dawnwalker
writer: Ram V
artist: Evan Cagle
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Writer: Aditya Bidhikar
Publisher: dark horse comics
Publication date: December 2024
A century ago, the door to Mesoamerica opened. It brought the alien Tetza and changed the world forever. Now, the world is pouring resources into building the King of Steel, the giant mech that will fight Tyza for humanity’s survival. Anita Marr, one of humanity’s finest pilots, is tasked with testing a prototype that will ensure humanity’s survival. How will Anita balance saving the world and saving her sick child? Will she lose herself as she connects with the ghosts of those long gone, fighting for the same goal?
This just scratches the surface dawnwalkerrecently included in a new hardcover edition. This may sound like a predictable mecha story, but it’s far from the truth. One of the latest projects from a superstar writer Ram V— Who works with impeccable artists here Evan Cagle— dawnwalker Even if you’re a veteran of the mecha genre like me, this will surprise you.
Mechas are a genre that will be familiar to most science fiction fans, with hundreds of comics, shows, and movies set in the apocalyptic subgenre. Although the initial encounter was similar to Pacific Rim or Neon Genesis Evangelion, dawnwalker It has a completely different, fresh focus for the mecha genre. What sets it apart is the unique Central American setting, which is absolutely refreshing and extremely well done.
It’s not common to see mecha stories outside of Japan or the United States, so setting the story in Central America was a genius move. dawnwalker unique identity. Another distinguishing factor is the story’s explicit focus on parenthood. I would even go so far as to say that this is the main guiding theme of the comic. dawnwalker Explores the love parents have for their children, the extent to which parents will go to protect their children, and how parents can fight for the things they care about in a time of apocalyptic danger. That’s not to say you have to be a parent to appreciate it, far from it, but the story explicitly tackles these themes and explores the fears and anxieties that come with wanting to keep your children safe.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is that Anita’s personality isn’t just tied to her role as a mother – no, her personality is actually well-defined long before she becomes a parent. She’s a great protagonist, multifaceted and sympathetic. I particularly found her quest for identity compelling because in times of stress, it’s easy to forget who you really are and you have to figure that out again on your own.
In a sense, dawnwalker Its true premise is slowly revealed over the course of the first issue. It’s a story that spans generations, with two very different points of view, but still focuses primarily on Anita Marr’s battle for survival and trying to help her ailing daughter. The world-building of this series is very substantial, with the two time periods building upon each other to help create an epic sense of scale and depth. Not all mysteries will be solved, but the answers to most will unfold throughout the series, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you read and grasp what’s to come.
It’s a very personal story, but the supporting cast is still fleshed out and they feel like believable characters. It feels like a huge amount of effort and thought went into every aspect of this comic, and it pays off tremendously, as it ends up being one of the most fully realized science fiction comics of the past decade. Techa is a charming and formidable opponent who provides a stark contrast to the formidable and awe-inspiring Iron King. Dawnwalker itself is one of the coolest mechas in comics, and Optimus Prime gives it a powerful counterweight.
Ram V. has risen rapidly in the industry in recent years, publishing one incredible book after another, but this book stands as one of his best pieces of writing. The entire series relies on a difficult balancing act; balancing monumental scale with intimate personal drama, balancing obtuse science fiction lore with characterization, all while building a suspenseful, entertaining plot that explodes as it unfolds. And yet, the script manages to do so almost effortlessly. Not even tripping. Every word in his script feels thoughtful, thought out, and articulated with the rest of the comic, making this book feel like something worthy of your attention and respect, special thanks Aditya BidhikarExcellent lettering job. All of which is to say, what the creators have done here is incredible – crafting a deeply personal story in a genre filled with stories that look at mecha in every way imaginable. A culturally and emotionally unique story.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Evan Cagle’s art is nearly perfect in comics. He has an incredible grasp of page structure and layout, drawing beautiful and explosive detail and proportion while also focusing on the tender and intimate moments that make a book like this even better. Beautifully enhanced Dave Stewartof color, Cagle ensures that every page stays in your mind as some of the most beautiful artwork you’ve ever seen. Whether it’s empty, desolate landscapes or violent moments with mecha monsters, he goes all out and it really pushes this series to the next level. Many, if not all, of the double-page spreads in this book could be used as posters or tablecloths. His art shines in an oversized hardcover collector’s edition, which really gives it the space it needs to be displayed at the scale it needs. He was in perfect sync with Ram V’s script and it’s no wonder the two continued to work together.
comprehensive, dawnwalker is a wonderful read. It’s one of the best comics of 2024, combining epic scale and scope with genuine heart and emotion to create a rich and unforgettable story that stands out in a crowded subgenre. It negates your expectations and tries to make you think in new, deeper ways. With absolutely stellar work from all creatives involved, including near-perfect art from Evan Cagle and some of the best writing of Ram V’s career to date, dawnwalker Not a comic that can be skipped. It’s big, thrilling, and full of emotion—a grand showcase of comics at their best.
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