A new shared universe has kicked off, and this week’s solo series launch, Rook: Exodus, leads the charge. Under the label Ghost Machine, some of comics’ biggest creators are joining forces to form a creator-owned and operated joint venture. After the taste tester that was Ghost Machine #1, fans can get in on the ground floor with Rook: Exodus, a sci-fi action comic with a unique animal quality.
Rook: Exodus #1 has a lot going for it, starting with impeccable art by Jason Fabok. Listed as a creator by Geoff Johns, this universe already feels fleshed out and intriguing from the very first page. Of all the Ghost Machine titles, this one seemed the coolest to me but also the hardest to wrap my head around. A futuristic world where people control animals via helmets seemed almost childish in its endeavor. What is this? Are Power Rangers mixed with Captain Planet? Given the adult nature of the story, it’s anything but.
The story opens in the year 2171. The “Earth Engine” that kept the planet alive and under control has been offline for a year. The hubris of mankind is clearly showing itself once again as humanity aimed to populate another planet that was cleaner, safe, and operated by a corporation. All the promises are gone, and people are fleeing. We soon meet Rook, our main character, who can control crows thanks to advanced tech. Once a Warden, his helmet still functions, but how long it will last is unclear. Once a farmer, he’s not a scavenger who hopes to flee the planet with a manmade ship. Those who could afford it had already fled.
A mass exodus is taking place.
Credit: Image
This intriguing setup issue establishes a wild west world with predators scavenging for the last remnants of food and water. When we first meet Rook, he’s scavenging a downed spacecraft and soon comes under attack from a giant bear. We’re talking three stories tall and ferocious. Aside from commanding crows to scare off the bear, it’s pretty clear his helmet can’t do that much. At the very least, other Wardens with helmets that control more dangerous animals have an edge. Basically, Rook has some ability, but he’s more of a loner on his own trying to stay alive.
Like other dystopian sci-fi–I’m looking at you, Fallout–this story will have your imagination running. In one sequence, we see Rook scavenge for food via an apartment building, and Fabok draws an incredible double-page splash of a city falling apart. We know enough to understand that change is coming to the planet and that danger is imminent. Rook is rushing to escape, but what if he’s stuck there? Can the Earth engine be restarted? That’s a question I asked myself when the main big-bad arrives near the end of the issue.
The main big bad and the Warden helmets we see in the first issue are masterfully designed. Fabok helps sell the sci-fi world well with bits of tech here and there and cool-looking spaceships. Attention to detail in the forest areas is also well done. This world has a slight brownish tint, which helps sell the fact that it’s dying.
If you’re looking for plot progression or even a deep dive into this possible future, you’ll likely feel a bit short. At 44 pages long, this issue is mostly a slower follow-over of Rook’s shoulder in his day-to-day life. There’s some groundwork as far as a mystery photograph, but aside from the basic premise detailed above, there isn’t a lot to it. Rook himself gets some backstory involving his father and why he left Earth, but again, it’s pretty simple. One can surmise the creators are going for a Western vibe with Rook. He’s a man who lives a simple life but takes down those who get in his way.
If you like detailed art, this will be your favorite comic of the week. Rook: Exodus #1 is a compelling new sci-fi dystopian story that’ll have your imagination running wild with its potential. You’ll be invested enough to return for more, especially with the excellent art. It’s as good as sci-fi action adventures get in many ways.
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