something about the execution of this story feels raw and relatable. It might be the expressiveness in the art, or the way the dialogue matches how real people speak to each other. Regardless, XOGENASYS Volume 1 is a rousingly successful debut for Noir Caesar-I am fully invested for the ride and eagerly awaiting more. -- Marion Pena, The Comics Beat Draper-Ivey's artwork gears toward gritty black-and-white with striking action scenes. It's a slow burn, but readers will easily root for the underdog protagonist as he battles his way out of poverty. Fans of shonen manga will line up for the next volume [of XOGENASYS]. -- Publishers Weekly