Sometimes, you take a flyer on a new book. It’s always a risk, because new series, especially ones that you’ve not only never heard of but one that has an unfamiliar creative team, are never certain to even be good, let alone good enough for a new reader to grasp on to. But, sometimes, that risk pays off. Every once in a while, a book comes out of nowhere and totally takes over your interests. This time, that book goes by the name Crytpocracy, and it’s something that totally took me by surprise.

Made by the creative team of Van Jensen and Pete Woods, Cryptocracy follows the premise of the conspiracy theorist’s worst nightmare: that shadow governments are real, controlling our every move, and there isn’t a thing that anyone can do about it. The first issue starts off with a bang, bringing the idea of a further and further narrowing chain of command to the forefront and presenting the idea that even the furthest reaches of the shadow government still makes mistakes.

Jensen and Woods have created something special here. It takes all of the great, classic theories – conspiracies, aliens, unseen leaders, cult mentalities and control – and mixes them all to create a vast network of the kind of things that would make conspiracy theory enthusiasts cringe in both anticipation and fear. Knowing this were all true, that every worry was correct, would destroy the common person, and that’s exactly what makes this book interesting. It creates a context for the kind of ridiculous idea that we scoff at. It breathes life into something that seems so implausible that it being real would shatter the collective psyche of most of the populous.

The book is beautiful, as well. It’s a bit cartoony, but it works. The lines are bold in just the right ways, the proportions just off enough to give you a bit of unease. It’s perfect for a book that seems to do its very best to make you uncomfortable.
That ability to, in its premise, create such a dichotomy is something rare. To do it right out of the gate is basically unheard of. To explain this book properly would take the minds of Jensen and Woods, as they know exactly what’s in store. Since I don’t, I’ll only say this: This book is not to be missed. There’s something really special here, and you won’t want to miss it. It’s a new series that will grip you and not let go. Also: There’s a bear in slacks and a dress shirt who curses and acts like a total boss.