Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, entertainment

Genetic Experiments Go Wrong In Transgenesis

Jason Sloan writes,

Transgenesis is a tale exploring the possibilities of genetic experiments going wrong and the dire consequences it brings for mankind. The world has been set on fire, hordes of genetically engineered creatures have begun attacking most major cities around the world and we need new heroes to stop the death and destruction.

Writer Dave Norton and I, Jay Sloan, have been building this brand new world and developing our characters that exist in it for almost two years. It began when we pitched a story idea to DC Comics where there was a cataclysmic event that laid waste to Earth and killed off many of the main characters. Some villains were forced to become heroes under these circumstances and we saw the birth of new ones. However DC was already in the advanced planning stages for their Rebirth and didn't buy into it. So since we had already created three years of story material we decided not to completely abandon the work we had done, but instead transform it into a brand new reality with completely new and original characters.

The months that followed we spent endless hours reshaping our world and creating new characters all with intricate backstories and their own nemeses. We wanted to do many things differently from what the big two had been doing. One of those things is in our universe, when a character is killed off on the page, they stay dead. There will be no bringing back of dead characters in our story. We have a cast of characters that come from all parts of the globe, with different backgrounds and viewpoints. We wanted to focus on bringing real diversity to a world wide event such as the one taking place in our book. While you may notice some classic tropes, we put some unusual and different twists on them that many readers won't expect and we concentrate on character driven stories. Our characters are flawed and imperfect, come from different cultures, and must grow and learn to accept each other's differences in order to work together and overcome obstacles in their quest. Something I feel is very relevant in the real world today.

So what exactly is Transgenesis and why name our series this? It has much to do with how most of our characters got their special "abilities" and as we explore the benefits AND dangers of genetic research experiments, well it just seems fitting. Transgenesis is the process of introducing an exogenous gene, called a transgene, into a living organism so that the organism will exhibit a new property and transmit that property to its offspring.

Our story revolves around Shemar Nolan, also known as Broadsword, as he is forced to take over his brother's role as leader of an Omni group known as The Brethren. Imagine a world where everything is being decimated by thousands of blood thirsty creatures that suddenly appear out of nowhere. Government officials and law enforcement agencies scramble to try and protect civilian life and secure their cities but to little or no avail. All communication networks and public utilities are wiped out ~ no news, no social media, no electricity, no means to warn people of the oncoming atrocities. Many perish in the early hours of the onslaught. Even Omnis (humans with super powers and special abilities) are dying in their attempt to stem the loss of life. The few people surviving this carnage stay in hiding, hoping that their lives are not extinguished. During the evacuation in Charlemagne, Broadsword and his adoptive brother Claymore were separated. Claymore had ventured a few blocks away from the main battle field, following the screams of a little girl. While attempting to rescue the girl, he is swarmed by countless creatures and we see him fall, but we don't know what actually happens to him.

Broadsword becomes hysterical as he gets no response from Claymore over the com links. He and the other members of The Brethren end up barricaded inside their new headquarters with no way out. Broadsword must strategize a way to put an end to the gruesome slaughter taking place outside and find his brother before he becomes a victim like so many others. To do that, Broadsword and our remaining Omnis, villains, and civilians must work together to discover the source of the Horde.

Dave is a huge fan of the horror genre while I am obsessed with sci-fi fantasy. We have blended both genres in Transgenesis and injected the super hero aspect into our epic adventure. While the focus is on character driven stories, we have included backing elements of alien and government conspiracies. The Genome project, New World Order, global terrorism, alien cover ups, secret terraforming, chem trails, government agendas – it all ties in together some way. Think of what it would be like if the X-files were investigated by the likes of the Avengers or Justice League. That's the closest comparison I can think of but feel we make it more original than that, we are not simply imitating that premise.

We plan to keep readers entertained by showing brand new super powered characters investigating who or what is really behind this genetically engineered genocide. There are several red herrings throughout this epic leaving many to question if their assumptions are correct. Introductions of numerous characters and an unfamiliar power the likes of which our world has never seen will keep readers on the edge of their seat and guessing what happens next. The big reveal is sure to make this a memorable series that will stick with you and leave you wanting more.

Transgenesis #1 is a 22 page issue that kicks off a 6 issue story arc, and part of what will eventually be an 18-24 issue run for this particular title. This comic book is for mature readers and contains graphic violence and adult language. If you make a pledge to our campaign, mention Bleeding Cool in a message to us and we'll throw in a free pin up for all physical reward backers or a free Transgenesis t-shirt on all pledges of $25 or more!!!

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!

Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!