When reading the solicitation for Vicarious #1 and discovered the main character’s name is Justin, the comic became a must read. After diving into the first issue, Vicarious is so much more than I expected and has potential for one of my favorites of the year.

Justin is your average 20-something burnout–no real connections with anyone or prospects on his horizon. But, after a dangerous encounter reveals itself as a fortuitous opportunity, Justin finds just what his life has been missing in the secret world of Proxies–young, attractive, ambitious hustlers like himself who allow the rich access to their feelings and experiences through a cutting edge technological implant.

Does Justin have what it takes to make it in this seductive new world?

What a unique tale that has so much more going for it than I ever expected. Ryan Parrott crafts this tale with finesse, building a world that feels both futuristic yet eerily familiar. The concept of using Proxies—a group of young hustlers who allow others to experience feelings vicariously—is not just an imaginative leap but also an insightful commentary on today’s emotional landscape. Through our main character’s eyes, we can see how technology can bridge gaps in human interaction while simultaneously questioning its ethical implications.

The artwork from Eleonora Carlini and colors from Mattia Iacono complements Parrott’s writing beautifully. While some may see Carlini’s style as somewhat chaotic, it perfectly suits the story unfolding on each page. Each panel pulsates with energy, drawing us into Justin’s whirlwind existence as he navigates this newfound lifestyle and uncovering a few secrets along the way. Additionally, one cannot overlook the fantastic main cover by one of comics great artists, Dan Panosian. The cover sets the tone for the story before even opening the comic.

As we dove deeper into the debut issue of Vicarious, we connected with Justin on a more personal level…no pun intended…while discovered more about his character that even surprised me. How we thought this debut issue would go is not exactly how it turned out in the end in such a fantastic way.

Vicarious #1 stands out as one of the better comics of the year, not only due to its unique and compelling storyline but also dealing with themes of human interaction and questionable ethics. Ryan Parrott and Eleonora Carlini have succeeded delivering immersive experience with a distinct blend of creativity and insightfulness like few other comics in 2024. Vicarious is a truly impression and thought-provoking series.

Vicarious #1 hits local comic shops on October 16, 2024 from BOOM! Studios.