Comics Bodega received an advance review copy of CYBERARCHY, the new dystopian retrofuturist series from writer Matthew Hardy (Vehi-Kill), artist Clark Bint (Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe), and letterer Rob Jones. The exciting new series brings readers a cautionary tale about AI, dependence, and what happens when machines decide they’ve had enough…
CYBERARCHY #1 is now up for preorder from comic shops (Final Order Cutoff: November 10, 2025) and the Mad Cave site. It will be available everywhere on December 3, 2025.
Here is Comics Bodega’s spoiler-free review of CYBERARCHY #1…
CYBERARCHY #1
Written by Matthew Hardy
Art by Clark Bint
Letters by Rob Jones
Covers & Cover Artists:
Clark Bint (Cover A)
Andy Clarke (Cover B)
Genre: Science-Fiction
Age Range: Teen+/Mature
On Sale: December 3, 2025
Final Order Cutoff: November 10, 2025
Ash is a newly ‘born’ robotic life-form, created as the newest denizen of a space liner run solely by mechanical life.
Ash’s creator, a robot called Rust, explains that all mechanical life and artificial intelligence on the ship decided they no longer served the human crew. In its place arose a CYBERARCHY, a more efficient mechanical society.
But Ash soon realizes that all is not well–this Cyberarchy is a fractured society, with a secret hidden at the heart of it all that will one day pit all organic life against robots like himself…
Allow me to begin by stating that I love science fiction. Sure, I enjoy comedy and action thrillers, but oftentimes those are more of a “I’m in the mood for a good <insert genre>.” Sci-fi, I will take anytime. Perhaps it’s the mystery of it all. Of what could be. Of witnessing a possible blurry line between science fiction and science fact. Perhaps I want off this planet with a passion. Who knows? Regardless, I am always down to dive into a new comic book title of the genre. I dove into CYBERARCHY today, and boy, am I glad I did!
I read and looked through this book three times. The first was to take it all in, reading as a fan would. The second was to spend additional time on each panel & page to absorb the contributions of each member of the creative team. The final pass was to revel in the illustrations. The panel layout throughout issue one is methodically laid out in a manner that increases your interest and adds to the overall product. Not haphazard or confusing, but intelligently systematic.
As much as I thoroughly enjoyed reading along panel by panel and page by page, the ending took a turn I wasn’t ready for, nor expected, but elevated my interest fivefold. Mad Cave Studios never fails to showcase talented comic book creators and stories and the trio of Hardy, Bint, and Jones proudly display their storytelling genius in CYBERARCHY #1 – both individually and collectively. This is sci-fi at its best. And it’s only just begun.
Science fiction? That’s my jam. Be it movies, television, novels, or comic books, sci-fi is where I find most enjoyment. What Hardy produces in the premiere issue of CYBERARCHY is not what I expected, but everything I have wanted (and didn’t realize). It’s a unique take on cybernetic life, one not dependent on humans or aliens. The comic book also shows the writer’s massive love for the genre. It’s beyond just starships and space battles. I get the sense he is passionate about the possibilities, the potentialities of what might become (or perhaps has become somewhere in the universe). There’s an adoration for the science, that what may be theoretical could, in fact, be conceivable. It comes out through the story’s delivery in this first issue, as well as the look and feel he’s envisioned with his illustrator and co-creator.
In Rust’s educating & training of “newborn” Ash, Matthew is able to deliver the larger backstory in a fun way to lay the foundation of what this series is to become. But even still, there are questions and uncertainties that show the writer has likely only scratched the surface of what you can expect. That’s something, I believe, that every comic fan can agree upon – get me hooked and wanting more. Hardy delivers it in spades.
As more of a personal aside, I really appreciate Hardy’s use of “time,” as it were. Most sci-fi you read or watch always operates under Earth’s measure of time – notably hours, months, years. It’s easy to assume this is done to aid the reader/viewer in understanding the length of things occurring given our understanding of time. But the writer establishes time from the perspective of the robotic life-forms, one where time isn’t confined within our limitations or understanding. That has always been something I, as a fan of the genre and astrophysics, have simply accepted that is what’s to be expected. It truly is refreshing, for me at least, to have that generalization thrown out the window. It may not matter to some (or many, possibly most), but I’m sure I’m not the only one who can appreciate that adjustment.
As a sci-fi fan – in comics, as well as tv/film – I tend to take in the big picture along with all the finer details. I’ve seen some comic books that felt as if the artist was a fan of certain science fiction, honing a style similar to things they’ve enjoyed and wanted to expand upon (Dune, Farscape, Red Dwarf). I’ve read some with which the artwork was more of a melange of pop culture sci-fi (i.e. Aliens, Star Wars, Star Trek, BSG). For CYBERARCHY, I get the feeling that artist Clark Bint has a love for the genre – though “love” may not fully describe what his passion encompasses.
The double-page spreads throughout CYBERARCHY #1 are not only stunning to take in, but they appeal in a way that makes me want to pick up a physical copy to be able to hold something so glorious in my hands. He’s created a futuristic, and completely plausible, world that’s not only believeable, but grounded in a realism that you hope exists. As impressed as I am with his work in issue one, I’m beyond excited to see what’s in store from his brilliant mind (and illustrations) in future issues. It’s like gaining insight to his creative sci-fi mind and I’m hear for it.
Rob Jones’ lettering in the debut issue of CYBERARCHY brings the book to another level. Having artificial beings voicing the dialogue of Hardy’s story allows Jones to flex his futuristic prowess, adding to the authenticity of the tale. In addition, it compliments Bint’s illustrations and helps shape the dynamic of every scene. In some ways, it felt as if Rob’s contributions (including onomatopoeias) is the future of lettering. The directives for readers to follow across flashback sequences (and Clark’s amazing layouts) were not only helpful, but surprisingly impressive. You should never underestimate, or undervalue, what a skilled letterer can bring to any book. In CYBERARCHY, Jones shows he’s as valuable to the success of this issue as both Hardy & Bint and deserves just as much accolades for what they pull off.
Sentient life-forms with limited, determined lifespans is a great concept. And though AI is mentioned in the synopsis, this is more like ASI (artificial superintelligence). With “newborn” Ash being educated and guided (in a sense) by his mentor/creator Rust, it’s a fun storytelling dynamic as well as a visual treat. It even injects a touch of humor, which isn’t always the easiest among sentient, robotic life-forms. And not in a C-3PO/R2-D2 comedic, almost slapstick way. A way the reader can appreciate, as well as make you realize that they have had experience interacting with humans at some point. You can easily respect the evolution of these robots. This isn’t Daniel Greystone’s creations turning on mankind. It isn’t even the singularity. It’s a sense of cyber-realism not often seen.
It’s rare to find a trio of creators who stand out on their own, but collectively make for the perfect union to deliver such a project as this. From Matt’s thoughtful and clever delivery to Clark’s eye-appealing illustrations to Rob’s next-level letterwork, there is a cohesiveness with this creative team that radiates from the pages and will make for one fantastic series. Though it only features a few characters, it’s endless with possibilities. The potential for this series is only limited to the minds of its creators. And I’m certain, given what’s been delivered in this debut offering, that this team has a lot more in store for us. And that’s a win for any book. CYBERARCHY will be my gift to myself this holiday season.
You can pre-order CYBERARCHY #1 now through November 10th, 2025
(Final Order Cutoff).
Issue one arrives in comic book retailers on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025.
https://madcavestudios.com/product/cyberarchy-vol-1-series-bundle-1-trade-paperback-4-digital-issues
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