Death Orb #1
Writer: Ryan Ferrier
Artists: Alejandro Aragon, Chris O’Halloran
Publisher: Dark Horse
Review by Anelise Farris
Death Orb #1 introduces us to Rider, an axe-wielding biker with only one thing on his mind: finding his wife, in the war-torn post-apocalyptic wasteland that the world has become. A figure named Father is the epitome of a cult-leader idealist/scientist with a god-complex, and he has decided to perfect the world via the death orb. And it’s just as brutal as the title suggests.
The writing in Death Orb #1 is lyrical, smooth, and moves the issue along at a great pace. The dialogue is believable, and right away I was emotionally invested in Rider’s journey. What was he hoping to find at that bar? And is his ruthless killing necessary? What exactly is his mental state? So many questions! I love it when a first issue makes me care so much about a character. There is also a great energy to the lettering that really helps to bring the story alive.
The surreal, manga-esque art here is a perfect match for the context, this fantasy-steampunk-dystopian future. The linework is impressive, and the shading infuses it with a depth and movement. The details like the biohazard symbol on Rider’s bike and jacket are a smart touch. And the colors are absolutely gorgeous, so simply saying it is like Mad Max would not do enough justice to my favorite color combo at work here: moody shades, like purples and blues, balanced with pops of neon.
Verdict: Buy it.
Death Orb #1 is equal parts beautiful and horrifying. There is a crude sophistication to this series that I admire, and it carefully balances action with philosophical depth. Plus, it ends with a bang (pun intended).
Death Orb #1 will be out October 3. The first issue is now officially up for pre-order (AUG180368).
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