We’re sold the idea that hard work breeds success, but that often feels to be a lie we’re saddled with to keep us from moving forward to attaining that goal. While diligent determination is admirable, it’s often those in power and secret circles that throw up road blocks in front of the normal citizenry from moving up the ladder to fame and glory.

Next week, writer Zack Kaplan, artist Stephen Thompson, colorist Thiago Rocha, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou throw the spotlight on these types of circles in their new series Masterminds from Dark Horse Comics. In Masterminds, Edward Hale is a game programmer who’s looking to make a name for himself and attain elusive success, but must contend with the labyrinthine rules and obstacles of The Powers That Be, as well as the allure of bending the rules in the process.