Invisible Republic #1–9 + TPB – A Deep Dive Into Truth,
Power, and Revolution
Genre
Science Fiction, Political Thriller, Dystopian Drama
Main Characters
- Maia
Reveron – A quiet yet resolute woman whose lost memoirs unravel the
truth behind a fallen regime.
- Croger
Babb – A disillusioned journalist whose discovery of Maia’s story
drives the investigation into a dictatorship’s origins.
- Arthur
McBride – A former revolutionary turned dictator whose public image
sharply contrasts the truths hidden in Maia’s account.
Writer
Gabriel Hardman – Known for his cinematic
storytelling style, Hardman weaves a politically rich, slow-burning narrative.
Artist
Gabriel Hardman – His gritty, grounded linework
perfectly complements the raw realism of the story’s harsh environments and
moral ambiguity.
Editor Details
Julian Lytle (Assistant Editor), Eric Stephenson
(Executive Editor) – Their editorial direction ensured a consistent tone and
narrative quality across the series.
Publisher and Brand
Published by Image Comics under its creator-owned
model, giving the series complete narrative freedom.
Release Year
2015 (Issues #1–9 and the first collected TPB)
Brief Plot Summary
On the distant moon of Avalon, recently freed from the grip
of a totalitarian regime, journalist Croger Babb stumbles upon a game-changing
discovery: the private journals of Maia Reveron. Maia, cousin and confidante of
the now-deposed dictator Arthur McBride, offers a firsthand account that
contradicts the official history. As Babb digs deeper, he learns that the
revolutionary icon was far from the selfless liberator people believed him to
be. Maia's tale unfolds a story of manipulation, violence, and betrayal that
could reshape the political future of the colony—and cost Babb his life.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
- “Reveron’s
Memoirs” Arc (Issues #1–5) – The introduction of Maia’s perspective
and Babb’s initial investigation into Avalon’s unrest.
- “The
Fall of McBride” Arc (Issues #6–9) – The dark unraveling of Arthur
McBride’s myth, paralleling Maia’s disillusionment and Babb’s growing
danger.
These arcs serve to juxtapose past and present, often
flipping sympathies and perceptions of each character as more truth is
revealed.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
- Maia
as the True Revolutionary – Some readers interpret Maia not only as a
narrator but as the moral compass of the revolution, whose sidelining by
McBride symbolizes the failure of idealistic movements corrupted by
ambition.
- The
Parallel to Modern Media Ethics – Croger Babb's dilemma mirrors
current conversations about journalism in a post-truth world—how much
truth is too much, and who benefits from its exposure?
Review Summary
Invisible Republic is a masterclass in slow-burn
political storytelling. Gabriel Hardman’s expressive art captures both the
oppressive atmosphere of Avalon and the intimate humanity of its characters.
The writing is sharp, deliberately paced, and intellectually engaging. Maia
Reveron’s complexity adds emotional depth, while Babb’s investigation creates a
compelling narrative drive. The series avoids typical sci-fi tropes, opting
instead for realism, moral ambiguity, and character-driven drama. Fans of The
Expanse or V for Vendetta will find this series particularly
resonant.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
