Clean Room, Vol. 1: Immaculate Conception

The premise of this bracing series launch from Simone (Birds of Prey) sounds familiar: a secretive, powerful, and celebrity-filled organization promises wisdom to all who follow its teachings. But the cult-like Honest World Foundation turns the Scientology analogy on its ear: they really do know the truths of the universe and might be humankind’s only hope. Chloe Pierce is a reporter trying to figure why her fiancé, an Honest World acolyte, shot himself. Chloe’s introduction to the cult’s arrogant leader, Astrid Mueller, a piercing-eyed Valkyrie in sleek business wear, doesn’t give her much confidence in their aims. But the steady accumulation of supernatural occurrences forces Chloe to conclude that there are worse things out there than Honest World. Propulsively written by Simone and drawn by Davis-Hunt with a clarity that’s both gruesome and precise, this story will get under the reader’s skin. (June)