Burning Mind Review: Deus Ex Universe - Children’s Crusade

Publisher: Titan Comics

Writer: Alex Irvine

Artist: John Aggs

I normally don’t pick up comics based on Video Games. Usually because they aren’t very good. Many being nothing more than promotional material to sell the video game.

I normally don’t pick up comics based on any property I don’t like.

I have played Deus Ex Universe games, and liked them. So this is an exception to the rule.

That fact that Titan Comics is the publisher is also a plus, I have a lot of love for Titan.

Children’s Crusade is an exception in another way as well: the first two issues are actually good.

This is a universe separated. They are normal humans, then there are the Augs, who are augmented humans. The Augs are subjugated and stuck in ghettos, becoming terrorists to fight for equal rights.

Children’s Crusade tells the story of Jensen. An Aug considered a traitor because he has joined Task Force 29 (TK29), and Interpol special group put together to track down Aug terrorists. He was placed on the team, undercover, by the Juggernaut Collective, to learn if TF29 is controlled by the Illuminati or not.

His mission is difficult because he has to fit in, and deal with one teammate who doesn’t trust him, and maybe others who trust him to his face only. His mission become harder when he learn that his own people, the Augs, are turning children in bombs.

The writing is very strong, good story, good plot, threads of sub-plots and strong characterization.

The artwork is equally on par with the script, being a great compliment.

Issue two is better than issue one and moves the story forward. A good sign for the next three issues of the series.

Here is to hoping that this will be a self-contained series and doesn’t end with a ‘play the game to learn the rest of the story,’ tag.

This is one solid sci-fi comic that happens to take place in the universe of the Deus Ex games. You could remove the Deus Ex from this story and it would still be solid.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
So far, damn good. Fans of the game should love it.

In fact, it should be a good read for fans unfamiliar with the game. There is enough info and backstory given that one could enjoy this book without playing or know the games. So far.

RATING: 6.75