Zero Instance #1 Review

 

Zero Instance #1 Review

Writers: Frank J Barbiere & Stephen Rhodes

Artist: Vic Malhotra

Colorist: Lauren Affe

Letterer: Taylor Esposito

Publisher: Comixology Originals

Kindle Purchase: $2.99

Amazon Members: Read for Free

Release Date: July 14, 2026

 

Many have tried to storm Blood Moon Tower. But thus far, no one has ever succeeded. As a new band of adventurers gathers, Rhys vows that this time, they will breach its defenses. A Human and an Elf in the fellowship wonder if it is possible. But when Rhys raises his flaming sword, the band charges toward the dark tower. Can these adventurers succeed where so many others have failed? And how does Braxir Hex, the lord of Blood Moon Tower, threaten their world? Let’s leap into Zero Instance #1 and see!

 

Story

Monsters guard the castle. More dangers lurk inside its walls. Chris almost loses sight of their objective. When they reach the inner sanctum, Rhys demonstrates how effectively he planned the raid. But then buzzing fills the air, and Rhys must leave his company of warriors to enjoy the fruits of their victory.

 

But this is not the end of the end of Rhys' adventures. In Zero Instance #1, another world beckons. His father worries that Rhys is spending too much time immersed in games and not enough time building a future. His mother also wants him to find a career that she can understand and respect. Yet Rhys is fulfilled. His online followers support his gaming. Rhys can pay his bills and get by. And then, he has a big event planned. If his friend Chris can set it up and market it effectively, Rhys' second attack on Braxir Hex could do wonders for his career.

 

Frank J Barbiere and Stephen Rhodes’ story tackles the allure of online gaming. The best players can secure lucrative careers by pursuing their beloved pastime. But while Rhys’ parents want to support his vision, the engineers at Horizon Games don’t. They designed Braxir Hex to be unbeatable. And that means that the villain can learn and adapt like a real person. But while they expect the players to exploit loopholes in their games, none suspect that their creation could endanger their world in Zero Instance #1.

 

Art

While demons guard the gate, soldiers stand between the crenelations atop Blood Moon Tower. Sorcerous fire burns above the tower while lightning crackles through the blood-red sky. Braxir Hex works raw energy with his hands before a red forge, a smile on his skull-like face. Rhys inspires his fellow Human, Elf, and Dwarf adventurers. Yet the Dwarf and a woman with a glowing eye lead the charge while Rhys brings up the rear in their assault on the castle.

 

Lauren Affe adorns Vic Malhotra’s fantasy art with contrasting primary colors in Zero Instance #1. Yellow energy electrifies the reds and blues of Blood Moon Tower, while the world around Rhys sinks into gray. He slumps as he prepares for an interview. Then, sinking into a chair, he covers his face with his hands. On what should be his big day, Rhys smiles at the corporate greeter. Yet green links the dangers of conventional life with his fantasy life.

 

Taylor Esposito fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters. Braxir’s dialogue balloons feature small, bold letters surrounded by gray borders. Like the corporate world he despises, lowercase texts also inhabit gray boxes. Yellow boxes identify places and people, while the sounds of battle can only be banished by a buzzing phone. Thanks to Comixology and Superfan Promotions for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

While the real world continually presents obligations, the virtual world helps Rhys' spirit soar. Zero Instance #1 explores the opportunities and dangers of technological progress for a bracing science fiction and fantasy read.

 

Rating 8.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Zero Instance #1.

 

To read for free with your Prime membership, find Zero Instance #1 at Amazon.