Angels 2200

Angels 2200 is a web comic written and illustrated by the New Zealand artist/director Peter Haynes (a.k.a. Hansagan) with original concept by Nathaniel Savio. This science fiction story is set in the year 2200, ten years after a genetic plague killed 99.9% of the male human population on Earth and its off-world colonies. During the chaos, the colonies rebelled and a resource-desperate Earth is now trying to bring them back into line. The story follows the old Aurora-class carrier "Outcast" and its poorly trained crew on their mission to put down the revolution in the Risae Asteroid Belt near Mars.

The artwork in Angels 2200 is a compelling blend of rendered computer graphics and Peter's distinctive, manga-influenced sketch work. Comics are sometimes in color, but readers can look forward to complex shading details in even the uncolored installments.

Between extended action scenes, the story covers considerably more serious topics (death, leadership, relationships without men, etc.) through very believable dialog exchanges. Humor is interspersed throughout the processes of young women coming to grips with what it means to be soldiers in war.

Despite updating only on Mondays and Fridays, Angels 2200 manages to usually stay in the bottom half of the BuzzComix Top 10. Its forums feature a diverse and very international membership known for rarely staying on topic and the occasional technical debate.

Characters

Icebreaker Squadron (main characters)

Sasha "Hammer" Carelli 

The, at times disputed, leader of the Icebreakers. Known for unconventional tactics and a tendency to narrate events in her head. She knows she has a duty to fulfill as a pilot and squad leader, but is not always sure how to best accomplish it. She is terrified of losing one of her sqaudmates. Especially Kid, whom Hammer has conflicting feelings for.

Currently MIA, presumed dead, following the Ellie Arroway incident.

• Rank: Private First Class, Squadron Leader
• Nationality: American
• Age: 19

Mitsabi "Bubblegum" Kiseko 

Initially the most out of place and apparently incompetent of the pilots, Mitsabi's character has arguably changed the most. A fan of film noir, Bubblegum's affection for detective hats is being tempered by the realities of military intelligence work. The line between the good and the bad may be as shadowy as her favorite films.

• Rank: Private
• Nationality: Japanese
• Age: 19

Francesca "Kid" Martines 

Innocence meets harsh reality, guess which wins. The most skilled pilot in the squadron--if she would only shoot at the enemy. Friendly, hyperactive, girly, and the most emotionally mature of the girls having grown up with several sisters. Kid has an evolving and uncertain relationship with the Outcast's SexBot, Lance.

• Rank: Private
• Nationality: French
• Age: 18

Mary "Whiskey" O'Reilly 

A surly Irish pilot who enjoys drinking, pranks, and one-night flings more than following orders or being a good pilot. Her hedonistic tendencies seem to stem from a great deal of insecurity, unhappiness, and fear of dying. Whiskey has found some comfort with Loser, but it's anyone's guess as to where the relationship is headed.

• Rank: Private
• Nationality: Irish
• Age: 18

Juanita "Quetzalcoatl" Valdez 

An arrogant and aristocratic pilot known for being uncooperative and undermining Hammer's leadership. However, it is increasingly apparent that Quetz is not nearly as confident or cold as she puts on.

She has become the de facto Squadron Leader following the loss of Hammer.

• Rank: Private
• Nationality: Mexican
• Age: 18

Rebecca "Loser" Bradley 

A former marine turned pilot for unclear reasons, Loser is outgoing, physical, and dependable. Good with interpersonal skills and advice (even if it isn't the most cheerful). She is still trying to make sense of her relationship with Whiskey.

• Rank: Private
• Nationality: American
• Age: 18

Other Important Cast

Robin Kurosawa 

Captain of the Outcast. "Cap'n Rob," as she is commonly referred to on the forums, has the thankless task of putting down a rebellion of unknown proportions with only bad intelligence data, an inexperienced crew, and out-of-date equipment. She seems eager to join the front lines and sees this mission as her opportunity to prove her ability. Not a bad woman, but she could certainly stand to give more support and training to the troops rather than expecting them to learn as they go (and survive the process).

Genevieve "Pronto" Tora 

Commander Air Group of the Outcast. She's seen the front lines--and left part of herself there. Pronto is not as cold as she initially appears. She seems to see a lot of herself and her former squadron in the Icebreakers and would like to see this squadron has a happier ending than her own did.

Lance 

The Outcast's resident and neglected SexBot. A "male" android designed for comfort and sexual activities. Lance was activated 48 years ago, but still has not used any of his primary functions. Suspected of being gay by Loser, but it might just be that most of his programming has been replaced with cooking. Regardless, his AI is now struggling with being the closest thing to a living male and whether or not Kid's relationship with him is healthy for her.

"Greykat" 

Commander of Corona Squadron. British, cold, holier-than-thou, a real bitch, but a good pilot. Not at all on good terms with the Icebreakers after an extended prank war and mock combat duel that left Corona victorious, but with damaged pride.

Annabelle 

A 15-year-old captured rebel pilot. Displays an interesting mixture of loyalty, determination, anger, immaturity, and fear of death/killing. May simultaneously be friends and enemies with Bubblegum.

She committed suicide by cutting her own throat after a failed escape attempt and showdown with Bubblegum.

Information

Ellie Arroway

An ancient, disabled Mana-class carrier found by Icebreaker during a fateful patrol mission. Records showed it was scuttled near Jupiter in 2150, but was mysteriously 47 years behind estimated trajectory. Boarding operations found it was nowhere near as abandoned as it appeared to be...

Rebelling Colonies

Mars 

First off-world colony to be founded (2037) and demand independence

Chara 

First out-system colony (2100) and first to rebel (2138).

Eta Cassiopeiae 

Second out-system colony (2135). Founded in secret and held close ties with Earth until The Plague.

Europa/Jupiter 

Second major off-world colony in the Sol system.

Risae 

One of the main colonies in the Sol system asteroid belt.

Fighters

Medusa 

First Terran space fighter. Now very obsolete in 2200.

Sabertooth 

Strike fighter. Best deployed against capital ships.

Siren 

Third generation Terran fighter. Vastly superior to the Medusa and Sabertooth. It is unknown whether this fighter is still the state-of-the-art in 2200, but it is certainly the best fighter the Outcast has onboard.

The Plague

The true origin or nature of the great genetic plague is unknown. Public consensus is that it was a virus that arrived from the Chara system. Regardless, its arrival in 2190 on Earth and subsequent spread throughout all the known colonies eliminated over half the human population. Very few men survived or were naturally immune to the epidemic. A vaccine was developed in 2192 and the first post-Plague male child was born in 2194.

Jumpgates

A means of FTL transportation. Travel is point-to-point between gate pairs. The initial gate placement must be accomplished through conventional propulsion, which means that very distant jump lanes take a VERY long time to establish. This is the main reason so few out-system colonies exist. Jumpgates require and release tremendous energy requiring them to be located far away from anything important. The jump process is also a remarkably unpleasant experience.

Links

Official Site