Joe Casey’s provocative comic series uncovers the most taboo aspect of the virtuous superhero’s life- sex. 

Following a lengthy sabbatical, an underground superhero and introverted billionaire (with expert acuity in martial arts and access to cutting edge technology) returns to his crime-ridden city, only to discover it in an exacerbated state. Sound familiar? That’s because it is essentially the exact same plot of Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. But unlike Dark Knight, Casey’s “Sex” generates graphic adult content, and grim, erotic narratives.

The explicit sexual imagery (notably a candid lesbian sex scene in Sex #1), aims to transcend mere titillation. Retired superhero Simon Cooke, like many full-time vigilantes, is tormented by his violent past and self-inflicted sexual repression. With the use of lewd narratives, Sex delves deep into the superhero’s psychological affliction.

Since Simon’s disappearance, Saturn City’s unrelenting criminal hierarchy has become convoluted, but crime itself is prolific. Simon Cooke must decide whether to return to valour, or abdicate his mantle for good. 

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Simon Cooke observes an erotic exhibition

Straight from Europe’s indie comic scene, Piotr Kowalski delivers beautiful, elegant artwork. Reminiscent of newsprint comic strips, Kowalski’s lines are thin and refined, with character expressions so intricate, they’re practically animated. Saturn City’s bold, towering skyscrapers and gritty ‘seedy nightclub’ tone make an ideal backdrop to this provocative storyline. 

Joe Casey’s comic series is a dark, psychological crime drama with a retro heart. Go buy SEX at your local comic book store, or purchase the digital copies on iBooks.