In Bloom, incredibly written by Michael W. Conrad and wonderfully illustrated by John Pearson, is a tale that intertwines the edges of science fiction with the eerie allure of body horror.

43% of the cells within a healthy human body belong to something other than the human host. Microbiomes, invasive bacteria, fungal and viral agents, and something else, something…more.

When the Bloom happened, humanity was changed forever, transformed by symbiotic fungal megasystems that infected their bodies. Some affected people grew new body parts, some found their personalities changed in radical new ways, while others reported contact with some… other intelligence not their own. In this revolutionary new world, Agent Spears finds herself investigating a series of mysterious murders, a chain of violence that leads her to a terrifying question on which the fate of every living being rests.

The concept crafted by Michael W. Conrad is fascinating yet unsettling at the same time. It poses a thrilling question of what does it mean to be human when so much within us is no longer ‘us’? These type of thought-provoking comics are the daring books that standout from the crowd and make us ponder so many things.

Conrad wonderfully maneuvers through complex themes while maintaining a gripping storyline centered around Agent Spears investigating series of mysterious murders. The character is written with depth that just adds to the overall narrative and invites readers into Spears’ psyche as she grapples with existential dilemmas amidst mounting tension.

While Conrad excelled at crafting a chilling tale in this debut issue of In Bloom, the star of the show is John Pearson’s artwork. Pearson elevates the comic to another level altogether. His illustrations are truly breathtaking a moments with each panel craft to push the story forward while also standing alone with beauty and terror. Pearson captures fungal growths intertwined seamlessly within human anatomy bringing Conrad’s vision vividly to life. Not to mention the great use of a color palette that shift from vibrant hues against darker tones.

The pairing of Conrad’s storytelling combined with Pearson’s artwork, along with Pat Brosseau‘s letters, creates an immersive experience where the story is both captivating and unsettling. This unique tale is just getting started and I can already tell is going to be one that will have me clamoring for upcoming issues of In Bloom on new comic day.

In Bloom makes us ponder profound questions about identity, coexistence, and survival amidst a story filled with suspense and intrigue. Michael W. Conrad and John Pearson’s new BOOM! Studios tale is proof that when two creatives with great talent work together they can produce a captivating and can’t-miss series.

In Bloom #1 hits local comic shops on December 11, 2024 from BOOM! Studios.