Comixology's Zero Instance Blurs the Line Between Reality and MMORPG Fantasy

Comixology's latest original series, Zero Instance, is one that should appeal directly to MMORPG gamers and anyone who loves seeing the boundaries between the gaming world and the real world melt away. What happens when a rogue AI leaves the game behind and begins manipulating humanity? That's a question this series is setting out to answer.

IGN can exclusively debut a new preview of Zero Instance #1. Check it out in the slideshow gallery below:

Zero Instance is written by two men with plenty of gaming pedigree, Frank Barbiere (Destiny) and Stephen Rhodes (Marvel's Iron Man). This five -issue limited series will be drawn by Vic Malhotra in the first two chapters and Eoin Marron in the final three chapters. The creative team also includes colorist Lauren Affe, letterer Taylor Esposito, and designer Dylan Todd.

Details

Here's the official description of Zero Instance:

Zero Instance starts with a bang as the final boss escapes the screen and bleeds into the real world.

Rhys, a directionless college grad thought logging into his favorite MMO was just another raid with his friends, but they are shocked to find their boss fight glitching. When Chris—his best friend—doesn’t log out, Rhys is forced to confront a terrifying truth: the lines between game and reality are vanishing. As an experimental AI known as Braxir begins to manipulate smart systems, twist human behavior, and build a base of operations in the real world, Rhys must decide if he’s ready to lead when the game is over—and the stakes are real.

“Zero Instance was born out of a shared love of tense thrillers, MMOs, and game development, and I’m so excited to be telling this story with fantastic collaborators," said Barbiere in a statement. "I’m honored to be co-writing with my friend Stephen Rhodes in his first creator-owned comic series, and our art team of Vic Malhotra, Eoin Marron, and Lauren Affe have given the series a defining look that comic fans from across genres will love. The whole project is wrapped together with the fantastic lettering of Taylor Esposito and design from Dylan Todd, and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on it!”

Zero Instance #1 will be released on Comixology on July 14.

For more, learn all about Marvel's new Miles Morales: Spider-Man series and check out an exclusive preview of X-Men: Elsewhen.

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