In the aftermath of an apocalypse which wiped out nearly all magic from a once-wondrous fantasy world, a former bard named Hum (a man of few words, so nicknamed because his standard reply is “hm”) seeks a way to save the soul of his wife with nothing but a foul-tempered mutant unicorn and his wits to protect him…but is unwillingly drawn into a brutal power struggle which will decide forever who rules the Weird Wasteland.

Simon Spurrier manages to create an intriguing post-apocalyptic world with Coda #1 that seems to a strange product of blending Mad Max and Lord of the Rings. Spurrier takes elements from both of them to create an impressive premiere issue.  The first issue follows the journey of an unusual bard, who wants to save his wife. Through him we’re introduced into a world where magic is a commodity and the shortage has led to a magical apocalypse. With a tech blend, the world is so much more than swords and sorcery with a steampunk-ish tinge to it all. There’s so much potential here and as a debut it’s beyond impressive in its world building.

Matías Bergara‘s art with color by Michael Doig is impressive. It takes in a mixture of bleak sights, and inspiring sights as Hum’s journey begins. As the issue progresses the art reveals the more fantasy inspired elements of the world, including a talking skeleton of an immortal dragon, something rather original. Also standing out is the lettering of Colin Bell who really uses the size of he lettering itself to set personalities and drive the dialogue. Some words are very small as if talking under one’s breath or muttering. It adds personality to a comic that’s full of it.

This first issue is fantastic creating a world that is begging to be explored and characters that make it entertaining. There’s a lots of fantasy out there but this debut manages to find more than enough that feels new and unique to make it stand out from the pack.

Story: Simon Spurrier Art: Matías Bergara
Wraparound Main Cover: Matías Bergara Intermix Cover: Jae Lee Incentive Cover: Jeff Stokely
Color: Michael Doig Letterer: Colin Bell
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review