The year is 2045 and most people have abandoned the usual gaming system to adopt a virtual gaming world. Circus the VR World is an escape from reality offering a playground of new and exciting experiences. The virtual world starts as a normal pastime but soon evolves into a real-world crisis. The gameplay is dependent on a virtual currency which leads players to crippling addiction, criminal activity and a disconnect from society as they try to keep their fantasy personas intact. When the founder of Circus is murdered in cold blood, the virtual world and its robust economy are shaken, which could mean disastrous results in the real world. Grizzled detective Julian Ambrose is tasked with finding the killer, having lost his own family to the addictive game’s real-life consequences. Will Ambrose uncover the truth and save humanity or will he succumb to the virtual world’s charms and leave behind his tragic past.
Bluefall vol. 1 is the first graphic novel by Andrew Trainor, an actor, and writer. The novel also features vivid stylized illustrations by Dillon Snook. The story begins with the murder of a computer genius turned technophobe named Felix Reichard, who is credited with founding Circus, a robust VR platform. Reichard’s death is the catalyst that sets several other plans into motion. Though Detective Ambrose is identified as the main protagonist, his impact on the story is unclear and will likely be revealed later on in the series. By the last panel Ambrose is neither hero nor villain just one of several characters whose lives are adversely affected by Circus in one way or another. Though we found it entertaining overall, our enjoyment was largely due to the imagery as the words offered very little. Aside from Reichard’s and Ambrose we couldn’t name or identify the other pivotal characters in the series. Only volume 2 can determine if this was intentional or simply bad storytelling.
This 71-page volume is a quick read that has the potential to be a suspenseful tale, examining the effects of our growing dependence on technology. Each panel presents a brief glimpse into a slowly unraveling storyline that lasts just long enough to pique interest without divulging much information. The scenes change with a dizzying frequency allowing only a few details to be revealed at a time. Though there is much more work to do in terms of storytelling this inaugural edition was a valiant attempt igniting our interest, leaving us ready for more.