New Game Plus, an all-ages manga published by RAE Comics, offers a uniquely compelling and surprisingly fun take on the classic hero’s journey, filtered through the lens of video game escapism and adult trauma. This 60-page manga centers on Don, an Iraqi war veteran grappling with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For Don, video games are not just a pastime—they are a crucial form of therapy. The story takes an abrupt turn when Don, who dies in a freak accident, literally wakes up inside a video game, forced to become the unlikely hero of the quest.

Level Up Your Heart

Author Cullen Carson skillfully navigates the tricky balance between mature subject matter (war, PTSD) and high-energy fantasy. The vibe is reminiscent of Scottie Young’s I Hate Fairyland—an all-ages presentation grappling with adult sensibilities. However, unlike that book’s prickly protagonist, Don is a remarkably warm-hearted and earnest character, possessing a core personality much like the iconic Mario himself. This warmth, crafted by Carson, anchors the high-concept premise, making his struggles relatable even amidst the fantastical chaos.

Pixel Perfect Action

The visual execution by Gabriel Fassina is a major highlight. The artwork is rendered in a traditional manga style, featuring well-illustrated action sequences that are fluid and dynamic, and elaborate world design that brings the video game setting to life with rich detail and imaginative scope. Fassina’s clean, energetic style perfectly complements the story’s blend of adventure and emotional depth.

As a product, I really enjoyed the digest size of this manga and the cover illustration by @Crumbsart was a huge selling point. On the downside, a $20 price tag is a lot for such a small book. As a collector I consider the cost as part of the game. However, the price may be a turn off for value seeking parents looking for reading material for their kids.

Insert Coin for the Sequel!

New Game Plus is an enjoyable read that cleverly utilizes a Mario Bros pastiche as its framework. It successfully establishes a captivating world and a hero with genuine heart and complexity. While the comic effectively pays homage to its video game inspiration, we hope that the narrative will push beyond the pastiche. The story has all the elements—a unique hero, stunning art, and a powerful underlying theme—to break free and tell an even more fun, unique story in its future installments.

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