When you think of Jonathan Hickman you think of big ideas.  From Pax Romana’s time traveling Catholics to Nightly News and it’s terrorist action against reporters, Hickman seems to be a fountain of ideas mere mortals can only begin to grasp. 

Hickman’s new book, Transhuman, gives us a look into the future, in particular the future of the genetics industry.  Split into two camps, biological and artificial, companies vie for the ultimate prize of billions of dollars.  Hickman tells his story in a somewhat contrived documentary format that has been done to death in TV and movies, but seems a little fresher in a comic book monthly.  The announcer of the documentary takes us behind the scenes through interviews with key figures in this futuristic genetics industry.  Scientists, owners, and CEO’s all get their moment in the spotlight, but the one character that stands out is Dave Apple.  Apple computer fanboys will immediately recognize their leader in Dave Apple.  The black turtleneck, goatee, and brusque attitude all define Steve Jobs and it is very apparent that Dave Apple, name and all, have been greatly influenced by Mr. Jobs which in this context is an almost perfect idea. 

The writing in Transhuman, as expected is top notch.  The ideas are there like in any Hickman book, but I’m unsure of the story so far.  There are well written sequences displaying scientific study volunteers and monkey test subjects who resemble characters we all know and love, but the story seems thin so far.  Hickman will most certainly pull it all together in the next couple issues, but I remain unsure of where this is going. 

I can’t believe an artist would willingly take on a Hickman book.   JM Ringuet must have drawn the shortest straw.  It’s the only explanation for anyone to attempt to reach Hickman greatness.  Granted the art is fair, and there is really nothing wrong with it, but when a reader picks up a Hickman book, they expect Hickman design and layouts, anything else is a disappointment.  A Hickman book without Hickman art is like opening a brand new box of Lucky Charms only to remember you have no fucking milk.  Goddamn it Hickman, draw your own books please.

Transhuman will almost certainly turn out to be a great story, unfortunately this issue’s lack of Hickman art and a thin beginning story only teases us with that greatness.