In the not-too-distant future, a deadly virus threatens to wipe out all of humanity.  When the spread of the disease appears to outpace any hope for the development of a cure, the only hope for humanity’s survival rests in Project Dayglow, a plan to preserve mankind’s best and brightest in cryogenic hibernation while the virus burns itself out.

Nineteen-year-old mail room clerk Javier Lanta isn’t the best or the brightest, but he may be one of the luckiest, as he stumbles into a spot in the cryo-tubes.  But when those tubes re-open and the Dayglow members wake from their stasis, they find themselves in a world much different from the one they were expecting.  Though they were meant to be frozen for only three years, the crumbling buildings and overgrown vegetation around them suggest that they may have overslept by a few centuries.

I hesitate to say much more about the story, as the real strength of this book is in its unpredictability.  Each issue is full of unexpected twists and turns, as Javier and his fellow survivors begin to venture out into what remains of the world.  The pacing is brilliant; Hahn gives the reader (and the characters) just enough time to catch their breath after each revelation, before shaking things up again with the next crazy twist.

Hahn’s art on this title is also impressive, if somewhat understated.  The linework he uses for the foreground is simple yet very clear; the characters are emotive and easily differentiated (which could have been an issue with a relatively large cast in a story that moves so quickly).  Backgrounds are handled in a different style altogether; they are lush, detailed, and painterly.  The setting really comes to life as a result, which serves wonderfully in driving home the overwhelming awe and bewilderment of the characters, lost in a world they should recognize but that has become unrecognizably alien while they were asleep.

I’ve been enjoying this series tremendously.  Highly recommended for anyone looking for an “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore” adventure story full of fun twists and unexpected developments.  Check it out. 

[Read Dayglow #3 on comiXology]

MIKE ISENBERG is an Associate Production Coordinator at comiXology, and the co-writer of First Law of Mad Science.  He lives in Harlem with his cats, Tesla & Edison.