Sam119
Sam119 is surrounded by a world which he has known since childhood, yet which still remains a mystery to him. Although he knows the smashed up buildings and bombed out streets of the city as well as anyone, he also knows that something is missing.
As a little boy Sam119 was left in an orphanage, with nothing but the clothes he wore, and a set of dog tags around his neck. Upon the tags were scratched SAM119, and in the absence of any other name - he was called Sam119 from then on. He remembers nothing about his parents or where he came from, all he knows are the streets that became his home after the orphanage was shut down in the year that the soldiers took over and closed the old city down.

Now he lives the life of an outlaw, running from the bullets of the soldier's guns, and hiding out with his friends as they try to scratch a living together, living on what they can find and take, in a time when laws are no more. But Sam119's thirst to discover his true identity is about to lead him and his friends on a very dangerous path - already reckless and caring little for his own safety, Sam119 is determined to succeed despite the odds, to find out the truth.

Giant
Giant is Sam119's best friend, a technical genius, Giant uses his skills to help the pals escape the inhumanly relentless soldiers, who dog their every step. Responsible for finding hideouts and gathering supplies, Giant is a real provider and protector for the gang.
Giant was brought up in the orphanage with Sam119 and Lili, and when it was closed down, they escaped together, forming abond of friendship that has become unbreakable.

Lili
Lili is the third member of the gang, cunning, resourceful and hard working, Lili doesn't fit any of the stereotypes of a girl gang member. She can outperform either of the two guys when it comes to looking after herself. In fact out of the three, Lili leads the most disciplined life, she is a rational, hard working and warrior like woman.
She too was brought up in the orphanage, but unlike Sam119 Lili has managed to bury her curiosity about the past deep beneath her need to survive in the urban wilderness. She is nobody's fool and won't allow herself to be ignored or overlooked.
What the three share is a deep bond of friendship - so strong that they would do almost anything for each other. Of the three Sam119 is the most reckless, and his actions often lead the soldiers almost to their hideaway. But his friends are ready to forgive him almost anything, and together they stare danger straight in the face.

Snakes
Since the revolution, when the militia took over the old city and declared it out of bounds, patrols of troopers have kept up armed surveilance of the streets, shooting down the few scavengers still trying to live amidst the ruins. Most of the soldiers are just ordinary men, following orders in a violent world. But a sinister power lurks somewhere in the depths of the military headquarters. Special cyborg organisms have been engineered as super soldiers, with seemingly supernatural powers. These horrifying beings, known as Hoods, have become the stuff of legend among the ragged street dwellers.

Get your copy of SAM119 issue 4 NOW from the SAM119 Shop

Get your copy of SAM119 issue 3 NOW from the SAM119 Shop

Get your copy of SAM119 issue 2 NOW from the SAM119 Shop

Get your copy of SAM119 NOW from the SAM119 Shop

The Way
Manga from Riot Gear Comics available from the SAM119 Shop

The Way:
written by Tucker Fitzgerald, pencilled by Glenn Andrean.
Part one of a ten part series.
36 pages; Full colour cover, b/w interior; US format.

“A 15 year old slave girl sets out into the desert, her new master: a young freedom fighter. Hunted by an Empire, and haunted by his past, they're looking for a new beginning. But when they cross destinies with a visionary desert nomad and a cursed messiah, their journey takes them places they never dreamed of.”

This is a great debut from Riot Gear studios, it delivers classy Manga with a real quality feel. The story is not unfamiliar, sometimes known as the greatest story ever told. But this time from the perspective of the young slave girl Anna, and with some different names used…

The black and white interior doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story, in fact I think it lends a little weight to it, simplifying one’s approach to the pages, which in turns are bold, beautiful, simple and stylish.

Fitzgerald’s writing is delivered slowly and thoughtfully, and with a poetic quality that sits easily alongside the artwork.

The perspective of the strong yet vulnerable female protagonist is delivered with thoughtfulness and respect, and helps to stop the focus falling solely on the leading male characters.

And fear not – this addition this does not detract from the strength of the story, rather it adds strength to the book and makes it more accessible for readers of both genders. I would recommend this for readers who are looking for something a bit different, a bit classy, and a bit good! Suitable for all ages.