The future has grown into a decadent, overcrowded gang-ridden cesspool. If you’re not living uptown, you might as well be dead. Such is the case of Darius Smith, an artistic youth living in the hood, doing his best to avoid trouble and live life. Unfortunately, Darius has a hidden talent — he’s an explosive fighter! This makes him the target of several gangs and pits him in many brawls, landing him in the sight of the honorable Timothy Mustafa, a powerful prince. XOGENASYS is a successful gladiator sport fought with powered exoskeletons, and as the owner of one of the most successful teams in the country, Mustafa wants Darius to become his newest fighter. Can Darius become the next champion? Or will he fall like so many before him?"This is an underdog tale, and one that is effectively told; it feels reminiscent of a sports biopic with narrative. Something about the execution of this story feels raw and relatable. It might be the expressiveness in the art, or the way the dialogue matches how real people speak to each other. Regardless, XOGENASYS Volume 1 is a rousingly successful debut for Noir Caesar–I am fully invested for the ride and eagerly awaiting more." — Marion Pena, The Comics Beat"Draper-Ivey’s artwork gears toward gritty black-and-white with striking action scenes. It’s a slow burn, but readers will easily root for the underdog protagonist as he battles his way out of poverty. Fans of shonen manga will line up for the next volume [of XOGENASYS]." — Publishers Weekly
Contributors: (W) Johnny O'Bryant
Johnny O'Bryant III is a former NBA player turned visionary entrepreneur who founded Noir Caesar, an anime and manga publishing company committed to amplifying diverse voices and stories. After years of playing professional basketball around the globe, Johnny followed his passion for storytelling and launched Noir Caesar in 2015. Since then, he has published multiple critically acclaimed manga and graphic novels, collaborating with talented artists and writers from around the world. His bold move into the anime and comic book industry has made waves—challenging industry norms and creating new opportunities for Black creators and underrepresented communities. Through Noir Caesar, Johnny O'Bryant continues to shape the future of entertainment with authentic, culture-rich narratives that resonate worldwide.