Thursday, July 25, 2024

Book Review: The Ministry of Compliance vol 1


Thirty-seven years ago, Earth was secretly invaded by an alien force known as the Devolution, and they’ve been shaping the direction of humanity ever since. Why? To prepare us to be assimilated into their empire.

The Devolution has 13 ministries, each responsible for manipulating a different aspect of human life. The Ministry of Compliance, the most feared of all the ministries, led by the fierce Avigail Senna, keeps every ministry in line and focused on the empire’s mission. Just as their mission is on the verge of success and Earth is about to be assimilated, the empire suffers a horrific blow.

For the survival of her people and herself, Avigail must rally the ministries together. A feat made near impossible as tensions and conspiracies run rampant.

The Ministry of Compliance volume 1 by John Ridley and Stefano Raffaele will be published on August 20, 2024. IDW Publishing provided an early galley for review.

I had not previously heard of this five issue miniseries, yet the story concept sounded intriguing and the cover looked dynamic. This would be something that would grab my attention on the comic shelves.

Inside, the story wastes no time diving into the action, and what brutal action it is! Ridley and Raffaele are pulling no punches here. The protagonist is the ultimate bad ass. As she says "I am the Minister of Compliance. I'm sure I'm right because whatever I believe is right." This viewpoint and attitude give her carte blanche to do whatever she determines is needed to get the job done.

I always appreciate artists who take the time to get facial details consistent and provide solid backgrounds throughout. Raffaele's work makes this a very beautiful read.

While the narrative could stand as-is, I will be curious to see where the story goes in future volumes should they occur.

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