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Rust #3
Rust Vol. 3: Death of the Rocket Boy
What Would You Die For?
In the penultimate installment of the critically acclaimed Rust series from creator Royden Lepp, Jet searches for his place in the Taylor family, while shades of his past return to call him home and convince him that he will never belong. Oz Taylor may know Jet Jones' secret, but convincing the rest of his family may be harder than he counted on. As Oz plots to rid the Taylor farm of the rocket boy, Jet tries to prove himself to the family that has taken him in, in hopes of finding the home he has searched for so long. However, when shadows of Jet’s past start coming back into his life, he realizes his days of running may be numbered and he’ll have to choose between protecting the Taylors and finding the family he&'s always wanted.
In the penultimate installment of the critically acclaimed Rust series from creator Royden Lepp, Jet searches for his place in the Taylor family, while shades of his past return to call him home and convince him that he will never belong. Oz Taylor may know Jet Jones' secret, but convincing the rest of his family may be harder than he counted on. As Oz plots to rid the Taylor farm of the rocket boy, Jet tries to prove himself to the family that has taken him in, in hopes of finding the home he has searched for so long. However, when shadows of Jet’s past start coming back into his life, he realizes his days of running may be numbered and he’ll have to choose between protecting the Taylors and finding the family he&'s always wanted.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 22, 2021
Fantastic
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
July 22, 2021
The military has moved in and has their sights set on Jet. Collateral damage isn't an issue for them. Will Jet risk the safety of the family he longs to belong to just to stay a bit longer? Another fantastic installment of Rust.
Now that Boom has bought the original publisher, hopefully we'll see the final volume soon. They did release the four volumes of the prequels at the beginning of each volume as its own collection earlier this year.
Now that Boom has bought the original publisher, hopefully we'll see the final volume soon. They did release the four volumes of the prequels at the beginning of each volume as its own collection earlier this year.
March 9, 2019
And so the story continues - this case literally from the last pane of the previous book.
As such the tone the colour (even to the level of the intended sepia colour schemes) all let the same antiquarian feel mixed in with a feel a prairie land / outback landscape.
The dialogue is still as sparse and a basic as before - however now you know the tone of the story you start to realise that most of the dialogue is left up to the reader. The feeling of frustration, loss and longing come through in so many subtle and tiny ways. Its as if you do not realise it as you read - only after when you put the book down - or pick it up again and flick through the pages do you stop it.
So for me this one of those books that could almost be created in a series of stills - ironically as I think about it as I type now this is a story that lends itself perfectly for the media. I guess its not often do you realise that a story not only could not show its full potential but in fact it was almost impossible any other way.
As such the tone the colour (even to the level of the intended sepia colour schemes) all let the same antiquarian feel mixed in with a feel a prairie land / outback landscape.
The dialogue is still as sparse and a basic as before - however now you know the tone of the story you start to realise that most of the dialogue is left up to the reader. The feeling of frustration, loss and longing come through in so many subtle and tiny ways. Its as if you do not realise it as you read - only after when you put the book down - or pick it up again and flick through the pages do you stop it.
So for me this one of those books that could almost be created in a series of stills - ironically as I think about it as I type now this is a story that lends itself perfectly for the media. I guess its not often do you realise that a story not only could not show its full potential but in fact it was almost impossible any other way.
January 13, 2017
Well, this is apparently the last volume in the series. I would have liked to read the fourth. (Originally it was supposed to be a four-volume situation, but, according to a GR reviewer the publisher went out of business.) Well, all in all this series had a lot of good storytelling and beautiful art. It wasn't perfect, but it was kind of cool to read a book that's a combination of a life in a small farming town (that could look, but for the robots, and a history that includes a recent war in which robots and people fought side by side, not too different from present-day life) tale mixed with something more along the lines of Pluto https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1.... I.e. futuristic "robot with a soul" (quoting another GR reviewer) story. Definitely worth getting out of the library, but it's a bit disappointing to not get to read that last book.
Read
December 27, 2020Rust reminds me a great deal of The Iron Giant. It’s more downbeat than that movie, but there are many similarities. A robot comes to a small town, he develops a bond with a family, the military comes after him, and the robot must decide if he’s a weapon or force for good. And like The Iron Giant, there’s a strong humanity to the characters. Roman continues to be center stage, but the others, especially Jesse and Oz, deal with their struggles in the volume. Quiet character moments abound.
This is a very good series. And I keep saying it, but Lepp has the ability to say so much with so little.
This is a very good series. And I keep saying it, but Lepp has the ability to say so much with so little.
August 20, 2018
Quite enjoyable story with very well done panoramas of scenes and cutely drawn characters. Touches on the importance of family and the horrors of war.
November 29, 2022
Lepp excels at creating moments in time that the reader can sink into, and he does it with two colors if you count black. He has a magic touch.
But once again, this is a 200 page book that feels like a thirty page read. I came away wanting more heft.
Plot points:
But once again, this is a 200 page book that feels like a thirty page read. I came away wanting more heft.
Plot points:
December 4, 2020
"I'm ready to stop pretending to be who I think you'd want me to be."
The quiet, stillness of this book gives way to despair. There's been this underlying feeling of defeat this whole time for the Taylor family who are struggling to eke out a living on a farm that has possibly already failed.
I really love the contrast of this peaceful, struggling family with the rocket boy Jet Jones and his own more violent battle for survival.
We learn more about Jet in this volume, and the stakes are raised as a new threat emerges, or at the very least solidifies an old threat.
I'm really loving this series, although series isn't the right word. It really is a single story told over four volumes. This could have been told in a single trade paperback but it really benefits from the quiet, empty scenes as I find it helps intensify the action when it occurs.
The quiet, stillness of this book gives way to despair. There's been this underlying feeling of defeat this whole time for the Taylor family who are struggling to eke out a living on a farm that has possibly already failed.
I really love the contrast of this peaceful, struggling family with the rocket boy Jet Jones and his own more violent battle for survival.
We learn more about Jet in this volume, and the stakes are raised as a new threat emerges, or at the very least solidifies an old threat.
I'm really loving this series, although series isn't the right word. It really is a single story told over four volumes. This could have been told in a single trade paperback but it really benefits from the quiet, empty scenes as I find it helps intensify the action when it occurs.
June 19, 2018
This third volume in the Rust series starts like a rocket, picking up in the middle of the battle that ended the second volume. Young Oz is now mixed up in the mystery of the rocket boy, and this volume focuses more on his confusion and suspicion. The rocket boy's past becomes clearer as well with his old inventor back in the picture. Definitely a stronger volume than the second, particularly when billed as the "penultimate volume" - those usually spend the entire time setting up the next book. While that's partially the case here, the next book certainly seems like it'll be a satisfying conclusion based on what I've read here.
January 7, 2021
I find this to be such a pleasant series to read. The visuals create such a warm atmosphere despite the bleakness brought about by the uncertainty all the characters are experiencing and the cold, unpredictable machines. It's quite a good duality. I'm left on the edge of my seat once again. The end feels rather heartbreaking. I'm anxious to get to the final installment. I still feel like there's more to Jet than we know. Also, I get that those in charge really want that cell and will stop at nothing to get it, but their tactics feel a little much. And will we find out about Roman's father? So many questions!
January 17, 2020
In the 3rd book rust was trying to save Oz's from falling into the water. When he did he had to force Oz to to give it to him when he did Roman pulled up to get Oz. later near the end Jets creator found him and tried to get him to come with him and be what he was meant to be. Jet did not want to but he did not have much of a choice or he would die. when he stayed his cell ran out and his creator did not do anything about it he just sat there watching him suffer. Jet was dine suffering so he pulled his cell out and died.
August 1, 2023
☆3
The book right before everything is going to go down in the finale.
The 3rd book has a more serious tonal shift in this book and you can really feel it as it builds into the next installment.
Overall this book gets the same rating as the rest because it's just alright.
I think the books would gain a lot if all 4 volumes were merged together because I read and then I finish and have to write a review and really not much has happened.
Still a good art style, still an intriguing story, hopefully I'll be happy with the last book, time to find out.
☆3 ▪︎ 187 pages
The book right before everything is going to go down in the finale.
The 3rd book has a more serious tonal shift in this book and you can really feel it as it builds into the next installment.
Overall this book gets the same rating as the rest because it's just alright.
I think the books would gain a lot if all 4 volumes were merged together because I read and then I finish and have to write a review and really not much has happened.
Still a good art style, still an intriguing story, hopefully I'll be happy with the last book, time to find out.
☆3 ▪︎ 187 pages
June 4, 2021
Another epic entry in the "Rust" story that finds Jet's past catching up to him as he tries to prove to Oz and his family at the farm he is not a threat. Lepp keeps the action and intrigue coming as much of Jet's past is revealed, along with how dangerous that can be for all around him (including other robots at the farm). It is matched by his nostalgic art, which invokes a steampunk/World War I vibe with its muted colors and downright 'rusty' atmosphere. Fantastic and unique comic book.
June 2, 2019
The saga of Jet Jones in rural North America continues. But the government has finally figured out how to track him and will do so at any cost, collateral damage be damned.
This continues to be such a great series. The Art is amazing and Lepp’s increasing reliance on it to tell the story, often for several wordless pages, is a testament to its beauty.
This continues to be such a great series. The Art is amazing and Lepp’s increasing reliance on it to tell the story, often for several wordless pages, is a testament to its beauty.
December 15, 2022
RUST, Volume 3: Death of the Rocket Boy, by Royden Lepp
This is an excellent story arc of multiple layers and nuances pointing towards the existential questions of what is it to be human and who are our family? Very much in the tradition of Phillip K. Dick.
“This area lost several farmers on that beach. And you?”
My son … he’s still recovering.” ****
This is an excellent story arc of multiple layers and nuances pointing towards the existential questions of what is it to be human and who are our family? Very much in the tradition of Phillip K. Dick.
“This area lost several farmers on that beach. And you?”
My son … he’s still recovering.” ****
June 21, 2018
This was a good continuation to the series. The focus is on coming to terms with one's circumstances and nature, and the author does a great job with it. The illustrations suit the story very well. There's just one more volume in the work, and I'm eager to see how this ends.
June 26, 2020
The story as a whole is beautiful and I really enjoy it but if you look at each book not a lot happens and he always ends on a cliffhanger which is annoying. Structurally I think this would have served better as one complete book. The reread ability is also very low. Cool concept though.
November 12, 2022
I just love this story. Simplistic, yet complex. The art is subtle, the story is so freaking endearing, I just can’t stand it. I’m excited and a little sad to read the last volume. Jet is so cool and his connection to the Taylor’s is awesome. Super awesome graphic novel.
January 21, 2023
I read the entire four volume series in one sitting. Gorgeous, spare art that uniquely evokes both a time past and a near future. It is a complete, engrossing story - but you need to read all four volumes.
November 2, 2024
I'm constantly impressed by how well-paced this story is. The character motivations and relationships, the farm, the threat of the machines, and Jet's health are all on a clock that is slowly counting down. This volume ends on a cliffhanger that makes me very glad that I have volume 4 ready.
January 16, 2018
What makes a family? What makes a connection?
March 26, 2018
Everything a graphic novel should be. A wonderful story wrapped in art that is evocative and thoughtful. Driving the story forward and making you think.
March 28, 2018
Genuinely one of a kind. Stands out as a graphic novel as one of the more remarkable entries. I've loved every minute of it.
March 28, 2019
Felt like this one was a bit of a transitional volume. Still really liked it, but it didn't pack the same punch.
July 1, 2019
4.5 ⭐️ *review to come*
November 25, 2024
This is such an awesome series with such unique artwork. I really love it.
August 30, 2021
The various plot threads and mysteries come together in this volume. The mysterious stranger Jet Jones has his origin revealed, which explains a lot of his behavior and motivation. He wants to help out the Taylor farm since they've been kind to him but he also needs to keep running. His presence causes problems for the farmers and their friends. Young Oz Taylor wants to get rid of him since he has figured out Jet is more rocket than boy. The other family members disregard Oz's claims as fantasy. Jet has to make a hard decision before the situation gets more out of control as hostile robots and old acquaintances show up at the farm.
This volume brings up the important and thorny issue of balancing free choice and duty for Jet. The other robots on the farm and in the story follow their programming to the letter (paragons of duty?) and Jet was specifically programmed to choose his actions rather than strictly follow a program. Knowing what's the right choice in tricky situations is hard for everyone, so it's easy to identify with his crisis. He also faces the challenge of family attachment. His maker/father shows up, causing tension for Jet since he clearly wants to stay on the farm and have the Taylors as his family. The next volume is the last and I am looking forward to the resolution.
Recommended.
This volume brings up the important and thorny issue of balancing free choice and duty for Jet. The other robots on the farm and in the story follow their programming to the letter (paragons of duty?) and Jet was specifically programmed to choose his actions rather than strictly follow a program. Knowing what's the right choice in tricky situations is hard for everyone, so it's easy to identify with his crisis. He also faces the challenge of family attachment. His maker/father shows up, causing tension for Jet since he clearly wants to stay on the farm and have the Taylors as his family. The next volume is the last and I am looking forward to the resolution.
Recommended.
August 1, 2014
This is the third book in the Rust series. I originally thought this was the last book in the series but it is not. There will be one more book, Soul in the Machine, which is expected to release next year. It was very well done and I enjoyed it a lot.
Jet Jones wants to continue helping out on the Taylor farm but Oz has discovered his secret. As Jet Jones’s past start to catch up with him in a big way he is forced to face a decision. Should he stay on with the Taylor’s potentially drawing more trouble to their farm? Or should he accept that he may not ever fit in and find a family elsewhere? It seems that for Jet Jones the time to make a decision is running out.
I have really enjoyed all of the books in the Rust series and this book was no exception to that. They are science fiction type books but they are all set on a little farm. This lends a very nostalgic feel to the books. The fact that all of the illustration is done is soft sepia tones adds to this feeling.
This book reveals Jet’s origins and shows us a lot more about the man who made Jet. We learn why Jet has been seeking out that power cell so desperately and what might happen if he doesn’t get it.
Things are coming to a head at the Taylor farm. More and more of the drones are activating and turning violent. The Taylor farm is struggling to make ends meet and is questioning whether they should just shut down completely. There was quite a bit of action, lots of background, and some drama as well.
Overall this was an excellent installment in this series. I really enjoy the style this graphic novel is done in. I also enjoy the science fiction elements coupled with the nostalgic feel to the story. I love the characters and am dying to know how things will work out for Jet Jones. Recommended to graphic novel lovers of all ages.
Jet Jones wants to continue helping out on the Taylor farm but Oz has discovered his secret. As Jet Jones’s past start to catch up with him in a big way he is forced to face a decision. Should he stay on with the Taylor’s potentially drawing more trouble to their farm? Or should he accept that he may not ever fit in and find a family elsewhere? It seems that for Jet Jones the time to make a decision is running out.
I have really enjoyed all of the books in the Rust series and this book was no exception to that. They are science fiction type books but they are all set on a little farm. This lends a very nostalgic feel to the books. The fact that all of the illustration is done is soft sepia tones adds to this feeling.
This book reveals Jet’s origins and shows us a lot more about the man who made Jet. We learn why Jet has been seeking out that power cell so desperately and what might happen if he doesn’t get it.
Things are coming to a head at the Taylor farm. More and more of the drones are activating and turning violent. The Taylor farm is struggling to make ends meet and is questioning whether they should just shut down completely. There was quite a bit of action, lots of background, and some drama as well.
Overall this was an excellent installment in this series. I really enjoy the style this graphic novel is done in. I also enjoy the science fiction elements coupled with the nostalgic feel to the story. I love the characters and am dying to know how things will work out for Jet Jones. Recommended to graphic novel lovers of all ages.
October 28, 2016
In the book Rust: Death of a Rocket Boy, the plot is that Jet Jones (often referred to as the rocket boy) has escaped from his creators base and has gone back to the place he feels safest, the farm. In the beginning of the story, Jet ran away from the base because he was frightened when he made and accident occur when helping someone. After a discussion with his creator, there was some disagreements because Jet believed there was a change that had to be made when his creator was scared of risking the change. The two dropped their conversation and Jet wanted to leave. The captain and his men were refusing to let get leave and Jet did not agree. He started to run to the exit with the Captain's men chasing after him. After this incident, there was a robot out on a bare field that was engulfed in their own smoke with a spear in their chest. Jet came crashing down to the Earth after escaping from the base. Jet looked up and saw the robot flying straight up in the air and in his direction. Jet went off into the air with a head start from the robot, they were flying to a train on a bridge over a river. 02, a younger boy was on the of the train carts. I predicted that 02 was in danger from the robot, and Jet was going to save him. This part created a lot of suspense for the reader.
I would recommend the Rust series to someone who likes science fiction and/or fictional history. I would recommend it because it is suspenseful and has a very well detailed plot. The story is switched from multiple characters point of view which is very interesting. Have multiple perspectives creates a more opinionated view from the reader. Out of 5 stars, I would give the book 4 stars. I am holding myself back from giving it 5 stars because this book is not as interesting as the first two in my opinion.
I would recommend the Rust series to someone who likes science fiction and/or fictional history. I would recommend it because it is suspenseful and has a very well detailed plot. The story is switched from multiple characters point of view which is very interesting. Have multiple perspectives creates a more opinionated view from the reader. Out of 5 stars, I would give the book 4 stars. I am holding myself back from giving it 5 stars because this book is not as interesting as the first two in my opinion.
December 22, 2014
3.5/5
This is a biased 3.5 round it up because I like the author and the overall story. IT SHOULD BE A 3.
The problem I have with these books: If there is one flaw it is that the books are not all available yet. I also think these should have been released as two massive volumes rather than for medium volumes. I also took a whole star off for the simple fact that no story is worth $100. But Matt, you ask, what does that mean? Well, each hardbacks of RUST are $24.99 retail. I grabbed this one thinking it was the end to the trilogy, and that was my bad assumption. Apparently the series is going to be four books, and I just don't think that any story is worth 100 dollars to complete. I would like to own Royden Lepp's Rust series as one, massive omnibus: 800 pages long. I just feel that it is how the story needs to go -- one fell swoop. This is part 3 of a four-part movie,and the third quarter of a movie is never the best. At least that is my experience. It's all rising action with none of the satisfaction of resolution nor any of the excitement of learning crucial details about the world. All of those narrative elements come in parts 1 or 2 or 4. The third act of a four Act Play rarely stands up to parts 1 & 4.
3.5 rounded to a 4 because I love the storyboarding and I think book 4 will wrap up the series nicely.
3.5/5
MH
This is a biased 3.5 round it up because I like the author and the overall story. IT SHOULD BE A 3.
The problem I have with these books: If there is one flaw it is that the books are not all available yet. I also think these should have been released as two massive volumes rather than for medium volumes. I also took a whole star off for the simple fact that no story is worth $100. But Matt, you ask, what does that mean? Well, each hardbacks of RUST are $24.99 retail. I grabbed this one thinking it was the end to the trilogy, and that was my bad assumption. Apparently the series is going to be four books, and I just don't think that any story is worth 100 dollars to complete. I would like to own Royden Lepp's Rust series as one, massive omnibus: 800 pages long. I just feel that it is how the story needs to go -- one fell swoop. This is part 3 of a four-part movie,and the third quarter of a movie is never the best. At least that is my experience. It's all rising action with none of the satisfaction of resolution nor any of the excitement of learning crucial details about the world. All of those narrative elements come in parts 1 or 2 or 4. The third act of a four Act Play rarely stands up to parts 1 & 4.
3.5 rounded to a 4 because I love the storyboarding and I think book 4 will wrap up the series nicely.
3.5/5
MH
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