In Review: Cosmogenesis

Just released by Clown Press and available via amazon.co.uk, Waterstones and other good bookshops is Adam Grose and Tony Suleri's epic Cosmogenesis, a fully revised and updated version of the sprawling, magnificent space epic these two British creators have been promoting at various conventions over the years.

Cosmogenesis is not, I have to say, for the faint hearted. The 500 plus-page collection starts with a number of story strands which may appear confusing at first (other critics have commented on the bizarre sequencing of the original version), but for those determined to make sense of it, Cosmogenesis soon settles into a generally understandable yet no-holds-barred (if still, at times, bewildering) galaxy-spanning tale featuring a tale of 'good' versus 'evil' and how such concepts affect the man (or in the case of central character, Quongo), the intelligent ape on the street (or in a spacecraft).

The book charts the rise of simian Quongo from unwitting adventurer to possible messiah. Using the galactic setting, the narrative explores the writer's interest of grand cycles of time, numerology, and the recurring motif of mythological lone saviours prevalent in many cultures.

"The story is set within another time and place, in a galaxy not so far removed from our own, yet resides in a higher dimensional reality," says Adam of the story, which will give you some of idea of what to expect. "The premise comes from an idea that there are many civilisations out there in the Milky Way, yet we can not see them, because our reality is on a lower plane of vibration.

"... The whole story reveals a galaxy coming to the end of a great cycle of time. A time which would bring about a shift in consciousness in each individual and bring about the return of 'Those of Many.'"

I warned you it might blow your mind. It's difficult to really describe Cosmogenesis without making the obvious references: think Planet of the Apes meets Star Wars, with all kinds of things Joseph Campbell perhaps never even thought of thrown in.

Mix that with the detailed, painstaking art style of Tony Suleri and you will understand why I'm advising some caution before going in cold (you might want to check out some of the various promotional videos Adam has created to get a taste of what to expect and a feel for the core characters).

It's to Adam and Tony's credit that they've re-worked their original, tidying up a number of typographical errors that detracted from the initial pubications, and striven to give this collection a little clearer in terms of narrative. It's still a very dense tome, embracing and developing many ideas and concepts dear to the creators' hearts, and, is a far cry from many of the simpler comic tales you may enjoy on a regular basis. But if you're looking for thought provoking, mind-boggling storytelling then give this a try.

• Buy Cosmogenesis from amazon.co.uk