Surgeon X: The Path of Most Resistance

Surgeon X

by Sara Kenney, John Watkiss (Artist)

In a world on the brink of medical collapse, healing just got sicker...
What do you get if you cross a far right British government with an antibiotic apocalypse riot and a gruesome murder? The birth of Surgeon X and her renegade practice. Extreme times call for extreme medicine.
Sara Kenney, acclaimed documentary, factual drama and animation filmmaker (ANGELS AND GHOSTS) and master artist John Watkiss (SANDMAN, CONAN, DEADMAN) join forces with Karen Berger, award-winning and VERTIGO founding editor to produce this unique, darkly comic medical thriller, which will horrify and delight in equal measure.
Collects issues 1-6. Also includes character and development designs.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fiction, Comic Book

212 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2017

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting premise with poor execution. Set in Great Britain 20 years in the future, bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. The government has become far-right and is rationing medicine to the poor. Surgeon X is fed up and quits her job to provide private surgery for anyone who needs it.

The plot jumps all over the place without a clear narrative throughout. Crazy things like a mayoral candidate's wife murdering his opponent at a debate are conveniently forgotten after the first issue. I found myself quite bored during most of the book. John Watkiss was ill at the time of drawing this book and it shows in his work. It's very sloppy and subpar compared to his earlier work or even the sketches in the back of the book.

Received an advance copy from Image and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[RND · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overstuffed, unsubtle, riddled with pacing problems, obviously a first-time work (which is to say: sort of amateurish), tries to be hard-hitting but comes across as superficial, the soap operatic family drama elements weren't helping (nor executed elegantly), balloon placement/order was a problem, occasionally even punctuation, which was a disappointment since I had high hopes for this series based mostly on the presence of talents I've enjoyed in the past, specifically artist Watkiss and editor Berger.

There's artificial drama that makes characters seem utterly moronic, and they're supposed to be a family of whip-smart doctors. Kenney uses the same last-page cliffhanger for the first two issues.

Watkiss' art isn't his best; no point in being dishonest. It's still good, but as with many artists in their later years it's much looser, less detailed, and feels rushed.

There's also odd instances of racism (particularly against the Chinese[?]), and the worst thing of all among many bad story-related, writing-related issues is that it makes these attempts at humor that are just SO UNFUNNY.

I finished it because I wanted to read what is likely Watkiss' final work (RIP) but this was mostly a waste of my time (and his). On the bright side, the creators can only improve from here.

[Barnaby Barford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Surgeon X. A work that I feel tries to open up a debate around incredibly important issues that affect all of us in a new, engaging and interesting way. As I understand it the author worked with many professionals in the scientific and medical world to make this a credible piece of work. I thought the characters were believable and we see even now, perhaps the beginning of a shift toward the sort of government that is in power in SurgeonX!

I disagree with a comment from another reviewer mentioning racism. I didn't see that at all. I did think it was a captivating glimpse into what we could be facing in the not so distant future. I felt that it dealt with both the risks we face due to lack of functioning antibiotics but also dealt sensitively with other themes such as mental health. I liked the fact that all of this was delivered in a beautifully drawn, exciting story.

Above all, I actually very much enjoyed reading it!

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set approximately 20 years from now in London, England, this is a futuristic medical thriller where the world is suffering an antibiotic apocalypse. Almost every disease known to man has become resistant to antibiotics and the government has taken control of antibiotic dispensation to only the few who pass a rigid screening process. The story centres around a family in the medical profession. The father is a surgeon working in his own private medical clinic catering to the rich, the recently murdered mother was a biologist searching for a cure to the pandemic, a super-antibiotic. Twin sisters follow in the parents' footsteps, one is also a biologist trying to continue her mother's work and the other is also a surgeon but one who has left the hospital atmosphere refusing to be dictated to by the government, instead she has gone rogue creating an illegal surgery in her basement. And then there is the only son, a paranoid schizophrenic, who has been hospitalised several times. This is a serious, dramatic story which I really enjoyed. It's very realistic but does get a little weird at times with visions and delusions. The murderer strikes a few more times and I like this aspect, plus the pandemic, the best. Good art and a great read.

[Alex Sarll]

"I now believe life is a privilege, not a right. As a doctor, this thought scares the shit out of me.” A vision of London in 20 years’ time, caught between terrorist attacks, the rise of the right and growing antibiotic resistance. In many ways it’s all too plausible; opening on a view of Westminster Bridge’s west side has an extra resonance now it didn’t when the first issue dropped. Wellcome funding and more than 20 medical and scientific consultants confirm the science as sound, but sadly the fiction is somewhat shakier. It’s writer Sara Kenney’s first comic; this comes as no surprise, and nor does the information that she previously worked in documentaries, for the dialogue is rather given to the sort of undigested exposition which sounds better in voiceover than conversation. Artist John Watkiss was reminding me of a less good version of someone, and I couldn’t quite remember the name, but when I read the bios all became clear; the poor guy was dying while he worked on this, so it’s not a novice emulating his old style, it’s himself with his powers failing as the light fades. As such, the faces inexplicably smiling while bad news is delivered, or the shrinking of Nelson’s Column, become rather more forgivable; rest in peace, man. Still, it does seem odd that a book whose promotion hinged on being the first Image work of editor extraordinaire and Vertigo founder Karen Berger should have these fixable little failings. And there are too many; for every horribly likely prognostication (by 2036, the Conservatives are the more leftwing of the two main parties in rump Britain) there’s something odd and jarring (why would the PM use the Mayor of London as a messenger?). Some of these are only glancing details, but others strike at the heart of the premise. I can absolutely believe in a rightwing government awarding scores on some unknowable, ATOS-style system to determine who is and isn’t eligible for the few antibiotics still working; I can’t believe that they would ever score wealthy private patients as ineligible, however fat and old they might be. And as for the hints of a conspiracy at work – is that really necessary? Isn’t antibiotic resistance a particularly fine example of how complacency, laziness, selfishness can threaten the world just as disastrously as any grand and sinister plan? The overall result is a comic that’s impassioned and intermittently informative, but with the clumsiness of a sixth-form polemic; it would have been right at home in 2000AD’s short-lived, awkwardly political sibling Crisis.

(Edelweiss ARC)

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surgeon X from Sara Kenney and artist John Watkiss is an engaging medical thriller/dystopia set in the near future.The basic premise, the eventual ineffectiveness of antibiotics because of overuse, is not only plausible but well within the realm of possible. The creation of a dystopian society where this shortage plays an important role is perhaps less probable but certainly well within the range of possible in lieu of the asinine authoritarian governments popping up where there once were continuously improving democracies (USA, UK, etc).

Like any novel trying to combine plausible scenarios with action there are certainly some weaknesses but on the whole this works both as art (though Watkiss was sick and did not do his best work) and as fiction. Well worth the read for anyone who likes graphic novels and/or plausible near-future dystopias.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Sud666 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Straight out of the fevered minds of the British comes this "action" comic. Set not too far in the future, it seems free health-care for all didn't work. Now people are immune to antibiotics and the working antibiotics are scarce and rationing is occurring. I am sure this was meant to make some kind of social impact. It was lost on me. As was the story. So the hero is a doctor who helps people without insurance. Um that's about it. Oh and she often, multiple times, mentions something about the % of women surgeons and having pricks. Cool. She might want to read the Google guy's "manifesto" and she might find other reasons for the percentages. Whatever the case this was a boring comic..I read 80+ pages hoping for something. Nothing. DNF.

[Paul Allard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antibiotics resistance aftermath - interesting concept

Dealing with the world's increasing reliance on antibiotics and its consequences, this comic collection centres around a family's involvement in medical circles in a not-too-distant future. As the British Government refuse treatment to many, Rosa operates illegally in every sense of the word as her family search for a solution to the antibiotic problem.

Quite good although I wasn't too keen on the illustrations but certainly an original tale and especially important in this day and age. Volume 2 to follow should be interesting as well.

[Olivia Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A startlingly original concept, with wonderful art and a satisfying narrative.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really believable sci-fi with a proper amount of grit and drama.

[Cam Bert · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was full of good ideas that just kinda go nowhere.

[Owen Townend · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very pertinent read for the current times. While I don't know much about the current state of antibiotics in the UK, it is pretty dire in Surgeon X: The Path of Most Resistance.

Kenney has clearly done a lot of research into this subject, imagining a world where most diseases are no longer treatable and require controversial methods that aren't sanctioned by the presiding government. Rosa Scott or Surgeon X as she comes to be known, is at the forefront of saving lives. However the risks she takes make Rosa realise that life is not a right but a privilege.

There is a lot packed into this comic book, perhaps too much. While I found this dystopian concept unique and engaging, there were lots of subplots distracting from it and noticeable thematic clashes in the later issues. While it is possible that the unfortunate passing of lead artist John Watkiss had an impact on the end of this story, I would say the fault lies more with the storytelling.

Throughout the book Kenney struggles to maintain the balance between Rosa's lifesaving mission and the mystery of her mother's death. I think introducing this latter intrigue near the end would have improved the plot pacing immeasurably and allowed us more time to settle in with the protagonist and her supporting cast. The most interesting character by far is Lewis, Rosa's sympathetic brother who suffers from schizophrenia. I think a lot of attention was paid to recognisable symptoms of that particular disorder.

Aside from the chapter about Rosa's curry house abduction, the events and relationships within this book didn't quite cohere for me. There are lots of scintillating ideas ('cashtronauts' made me smile) and the world-building feels downright prophetic but I'm afraid this comic book is little more than an honourable failure.

I recommend Surgeon X to those who still have the stomach for epidemiological thrillers.

[47Time · Rating 1 out of 5]

Due to the misuse of antibiotics, the world is dying from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The British government has created the Preservation Bureau to keep strict control over the use of antibiotics, even going over the doctors' heads. Dr. Rosa Scott is determined to help her patients even if it's become against the law to do so.

The heavy focus on feminism is nausearing. 'Poor me, I'm the best doctor in the world, but nobody acknowledges me because I'm a woman.' Get over youself, lady! The story is otherwise surprisingly boring with too much focus on drama featuring unrelatable characters. It's just difficult to care whether they live or die. The book is a slow read focusing on how Rosa gets drugs to continue helping people. At least as far as I got with it. I can't care less how this borefest ends.

[¸.•*¨*•Gina *A Bookwyrm in Belgium*•*¨*•.¸ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a dystopian future where antibiotic-resistant bacteria is on the rise and antibiotics are being rationed one doctor decides to go it alone against the system. Gripping story and great artwork. A shame there is only one story arc.

[C Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me qualify my rating: While I like the premise & the story, I give the actual writing three stars. The dialogue is laden with exposition, some of the relationships are trope-ish, & some of the transitions lack, well, transition. That fourth star is for the late John Watkiss' art. It's realistic, stark, yet still beautiful. His death is a great loss.

[Wombo Combo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I made it one issue in before I couldn't take anymore, so I did not read all of the book because it was just that bad.

I really admire Karen Berger. She is the editor responsible for popularizing creators like Alan Moore, Garth Ennis, Jamie Delano, Grant Morrison, Neil Gaiman, and so many others. Without her, Vertigo Comics would not exist. In short, Berger has done tons for comics as an art form, so I was excited to hear that she was editing an Image book.

This book is extremely political, which is pretty typical of most of what Berger edits. In fact, much like Hellblazer, the Sandman, or a dozen other Vertigo books, Surgeon X is anything but subtle in how it shares it's political message. This is perhaps my biggest issue with Surgeon X. In the first issue, Kenney, the writer, writes about antibiotics(the main point of the book, really) immigration, gender equality, and schizophrenia, though I'm sure I missed a couple. All of these things are important issues that need to be genuinely discussed and talked about, but Kenney writes while completely lacking nuance. This makes the book feel more like a PSA than an actual story. The dialogue is poorly written and it makes me think Kenney has never heard a conversation before. It's so wooden. Kenney continues to show that she can't write as the first chapter ends on a twist that is obviously supposed to be meaningful, but fails completely.

John Watkiss's art is nice and I like it a lot, so I was sad to see that he had passed. The art definitely isn't for everyone, but I liked it.

I was disappointed with what I read of Surgeon X. Aside from the art and overall premise, I hated everything I read of this. It felt like it was written by someone who had a general understanding of comics, but not much else. Really, this book is bad.

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic novel set in the near future where antibiotic resistance has reached a point where most infections can kill and antibiotics are being rationed to those who “contribute” the most to society. Funded by the Wellcome to support public science education and engagement, and with many medical consultants checking accuracy of the plot and medical details. The protagonist is something of a vigilante doctor, trying to investigate her mother’s mysterious death. I loved the idea and I felt scarily believable. The plot was sometimes hard to follow with a lot of scene changing.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise for this title but it didn’t quite land for me for some reason. I think that I wanted a little more focus on the psychology of a person who leaves the NHS to practice a kind of vigilante medical research. This book is good but there’s a lot happening in the first few issues and it felt a little app over the place for me. I’ll read volume 2 but may not buy it if I can get it from the library.

[A. David David Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brilliant, harrowing concept...so poorly executed. It reads as though it’s constrained by the Comics format and actively seeking adaptation — which, ultimately, might not be a bad idea if handed to creators native to that next medium. Unfortunately, the dialogue, the pacing, and the characterizations deeply hamper the razor-sharp conceit and setting.

[Matthew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't believe it when you hear comparisons to V for Vendetta. This comics is 10 times as preachy and 1/10th as good. Unsubtle in message, clumsy storytelling. No wonder I hadn't heard much about it.

[Imogene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started great, ended a bit meh

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antibiotic resistance is fucking terrifying and while parts of the story were chilling, it still felt like parts of the story was missing. I’m still interested enough to seek out the next volume.

[Currer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of all over the place, but interesting issues, and an interesting heroine.

[Book Bunny 666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this graphic novel as it is about something that could genuinely happen which is scary

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrifyingly relevant, this unique comic hooked me from the first couple of pages. Not a fun read, but one I won't forget for a long time.

[Nikki Slezak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED the premise of this book. A vigilante doctor in a world where antibiotics are nearly obsolete because bacteria has evolved beyond them...brilliant! I define my 5-star rating as “if I HAD to talk about the book before I even finished it, it was that good”, and that completed applied, I couldn’t wait to tell people about this gem! Buuuut...honestly, the execution could have gone better. Let’s call it a 4.75 stars, and I’m hoping for a follow-up.

This is only a portion of my review. Here’s where you can find the entire review on my Bookstagram! https://www.instagram.com/p/CKSrZbiBqrH/

[Sevia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Opravdu jsem si přála, aby tohle dopadlo lépe. Příběh měl potenciál a zaštítila ho legendární Karen Berger, jenže provedení se ale vůbec nepovedlo. Což je skutečně velká škoda, protože jde bohužel o poslední dílo Johna Watkisse. Vizuální stránka byla také na celém komiksu to nejlepší.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

The medical side of things was more interesting to me than the 'yet another sinister government conspiracy' aspect. Another thing that impressed me was the main characters are a mix of strengths and flaws (and sometimes their strengths *are* flaws).

Maybe I should create a 'medical comics' list with this, Witch Doctor - any others I should look out for?

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of a world battling antibiotic resistance is a good one, and the characters are well developed. The dialog if fairly good. The only problem is with continuity. There were too many times when beginning a new page left me struggling to see how the next page relates to what just happened.

[Ruthsic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surgeon X is a speculative science fiction novel set in the not-too-distant future London, and is not really sure of what is really wants to focus on. There are multiple sub-plots in this collection, but none of them are cohesive enough and often the only thing linking is the protagonist Rosa Scott, who is very much a male version of the typical loner wolf character. I'm not sure if she is supposed to be projecting the 'strong woman' trope, but she come across more like an idea of what a male author might think a strong woman must be. Her story is that she is a renegade surgeon who does operates on patients in a far-right British society, in the midst of a global antibiotic resistance crisis. I was missing a few pages per chapter in this galley, so I had to piece together much of the story myself, but still I had to admit not much of it convinced me that this story had its eye on a central plot.

The science parts of the novel are pretty sound, I can attest to that. It shows a good degree of research has gone into creating the circumstances that pose the challenges to our protagonist. I wish that much research had gone into depicting the POC characters, because they come across more like caricatures, and what you would expect a Westerner to think Asian people are like. For example, the Indian family shown - they appear to be Sikh, but the woman is shown wearing a saree, which they don't usually wear; a salwar-kameez is a more apt attire for a Sikh woman. As for Rosa's schizophrenic brother, he shows more in commonality with a conspiracy theorist than a patient suffering from a mental illness, which I feel reinforces prejudice against them.

As for the artwork, it is amateurish at best. The lineart is terrible and there is no consistency in character design even within a chapter. A lot of coloring is lost in the traditional method of putting everything in shadows. And detailing is lavish in some parts, and sparse in others. Aesthetically, the artwork did not appeal to me in the least.

Overall, this book had potential but the storyline is lost in discrete plot arcs and the artwork is terrible.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Image Comics, via Netgalley.