Dark Horse; $4.99  

Edward Hale is a video game designer who has grown tired of being just a cog in the machine at Blazestar Games. At a video game convention, Edward solved a puzzle put forth by the Masterminds, a mysterious and powerful organization that helps its members succeed by any means necessary.  

Edward is invited to play a series of games to prove if he is worthy of becoming one of the Masterminds. The games are extreme – starting with Edward walking into a room of bloody dead bodies – and will test his intelligence and mettle. Fortunately, he is getting some help from Angie, his Blazestar coworker. Unfortunately, the two of them quickly face life and death scenarios, even though the games have just begun. 

Masterminds is a fun, stylish thriller comic. The creative team of writer Zack Kaplan, artist Stephen Thompson, and colorist Thiago Rocha have clearly put a lot of time and thought into the story. The puzzles are complicated and exciting with Edward and Angie determined to complete them despite the metaphorical “danger” sign looming over their heads. 

The story is moving along at a fast pace, producing a sense of urgency that the reader feels as the two gamers work. The art is great with sleek designs that make the city look fancy and exciting, and the coloring makes each setting appear realistic and unique. 

–Amanda Sheriff