A sunny paradise // a detective with a beast inside // a killer hunting her down
CHiMERA // MANGA
A fast-paced solarpunk detective thriller about a shapeshifting cop being hunted down by a relentless killer.
The Return
CHiMERA # 1
New Hawaii, 2141.A disastrous leak compromises a secret military squad created by Island Health & Wellness Spa, a front for a genetics program that developed the CHIMERAS:Mercenaries given the power to shape-shift into car-sized beasts.Narrowly surviving their last mission, Chimera Akela Barrett returns home with her squad,
only to be forced into a shock collar and demonized by the media.Yet quiet hatred isn't the only thing monsters should fear.
Mortal
CHiMERA # 2
Malevolent 'aumākua, mo'o, shapeshifters, monsters.As black ops mercenaries return home to utopian Neo 'Āina, the public discourse is upturned with shocking leaks:THEY are among us, and they're dangerous. The anonymous leaker delivers another name:CHIMERAS. Not human, not animal. Something in between.Chimera Akela Barrett regrets everything. The power the Company gave them in exchange for their indentured servitude. The missions that still give her nightmares. The monster hiding just beneath her skin. The shock collars locked around their necks.And now, the rabid public at their doorstep.The only spots of hope are the bonds she forged with her fellow Chimeras: Chavez, Ramirez, and Walters; and the surprise promotion to detective at her father's precinct.She's terrified both are about to be ripped away from her.
TBD
The Guardian of Mānoa Falls
CHiMERA #3
Shocked as the news champions her as a mythical folk hero for a daring rescue caught on camera;Akela struggles to both keep her partner in the dark and catch up to the mysterious assassin as he sets his sights on human targets.
About the creators
Sam M. Smith is a published author, graphic designer, and freelancer with a love for interactive storytelling and unusual mediums.Her award-winning work has been featured in the Coverfly REDLIST.She lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida, where she enjoys sitting by the beach and sipping iced tea.
José M. Villarroel is a published artist, writer, and animator with a zeal for gritty, visceral manga-inspired art and a diverse range of influences.