DEUS EX is a mini-series based on the popular video game series, which will be releasing a third installment this year. People familiar with the game will feel comfortable in the comics near-future, cyberpunkish world. 

The story revolves around Adam Jensen, chief security officer for Sarif Industries, a leading company in cybernetic research. Previously losing his arms and legs in a vicious assault, he has been modified with powerful artificial limbs as well as retinal augmentations. Trying to maintain his humanity, now that he's lost so much of it, he finds himself caught up in a bitter feud between those that have given him new life and those that despise anything unnatural. 

There's quite a bit going on here as Sarif Industries is attempting to keep itself in power and avoid a takeover from rival companies, while at the same time deal with these protest groups. Things don't get any better after a rather public display that only strengthens the cause against them. Using a weapon developed by Sarif Industries, themselves, a terrorist kills a group of protestors on national television. 

Jensen is soon in the thick of things as he is sent to find a hacker that supplied the terrorist the plans for the deadly weapon. Tricked by the enemy, he and a mercenary named Katrina Sutherland, supposedly on the same trail, almost kill each other before coming to their senses. 

This issue opens with the two of them defending themselves against an onslaught of artillery when the villains take matters into their own hands. During the course of the attack, Jensen comes face to face with someone from his past and things begin to take an even more personal turn. 

Trevor Hairsine's interpretation of this neo-future tale is very striking. The characters look like they belong in this world, which seems somehow tainted by the technology that's become so prevalent there. This is especially noticeable in the difference in style between the main story and the frequent flashbacks. The past appears so much cleaner and more stable when compared to the hectic and darker images Jensen is now surrounded by. Almost as if the life he now lives is seen through different eyes. 

The mortality rate in the comic is high and you definitely feel that anything could happen in this book. And while it has all the excitement of a summer blockbuster film, Robbie Morrison keeps a good grip on the characterization. The chemistry between Sutherland and Jensen is very promising and I'm sure there's more to learn about both.  

DEUS EX is a nice high-octane action-adventure comic that pulls out all the stops and will appeal to fans of the video game series as well as movies such as Ghost in the Shell.