Psion is a slow-burn story showcasing the life of a young Black man in college in the American South, on the campus of a Historically Black College or University. The story by Mark Bandy is an easy read and flows at a measured pace, slowly pulling you into its world while quietly laying the groundwork for a sci-fi twist that simmers just beneath the surface.  “Che” Ugbor’s artwork does what it needs to do to get the story across. Its cartoonist style never breaks the rules it sets for itself, helping the story feel grounded even as the strange elements creep in.

The main character is John Lewis, a young Black man with a good head on his shoulders. He is presented as a quirky but brilliant student. He is accompanied by his equally interesting British friend, Danita. The story follows the pair as they banter back and forth in scenes best described as a day in the life. Their conversations range from slave revolts to homelessness, coffee, and everything in between.  These conversations drop subtle hints toward the larger speculative premise waiting to unfold. The book embraces its slice-of-life identity well, using it as a Trojan horse for something bigger.

The Quiet Setup for Something Bigger

With all this, I would have liked a bit more attention paid to the story structure and plotting. The book’s slow pace and information delivery could have been tighter, rather than relying on an “and then, and then” approach. Hopefully, all of the various topics and threads introduced in this first chapter pay off in future installments.

The book is about 50 pages long and only begins to lean into its central premise in the last 5 to 10 pages. Just when the story feels like it is truly beginning, it ends. Have no fear, however, as Chapter 2 is already on the horizon.

A Speculative Slice of Life
All in all, this book is a fun read for fans looking for a Black-led slice-of-life story firmly rooted in HBCU culture. The story does an amazing job of highlighting a diverse group of Black characters,  portrayed in a positive light.  Think “Dear White People” or “A Different World” with a pinch of Jordan Peele’s “Get Out.”  I would have loved to see more of the “goth-horror elements” the creators mention in their original description of this story. However, clues in this issue suggests they will have a significant impact on the story in Chapter 2.

If you are a fan of the kind of storytelling associated with Stephanie Williams, and other popular comic book professionals, this comic should be right up your alley. Go check it out.

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