Hope you weren’t losing sleep wondering what was going to happen to Brent, you’re out of luck.  Brent isn’t the only Vitro in the world and in this issue we’re introduced to Lila Ellerman and the world of Pariah gets bigger.

Lila has a thing for Brandon (ew, ick, cooties, yes I know now be an adult and continue reading about this comic) which is great because they have to work together in a lab full of Vitros.  Yes, these two are also Vitros.  The tale is getting larger than Brent’s issues with bullies and his parents.  Lila and Brandon work in the lab, which we know from last issue is the source of an explosion thus leading to the Vitros being seen as a terrorist organization.

But things aren’t as they seem.

Lets throw up the spoiler alert now.

As far as we know, it looks like the Vitros in the lab had nothing to do with the disaster and ensuing chaos that came from the lab destruction.  There is a larger conspiracy against the teens and we the readers are only now seeing hints of it.  Everything about the story is so far believable.  Sure, maybe not in the next year.  However the idea that there is a drug for mothers to take that leads to the side effect of increased brain activity is not too far fetched.  The further idea that there would be members of society who hate and fear these kids for being different is all too easy to believe.

All of these young geniuses and not an ounce of common sense or survival instincts.  Some of them want to go back to the lab and apologize.  Some just want to go home.  Lila steps up like she’s been watching Red Dawn all her life.  (Wolverines!)  They hide in the woods with just enough to get by.  “Just enough” meaning its very easy for a smart person to make some grain alcohol.  Only slightly more difficult to make an untraceable internet network.   Left to their own devices many teenagers have want of only two things, alcohol and a reliable 4G network.

Of course, left to their own devices many teens would sell out their peers if they think it can get them ahead of the pack.  Peer pressure is a bitch, but leading the peers is coveted even more.  This new character only shows up at the end, so we don’t know enough to decide whether to hate him or sympathize.  However, this book is definitely plotted out well in advance and in much detail.  There is nothing accidental in here.

This title will explode into a huge franchise.  It has movie, TV and more all over it.  There isn’t a doubt in my mind you’ll see contests and magazine covers spotlighting “your favorite Vitros!”  Remember, it all started with this comic and you need to get in on the bottom floor.  Today!