Review – Rust Vol. 1 Visitor In the Field and Rust Vol. 2 Secrets of the Cell

Rust is a high-octane adventure set in the prairie lands of an unknown time. Life on the Taylor family farm was difficult enough before Jet Jones crashes into the barn, chased by a giant decommissioned war robot! Oldest son Roman Taylor struggles to keep his family’s small farm afloat as the area heals from a devastating world war. While the rest of his family may not trust the mysterious boy with the jetpack, Roman believes the secrets of Jet’s past may be the key to their survival.

Royden Lepp with the first volume of rust has set up a first chapter of an interesting alterna-world where mechanoid beings fight in battles. The story, feels like a meditative story of a soldier coming home from war and doing his best to shake off the horrors they endured.

In this case, the soldier is a young boy with a jet pack. A mysterious person who is teased little by little as to their history and past.

This first set up is amazing and it’s no wonder there’s so much accolades given to the graphic novel. The art too is amazing. Just absolutely beautiful to look at, as well as read.

In this follow-up to the critically acclaimed Rust Vol. 1: Visitor in the Field, the dysfunctional Taylor family continues to rebuild their farm lives after the devastating loss of a recent war and the appearance of the mysterious jet pack-wearing boy, Jet Jones. Jet’s behavior continues to raise youngest brother Oswald’s suspicion, particularly when the appearance of another robot invader puts them all in danger! Rust Vol. 2 is presented in nostalgic sepia tone, bound in high-quality blue cloth, with photographic end papers that set the industrial atmosphere of the title.

The second volume picks up from the first. We get a bit more about Jet, and his mysterious background. The characters get fleshed out a bit more as well, with plot threads for each.

Much like the first volume there’s a melancholy beauty to it all. The story still has that post war feel, of people dealing with the ramifications of home life post a major event. The art is just amazing throughout the book, much like the first. There’s an animated style to it, that makes me want to see a movie on the big screen (but I’d settle for the small screen too).

Rust‘s both volumes are beyond fantastic. A fantasy story that’s as engaging for adults as it is for children with art that’s amazing to look at. It’s one of the rare comics or graphic novels that’s a treat to read as a family or perfect for a parent to give their child to read.

Do yourself a favor and check out both volumes, both can be considered modern classics.

Story and Art: Royden Lepp

Vol. 1 Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Vol. 2 Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Archaia provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review