A century ago a portal opened over Central America and the Tetza that came through changed our world. Now the world bends all its effort to making the Iron Kings-great mechs that must battle the Tetza for humanity's continued survival in gladiatorial combat. Anita Marr is the greatest of the pilots and is chosen to pilot a new prototype that could change the tide in humanity's favor. An all-ages sci-fi epic from rising stars Ram V and Evan Cagle.
Ram V. and Evan Cagle dazzle with a stylish mecha and kaiju story that delivers action on a massive scale with a pinch of sci-fi mystery for added flavor. Read Full Review
The illustrations could stand on their own, but it's the colors from Dave Stewart that bring it all to life. With a title like “The Dawnrunner”, it's awesome that Stewart would use colors relating to just such a thing. Oranges, yellows, pinks, purples, and reds dominate the palette. When it comes to the interior of the Mech and the private life of Andro, a colder set of colors dominate. I love going back and forth between them all, showing a contrast and depth to the world, and in relation the story. Read Full Review
Intelligent, gripping, and visually stunning, Dawn Runner is another instant hit from two of the best creators in comics today. Read Full Review
'Dawnrunner' highlights the connection between a pilot and her Iron King mech while also providing an interesting look at how a war can turn into spectacle and competition. Read Full Review
Ram V joins the Capes and Tights Podcast for Episode 154 on March 6, 2024 to discuss Dawnrunner and more! Read Full Review
Dawnrunner is by far the closest we've come to a worthy Pacific Rim successor. Read Full Review
Takes the idea of the mecha anime and transforms it into part sports match, part sci-fi odyssey. Read Full Review
This issue has such a good build up and a satisfying fight at the end that is truly epic. Combined with a tight script and unique themes, this issue is a solid entry that is entertaining and visually stunning. Read Full Review
Cagle delivers beautiful art in the issue. The characters designs are fantastic and the action is visually stunning. Read Full Review
A gorgeous book with some fun ideas, but there are some moments that feel poorly executed and not properly set up. Read Full Review
Overall, it is a pretty solid story. Yes, it is overly similar to Pacific Rim, but some breadcrumbs suggest this is not how the story will evolve. Especially the last five pages, which may be the problem. Im unsure that is enough to get you to the second issue. For people familiar with Ram V, I dont think it will be an issue. To a potential new reader, Im not so sure. Read Full Review
Companies like Dark Horse really do take a chance on comics like this and when they hit a home run they do so in style. The art and colours oozed off the page and the story felt like I was sitting in front of a 100 inch tv or the latest AAA game and believe me this was up there with the best I've read in a long time. As the age of superheroes is starting to come to an end it leaves room for writers and artists to write something that just leaves the reader wanting more.
I really enjoyed this. It's not a typical book od go for, but it's got a cool concept and was well done. I do think the action scenes were a little disorienting, but overall a solid issue 1.
Cool debut. Looking forward to the next issue.