Image Comics; $3.99

In just three issues of Rook: Exodus, writer Geoff Johns and artist Jason Fabok (Batman: Three Jokers) have built a strong science fiction premise and an equally strong dramatic story for this series from Ghost Machine. Rook is a farmer from the failed Earth who sought new life on Exodus before that planet failed as well. Now in the remains of the mostly evacuated civilization, Rook’s helmet makes him one of the wardens, each of whom is empowered to communicate with species of the planet’s animal population. As the world engine collapses, perils both natural and human-made present themselves.

Johns, Fabok, and colorist Brad Anderson show us a world that is beautiful, deadly, and desperate. This is far beyond the running-jumping-and-shooting science fiction we so often see; there’s some really intriguing concepts going on here.

It will be interesting to see where this series goes and whether the creators can sustain it. They’re off to a really strong start.

– J.C. Vaughn