First, the final twist reveal makes it worthwhile reading - I really want to read the next vol. Set in a future where having children is almost impossible. Cloning is possible, but for some reason most clones eventually lose it and become bersek killers. Why isn’t explained. There is a test, too expensive, yet, instead of testing, the carnage and clean-up are accepted? Weird! We have cops out dealing with this, a second strand story line in a rebellion by the ‘dupes (those affected) and the feeling of a conspiracy in the background. This reminded me of Blade Runner. Sci-fi, set in the future, cops hunting down individuals and exterminating those that have gone wrong. Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for the comic ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Writer Jordan Thomas and artist Daniel Gete grabbed my attention instantly with the unique title of their latest comic, Skin Police. With a title such as that and a truly unique plot, how could I not dive into this new Oni Press series?

In the year 2142, fertility levels around the globe plummeted, and a black market for illegal clone babies emerged. Millions of parents used their own genetic material to welcome these new children, only realizing the horrific consequences far too late. At some point in their life cycle, three in four of these genetic duplicates transform into psychologically unstable killing machines known as "Dupes." Fortunately, the United Nations of Europe has decided to take an active role in containing the growing threat. Their specialized task force has taken up the unenviable task of hunting Dupes before their violence can spread. To the government, they're the Duplicate Identification and Capture Division. To everyone else, they're the "Skin Police."

Skin Police immediately pulls you in with its unique and intriguing premise. The concept of illegal clone babies evolving into violent criminals is great blend of horror and science-fiction that makes for a great reading experience. While the pacing felt a bit rushed, the story kept me hooked, leaving no real room for any dull moments in its action packed series. The tale has the vibe of an amazing episode of one of my favorite tv series, The X-Files, delivering a thrilling mix of suspense and mystery.

Daniel Gete's gritty artwork complements Jordan Thomas' script perfectly, setting a dark tone for the series. The illustrations give us a vivid picture of a futuristic world revolving around the Skin Police. Gete's style captures the essence of each scene with tension and drama unfolding in each panel. The pairing of Thomas' writing and Gete's artwork creates a visually intense reading experience.

Skin Police is a fantastic horror sci-fi series that had me hooked from the opening panel. While the pacing was a bit rushed to start, I felt the artwork, overall story and outstanding title were so much fun. Thomas' writing and Gete's artwork are the ingredients needed to create a fun comic and I am eagerly awaiting more from these creators.

In the future, a decline in fertility leaves people turning to the black market for babies. However, these babies are clones and once they reach a certain age they POP. Basically translated as. they go absolutely fucking insane and start killing people. A specialized government force is created to ‘take care’ of these clones, aka The Skin Police. Meanwhile an underground rebellion is blooming, along with the possibility of a cure. But does the government want a cure for these clones or do they just want to terminate them?

An interesting premise that was executed with perfection. There is a lot to unpack in this little graphic novel. Much more than just some top notch artwork and clever writing (although these were both highlights) and that ending... let's just say I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Oni Press via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Very interesting premise. I'm interested to see where it goes. I feel like I've read a lot of futuristic dystopian sci-fi that involves clones. This one is tied directly to infertility, leading to the cause of the increase in cloning. I find this interesting, especially since it plays upon the very real fears that a lot of us are having today about low birth rates and the increasing incidence of fertility troubles. The story definitely plays upon several "othering" tropes. The art style isn't my favorite, but I think that's more of a preference.

Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A brilliant dystopian tale set in a future where infertility is rife and a black market in clone babies sprung up as a result. Unfortunately some of the babies grow up into psychotic killing machines, leading the government to create a task force (the skin police) to control them.

Told in a vibrant art style with a bold use of colour this is a tale that weaves family drama, intrigue and corruption into a fast paced, action packed story with a good cast of characters.