Dawnrunner #1

Dawnrunner #1

by Ram V, Dave Stewart (colorist), Evan Cagle (cover_art)

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. A story of heroes, impossible armors, ghosts and two people, centuries apart, connected by their need to protect the ones they loves.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2024

About the author

Ram V (Ramnarayan Venkatesan) is an author and comic book writer from Mumbai, India. His comics career began in 2012 with the award-nominated Indian comic series, Aghori. A graduate of the City University of London’s Creative Writing MA, he has since created the critically acclaimed Black Mumba and the fantasy adventure series, Brigands.

Reviews

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars. A couple tricky art bits marring my understanding here and there but otherwise this is a very promising start! Gives me Evangelion vibes for sure.

[Aron · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars. Really interesting, looking forward to #2.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dawn Runner #1" kicks off with a thrilling introduction to a world where humanity's last hope against colossal alien threats lies in powerful, human-piloted machines. The story follows a group of young, inexperienced pilots who must rise to the occasion and defend Earth, echoing the themes of camaraderie, duty, and resilience.

Similarities to Greg Pak's "Mech Cadets":

Young Protagonists: Both series center around young cadets who are thrust into critical roles, balancing their personal growth with the responsibilities of piloting advanced mechs.
Mentorship: The presence of seasoned mentors guiding the rookies is a key element in both narratives, adding layers of character development and wisdom.
Training and Trials: The training sequences and the trials the cadets face are pivotal in shaping their readiness for the impending battles, creating a sense of progression and stakes.
Similarities to "Pacific Rim":

Giant Mechs vs. Kaiju: The core concept of humanity utilizing massive robots to combat enormous alien creatures is a direct parallel to "Pacific Rim."
Apocalyptic Stakes: Both stories are set against a backdrop of near-apocalyptic scenarios, heightening the tension and urgency of the characters' missions.
Team Dynamics: The teamwork and synchronization required to pilot these giant machines draw a clear line to the drift compatibility in "Pacific Rim," emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation.

Ram V's "Dawn Runner #1" successfully blends intense action with deep character moments, setting the stage for an epic series. Fans of "Mech Cadets" and "Pacific Rim" will find a lot to enjoy in this new offering, as it captures the spirit of both while carving out its own unique identity.

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[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 3 out of 5]

En un primer encontronazo se siente bastante directas las vibras de Pacific Rim. Claro está, en este primer número, RAM V ya ha sacado bastantes pinceladas de propuesta propia para su historia de mechas y kaijus. Teniendo más de donde tirar en ese panorama cyberpunk detrás de la infraestructura de hacer despegar los mechas (cuyas batallas son "televisadas"). Aunque el misterio con un "glitch" de la nueva conexión neuronal del piloto con la maquinaria gigante también pinta más propositivo que un remedo de la película de Guillermo del Toro. Además. el estilo de dibujo es fresquísimo.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this has the potential to be really cool, flashes of Evangelion but the pilots are treated as celebrities and their fights for survival against the Tetza are put on television for spectacle.

I dig the art style and we are shown what fighting in an iron king mech is like, Anita herself seems likable as well which is a plus. I’m really curious about the mysterious psychological element that comes from piloting the dawnrunner as well.

[mooniepal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowowowow. This was fucking incredible! So original, with the perfect balance of mech / anime references. THE ART WAS ALSO SOOO YUMMY. Man, lowkey kicking myself in the ass for not reading this sooner! I'm so glad I have #2 & #3 so I can catch up.

[No_One · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need more mecha fiction in the west!!

As a mechs fan and Gundam fan, this was very well done in terms set up, action, and sci-fi concepts.

Hope the story sticks the landing being it is only 5 issues.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sequential storytelling format I feel the mecha pilots have already shown more dimension than those seen in perhaps Pacific Rim. No hate though! I love Del Toro!

[Sara Zia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Femme mech suit pilot battling aliens gladiator style?! I'm in. Delivers just as it promises.

[vk chompooming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very similar to the Evangelion anime mixed with Pacific Rim. A very good 1st issue with a Manga Akira feel for artwork. I will read the next issue.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intense sci-fi about human techno-evolution.
#1 - "Are you part of this new tomorrow? Or will you be left behind?"

[Juan Fuentes · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5

[Paulo Brito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este primeiro número está quase lá. Quase!

[Manner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading the first issue felt like staring into a gigantic plothole. The aliens were impossible to kill with nuclear weapons, but a giant sword harms them? They are all-powerful, but they are stopped by a wall? How did they build the wall? Nations dissolved into corporations? Lazy world building, gorgeous art.