Essentials Vol. 1
The Lab Portable™ Edition
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Pub Date Oct 20 2026 | Archive Date Oct 17 2026
The Lab Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
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Description
In a world shaped by human minds, the greatest threat is what we refuse to face.
Earth has collided with an alien dimension. Reality is no longer stable—it fractures, reshapes, and bends to the minds of the few survivors left behind.
Essentials Vol. 1 follows scientist Harris Pax as he navigates a world where human thought creates entire realities, and survival depends on confronting the illusions people build to avoid the truth. With the help of two alien “guides”—Buttons, inhabiting a dead woman’s body, and Cog, trapped in a toy robot—Harris races to find survivors before the same forces that shaped their worlds destroy them.
Blending large-scale science fiction with psychological and philosophical stakes, Essentials explores what remains of identity, truth, and meaning when reality itself can no longer be trusted.
A Note From the Publisher
Cover: M.K. Perker
Full slate of artists for the different dimensions in the story:
Jason Howard
Vince Locke
Glenn Fabry
Andrea Mutti
M.K. Perker
DaNi
Additional Book Formats with (ISBN-13):
Hardcover: 9781964226002
Advance Praise
"The star-studded debut from publisher The Lab Press" - IGN
"...fun and immersive...a real page turner. If this is indicative of the other work that The Lab Press has coming, then the future is bright." - Comics Beat
"In a realm where graphic novels stand as pillars of creativity and storytelling, a new force is about to emerge, blending the talents of Black Sails star Luke Arnold and Emmy-nominated writer/producer Chris "Doc" Wyatt." - Geek Vibes Nation
"...a thought-provoking read about what it means to be human and what ultimately makes life worth living." - BlueInk Reviews (Notable Book/Starred Review)
...this graphic novel isn’t just a debut for a new publisher, The Lab Press; it’s a mission statement for what high-tier independent comics can achieve." - Ted Olczak, Printed Word Reviews
"A lively and richly entertaining adventure into alternate realities."- Kirkus Reviews
"If you are looking for a sci-fi/fantasy graphic novel with a unique storyline, well-developed, believable characters and expertly crafted illustrations, look no further than Essentials Vol. 1. This book checks all the boxes and more!" - Feathered Quill Reviews
Goodreads rating: 4.4
Amazon rating: 4.7
Awards:
IBPA Book Awards
Winner: Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book - Fiction
Winner: Graphic Novel
INDIES Book of the Year Awards
Finalist: Science Fiction
Finalist: Graphic Novels & Comics
Story Trade Awards:
Winner: Graphic Novel
Finalist: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Literary Titan Awards
Gold Book Award: Fiction
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781964226293 |
| PRICE | $9.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 168 |