Intrepid adventurers Pogo and Rex are on a quest for fame and fortune. Their discovery of a special map leads them on an epic journey through dangers, demons and old enemies. Just one problem-they’ve already lost the map.

I’ve never read Derek Laufman‘s Ruinworld, or honestly heard of it, before the press announcements leading up to Ruinworld #1‘s release. After reading the first issue, I’m kicking myself for missing out on it but happy I get a chance to experience the fun. I’m not a fantasy fan, so am really picky as to what I enjoy. Ruinworld, nails it for me delivering a fantasy world with solid action, humor, and great art. It reminds me of Jim Zub’s Skullkickers, but with furry animals. It’s off the rails fantasy roleplaying, the type of story that keeps me entertained.

Laufman quickly gets things going to a point we have a good sense of the characters we’re dealing with quite early in the story. There’s not a ton of depth, just the fun general characters you might expect to find on your quest. There’s the brash, jerky hero. The not so confident side-kick. Then there’s the thief they need to chase down. That’s the first issue in a nutshell and it works. It really works.

It works because Laufman focuses as much on the character interactions as he does the action. There’s fun and friendship there, even though it might not seem it all the time. And that draws the reader in. There’s some bickering but it never gets to a toxic point that’s unenjoyable.

The art is fantastic in a cute style that plays to the all-ages audience. It could easily have a very different look which would deliver a very different tone but the cute furry characters are unique in style and add to the light-hearted and at times comedic aspect of it all.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going in to this first issue but by the end, I want to read more and read it right away. BOOM! Studios is on a string of successes lately and this adds to it with a fantasy tale all can enjoy. Ruinworld is a world I want to read more of, to explore more of, hell I want to game in the world. A fun first issue that delivers action and smiles.

Story: Derek Laufman Art: Derek Laufman
Lettering: Warren Montgomery Color: Derek Laufman
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

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