100% leaps a few decades into the future to show a world that has, essentially, grown tired of itself. Still, in this high-tech world filled with disillusioned youth, art and love still hold to the core of the culture. 100% interweaves the tale of six products of the counter-culture.
A sex club serves as the central location that ties all six lives to one another. In the future, your average horny Joe has grown too accustomed to typical stripping and sex acts. New gimmicks had to be invented. New technology allows customers to view the most private, internal moments. Girls dance and pleasure themselves as their insides are projected for all to see. It's not as disgusting as it sounds. But it creates a powerful contrast. The greatest and easiest intimacy is staring at the insides of a woman as she orgasms, but being close to someone remains risky business.
Pope's characters are hardly saints. They drink, perform sex acts for paying customers, pop pills and brandish the occasional firearm -- but they are never judged harshly. Pope is able to illuminate the humanity in each character, making any illicit acts they might perform easily acceptable.
All are searching for a place in the world and for someone to love. The most compelling is Eloy, an artist seeking financing for a brilliant work. He has been hunting for tea kettles and tuning them all to the same key. When set off at once, they produce a surprisingly beautiful harmony. But when Eloy's potential financiers want him to alter his performance art, he must choose whether or not to compromise his vision and subsequently his blossoming relationship.
| 100% Written by: Paul Pope |
100% is more about love and inspiration than sex, drugs or politics. Pope's art is dark, but spirited, much like this bittersweet tale of loves won and lost. As with all great science fiction, the technology and future prognostication is merely a vehicle to examine the human condition. This one's an absolute must for any who appreciate great storytelling.
