A.V. Pull List: Rook: Exodus is a post-apocalyptic epic worth your time and money
If you’ve been craving a sci-fi comic that combines gripping storytelling, jaw-dropping art, and the nostalgic vibe of a late 80s or 90s kids’ show with a dark edge, Rook: Exodus is your next obsession. Published under Image Comics’ new Ghost Machine imprint, this series has hit its stride six issues in and is already a standout in the comic world.
The story kicks off in the wake of Earth’s environmental collapse, forcing humanity to abandon the planet. The survivors settle on a new world, Exodus, a planet being terraformed into a livable home by a machine known as the Earth Engine. The colonization effort thrives with the help of Wardens, humans equipped with advanced masks and animal-controlling technology. These Wardens manage the planet’s imported ecosystems using cybernetic devices to command animals like wolves, bears, crows, turtles, and more.
But the fragile balance unravels when the Earth Engine catastrophically fails. Terraforming halts, the environment becomes unstable, and the animals—enhanced by their control tech begin mutating into colossal, uncontrollable giants. In a desperate bid for survival, those with the means flee Exodus in a second mass exodus, abandoning the Wardens and lower-class citizens to fend for themselves. What follows is a high-stakes battle for survival as the Wardens, once stewards of the planet, are left to confront the rising chaos. Amid this turmoil, the narrative explores humanity’s hubris, reliance on technology, and its ultimate consequences.
The true star of Rook: Exodus lies in its incredible designs. Each Warden is defined by their mask, a piece of tech that is both practical and symbolic, reflecting their individuality and their bond with their animal companions. These intricate masks, paired with their cybernetic-controlled animals, create a stunning visual dynamic that practically demands a toy line. Imagine collectible figures of a Warden and their wolf, bear, or crow, pure collector’s gold. The mutated animals, towering and terrifying, add an additional layer of spectacle. They’re equal parts awe-inspiring and horrifying, blending organic chaos with the sleek, futuristic aesthetic of their control devices. The entire comic feels like the perfect collision of a retro sci-fi cartoon and modern, gritty storytelling.
Six issues in, Rook: Exodus has cemented itself as one of the best new comics out there. Maybe the best ongoing series of the year. Whether you’re grabbing single issues or waiting for the trade paperback, this is a series that belongs in your collection. Image Comics has been knocking it out of the park lately, and Rook: Exodus is just another example of their dominance in the comic book world.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to your local comic shop and dive into the fun of Rook: Exodus. It’s a journey you won’t regret.
-Brad McBoom