I decided to catch up on my Kickstarter reading this week. I had supported and read the first issue of Duplicant a while ago and really enjoyed it, but I hadn’t had the chance to get to the other four. Lucky for me, Karla Nappi’s current Kickstarter for issue #5 reminded me to go read it. But let’s start with issue #2.

Pamela Wilton’s death devastated Dr. Matt Travers, the creator of the duplicate organs. Faced with the possibility that his technology caused her death, Matt must also deal with the knowledge his invention has created an indentured servitude class for those who could not afford it. Nor does it help that his former friend and mentor, Robert Thunnel, is running a black-market human organ trade. The guilt keeps piling on as he comes to grips with the possibility the very thing he created to save lives might be doing the exact opposite.

Politics, corporate influence on government, and changing social norms are real-world recurring themes throughout the story. In the face of such a brutal pandemic, the choice of saving yourself or your loved ones could have a price that reaches far beyond the personal sphere. Ms. Nappi has created a dystopian world that is both frightened and thought provoking. The art is clean and spot on for this story, though I would have liked to see more details in the neighborhood scenes and private spaces.

Overall, I personally find the story a welcome breath of fresh air, and I look forward to reading the other issues.

Creative Team: Karla Nappi (writer), Marianna Strychowska (artist), Carlos M. Mangual (letterer), Leila del Duca (linework), Owen Gieni (colorist)
Click here to support the Kickstarter campaign.