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What makes us who we are? More than you might think, given that more than half of every single human body is… not actually human. (This, by the way, is actual science.) If that idea seems a little bit unsettling, congratulations: you’re ready for BOOM! Studios’ new series, In Bloom.

Here’s how BOOM! describes the series: “When the BLOOM finally happened, humanity was changed forever, transformed by the symbiotic fungal megasystems that infected their bodies. Some of the affected grew new body parts, some found their personalities changed in radical new ways, while others reported contact with an intelligence that was not their own. In this bold new world, Agent Spears finds herself investigating a series of mysterious murders, a chain of violence that leads her to a terrifying question on which the fate of every living being rests.”

Sounds appropriately creepy? Series creators Michael W. Conrad and John J. Pearson are glad you think so.

“Years ago I came across an article about the human microbiome and it has haunted me ever since,” Conrad explained in a statement from the publisher. “Like most people, I want to understand who I am, and the knowledge that much of who we are is not native to our body has been a real mind bender for me. In Bloom is an exploration of that fear, and imagines a world wherein we can no longer ignore that we are a host to a variety of organisms. The things within us awakened, The Bloom is upon us.”

“Michael has written a story so visually rich that building the world through the art has been a dream come true,” added Pearson. “I’m getting to play with visual styles and techniques to create something that pushes the storytelling through a wild and varied approach. This is a story that makes you feel, think, and react in a number of ways. I can’t wait for you all to experience the world we’ve made for In Bloom.”

The first issue of the series will feature cover art from Pearson, as well as Alison Sampson, and the team of Jae Lee and June Chung. You can take a look at their work in the gallery below, as well as a sample of interior artwork.

In Bloom’s first issue will be available December 11.

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