Image/Top Cow have announced the new fantasy noir comic “Syphon” from director and documentarian Patrick Meaney (Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods, The Image Revolution) and artist Jeff Edwards (“G.I. Joe”) from a story by Mohsen Ashraf. The three-issue miniseries is set to tackle some relevant themes, examining the burden of empathy faced by those living in traumatic times.
“Syphon” follows Sylas, an EMT who gains the supernatural ability to sense and siphon pain from others. The more he uses his new powers, however, the more he is forced to carry the miseries of those he helps. After befriending a drifter, Sylas finds himself drawn into “an ages-old war that has raged for control of the human condition.”
“‘Syphon’ explores how much of a burden we can take on ourselves in trying to help others and the world around us,” said Meaney. “After the past few years of world events, it feels extremely relevant to ask, how much can you do to try and save the world before you destroy yourself.”
For his part, Ashraf described “Syphon” as “a very personal story for a generation that’s dealt with a myriad of injustice and inequality over the years.” He continued, “We all carry trauma with us, and this new series examines the fragile state of our collective psyche and how best to deal with it. Ultimately it delivers a message of hope, that we can be the change-makers we seek.”
“Syphon” #1 hits comic shops and digital platforms on Wednesday, July 21.
