Misbegotten #1 (2015)
🧬 Genre
Misbegotten is a bold mix of science fiction, post-apocalyptic dystopia, religious satire, and dark comedy. The series fuses theological mythology with futuristic cloning technology, offering a surreal and provocative twist on traditional belief systems and hero archetypes.
👥 Main Characters
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Father Fabrikant – A conflicted priest who is tasked with dismantling a dangerous “Passion Play” that may be too real for comfort. Haunted by faith and plagued by doubt, he’s the reluctant protagonist caught between duty and truth.
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Clone Marilyn Monroe – A seductive, charismatic figure who believes herself to be in love with a clone of Jesus. She’s not just a love interest—she’s symbolic of idol worship in the age of artificial identity.
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Clone Jesus of Nazareth – A genetic recreation of Christ who stars in a hyper-real religious performance. His presence challenges the boundaries between devotion and deception.
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The Vatican Council – A shadowy ruling authority that controls religious relics and sanctions missions to preserve spiritual orthodoxy in a fractured world.
✍️ Writer
Justin Sane crafts a narrative that is equal parts irreverent and introspective. His writing dances between sacrilege and sincerity, raising questions about belief, identity, and spectacle.
🎨 Artist
Jeremy R. Treece brings the world of Misbegotten to life with visually sharp and emotionally charged panels. His art style swings between stylized caricature and gritty realism, effectively mirroring the comic's thematic contrasts.
🖋️ Editor Details
Travis McIntire provides editorial direction, maintaining a tight grip on the comic's unorthodox tone and philosophical depth while allowing the creators room to push boundaries.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
Published under 1First Comics, Misbegotten stands as part of the publisher’s line of edgy, experimental, and subversive graphic narratives.
📅 Release Year
2015
📖 Brief Plot Summary
In a post-apocalyptic future where cloning has become the norm and holy relics are sacred commodities, Misbegotten follows Father Fabrikant, a priest ordered to sabotage a dangerously realistic Passion Play performed by genetically engineered clones. Among these clones is a Marilyn Monroe who believes she can change fate, and a cloned Jesus whose staged crucifixion may alter the very concept of faith. As Fabrikant delves deeper, he must confront not only the authenticity of the play—but the shaky ground on which his own beliefs are built. 🛐⚡
📚 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"The Passion Play Protocol" – The opening arc where Father Fabrikant embarks on his mission, confronting both theological paradoxes and personal demons.
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"The Love of Monroe" – A deeper exploration into the emotional and spiritual turmoil caused by Monroe’s devotion to a manufactured messiah.
🤔 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Clone Jesus as a Threat to Religious Monopoly – Some readers interpret Clone Jesus as a metaphor for the commodification of faith and the fear of losing control over institutional religion.
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Monroe as a Modern Mary Magdalene – Fans draw parallels between Monroe and the biblical Mary Magdalene, suggesting she embodies misunderstood redemption.
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The Vatican as a Critique of Censorship – The governing religious body is often seen as a symbol of censorship and institutional manipulation in the face of uncomfortable truths.
🧾 Review Summary
Misbegotten #1 is bold, brash, and brainy. The writing challenges conventional narratives with biting satire and philosophical depth. Treece’s artwork captures both the absurdity and gravity of the comic’s themes, making each panel feel alive with tension and symbolism. Character depth is surprisingly rich for a first issue, particularly in Father Fabrikant’s internal struggle. While the premise may feel provocative to some, it’s executed with enough nuance to spark genuine discussion. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
📘 Misbegotten #1 dares to ask what happens when science rewrites scripture—and whether faith can survive the clone age.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
