Beyond Real #3: Newfound Worlds

Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo

Beyond Real #3 is an amazing visual experience from beginning to end. With imaginative storytelling and captivating art, this issue is another solid entry in this series.

At the center of this sci-fi story is June, an artist whose world turns upside down after learning about life being a simulation.

What started as a journey of recovery after June and her boyfriend Eli suffered a car crash, has morphed into a rescue mission into the “Source” with other survivors trapped in the mind bending dimension.

Writer Zach Kaplan has developed a great story with Beyond Real and many of the world building elements are interesting enough that they could stand alone in their own narratives. While the first two issues showcased June being pulled from her reality and having to work with other survivors, this issue moves the plot along with some minor drawbacks.

Kaplan has created solid characters, however, the plot continues to speed ahead removing any emotional component or character arc to individuals that were just introduced.

For example, Rishi is a hardened survivor from issue #2 who can “craft” and dominate the “formats” hunting them. However, she has taken a back seat to make way for world building and emphasis on June’s abilities which is jarring from her entrance in the previous issue.

Luckily, new landscapes, giant monsters, and talking trees give Vincenzo Riccardi a lot to illustrate and the comic is all the better for it. Each issue has allowed different artists to showcase their talent while the first two issues were great, Riccardi’s work is nothing short of stunning. Combined with colors from Jordie Bellaire and just flipping through the pages makes the experience a marvel. Additionally, lettering from Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou adds the final touch as the visual team knocks it out of the park.

Final Verdict

Comic book fans who haven’t had a chance to dive into this rich world should be on the lookout at their LCS. The visuals make this an instant pick up and the story continues to impress.

Criteria	Score
Writing	8
Story/Plot	8
Art/Line Work	9.75
Colors	9.75
Final Score	8.9/10

Creative Team

writer: ZACH KAPLAM

artists: VINCENZO RICCARDI, TONI FEJZULA FABIANA MASCOLO, DENNIS MENHEERE

colorist: JORDIE BELLAIRE

letterer: HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU

publisher: VAULT COMICS