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Rook #1-6
Rook: Exodus, Volume 1: Fight or Flight
"It's as good as sci-fi action adventures get in many ways." —AIPT
Rook settled on Exodus for a new life, but now he’s a lone avian Warden on an alien wasteland with one burning question to face: Fight or flight?
Hundreds of years from now, the man known as Rook was once a simple farmer who fled the crumbling Earth for a new life. He traveled to the planet Exodus, a terraformed world where all of nature, including its imported animal population, was completely controlled by humans called Wardens.
But when Exodus’s world engine failed, the Wardens’ power fell into the wrong hands, creating chaos and mass evacuation…for those who could afford it. The rest, like Rook, must scavenge for an escape vessel as the war for control of what’s left of Exodus begins.
Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok, the celebrated team behind the smash hit Batman: Three Jokers, reunite for an all-new science fiction series!
Collects issues #1-6.
Rook settled on Exodus for a new life, but now he’s a lone avian Warden on an alien wasteland with one burning question to face: Fight or flight?
Hundreds of years from now, the man known as Rook was once a simple farmer who fled the crumbling Earth for a new life. He traveled to the planet Exodus, a terraformed world where all of nature, including its imported animal population, was completely controlled by humans called Wardens.
But when Exodus’s world engine failed, the Wardens’ power fell into the wrong hands, creating chaos and mass evacuation…for those who could afford it. The rest, like Rook, must scavenge for an escape vessel as the war for control of what’s left of Exodus begins.
Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok, the celebrated team behind the smash hit Batman: Three Jokers, reunite for an all-new science fiction series!
Collects issues #1-6.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2025
22 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,705 books2,414 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 20, 2025
(A-) 82% | Very Good
Notes: Paradise wrecked, where future tech goes FUBAR/Y2K, now-feral lands, where stranded clans collide in bestial frays.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #1-2 ◦ Issues #3-4 ◦ Issues #5-6
Notes: Paradise wrecked, where future tech goes FUBAR/Y2K, now-feral lands, where stranded clans collide in bestial frays.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #1-2 ◦ Issues #3-4 ◦ Issues #5-6
June 16, 2025
Good story great artwork! 4.25 🌟
December 7, 2024
After reading Geiger I was really excited to read Rook. But this one didn't connect with me much at all. Maybe it was the world building, just not caring about Rook, or his girlfriend/friend, or really anything. Something just didn't click with me, but the art was solid enough. I'll be sticking to Geiger for this universe.
December 4, 2025
This is the kind of science-fiction adventure that comics and movies seem the best formats for. Johns builds a fantastic world with tons of potential for future storylines. Fabok’s interpretation of that world and how he depicts it is simply marvelous. Combined with the great coloring of Brad Anderson, this is a book to marvel at the visuals. My only beef (and a small one) is that many of the action/fight panels are a little cluttered and hard to decipher. Also, the special effects words used by the letterer are usually unnecessary and contribute to the clutter).
In an unspecified future, opportunities on Earth were diminishing - so several farmers accepted an offer from Better World corporation to move to a brand new planet (named Exodus - - Johns seems to love irony) and develop the natural resources there. Many farmers become Wardens, who use special helmets tapped into a neural network that gives them control over select animal species.
Then the world engine that powers Exodus breaks down and the majority of the population leaves, with a promise from Better World to return and pick up the various Wardens who remain. After months of waiting Rook is trying to scavenge various parts to build a ship and exit the planet.
Rook’s helmet gives him control over birds. His best friend, Swine, control pigs. Ursa controls bears (who have mutated to larger forms), is very aggressive and is determined to establish himself as chief Warden. He brutally attacks Swine and Rook in the first issue.
The first story arc deals with Ursa’s attempts to kill various wardens and take their helmets for use by his own minions. There are Wardens with control helmets for almost every form of animal life on Earth and the costume designs are very clever.
The animals were lab-manufactured on Earth by Better World and have mutated to giant forms of their species. The bears, turtles, and boars are even huger, big enough to be used as transport for the Wardens. Ursa wants to capture the massive communications center that reveals the locations of each warden. The compound is heavily guarded and the first story arc deals with Ursa’s efforts and the resistance of mostly Rook and Dire Wolf against him.
This is an action-packed story, but Johns manages to reveal enough of Rook’s character and mindset to make us care. I look forward to seeing how he fleshes out the characters of other Wardens in future issues.
A great beginning to an epic series. FOUR STARS.
In an unspecified future, opportunities on Earth were diminishing - so several farmers accepted an offer from Better World corporation to move to a brand new planet (named Exodus - - Johns seems to love irony) and develop the natural resources there. Many farmers become Wardens, who use special helmets tapped into a neural network that gives them control over select animal species.
Then the world engine that powers Exodus breaks down and the majority of the population leaves, with a promise from Better World to return and pick up the various Wardens who remain. After months of waiting Rook is trying to scavenge various parts to build a ship and exit the planet.
Rook’s helmet gives him control over birds. His best friend, Swine, control pigs. Ursa controls bears (who have mutated to larger forms), is very aggressive and is determined to establish himself as chief Warden. He brutally attacks Swine and Rook in the first issue.
The first story arc deals with Ursa’s attempts to kill various wardens and take their helmets for use by his own minions. There are Wardens with control helmets for almost every form of animal life on Earth and the costume designs are very clever.
The animals were lab-manufactured on Earth by Better World and have mutated to giant forms of their species. The bears, turtles, and boars are even huger, big enough to be used as transport for the Wardens. Ursa wants to capture the massive communications center that reveals the locations of each warden. The compound is heavily guarded and the first story arc deals with Ursa’s efforts and the resistance of mostly Rook and Dire Wolf against him.
This is an action-packed story, but Johns manages to reveal enough of Rook’s character and mindset to make us care. I look forward to seeing how he fleshes out the characters of other Wardens in future issues.
A great beginning to an epic series. FOUR STARS.
August 22, 2025
This is my first foray in to the Image imprint known as Ghost Machine and I think it was a great place to start.
All the things in this book work - the set up, the characters, the mix of action and heart and despite being chucked in at the ‘deep end’ the world has depth. The art throughout really bolsters the story and is thankfully consistent.
Rook Exodus has the heart of a classic 90s comic but has the more modern sensibilities that stop it from being edge lord wank.
All the things in this book work - the set up, the characters, the mix of action and heart and despite being chucked in at the ‘deep end’ the world has depth. The art throughout really bolsters the story and is thankfully consistent.
Rook Exodus has the heart of a classic 90s comic but has the more modern sensibilities that stop it from being edge lord wank.
June 3, 2025
Great read overall. I really enjoy the premise of this book and the world building. phenomenal artwork by Jason Fabok. looking forward to the next volume.
June 14, 2025
Art 5
Story 4
Story 4
January 17, 2026
My first comic of 2026 is Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok’s Rook Exodus in a fancy oversized hardcover edition. I do enjoy the sci-fi storyline the lads have cooked up, and by the collection’s end I’m hyped for volume 2.
Fabok’s art is wonderful, but even better in large format. This is a book I’ll hand to folks just to paw through great comic art.
For me, I do love reading a big chunk of comic story all at once, so there’s a bit of disappointment in having to wait for whatever’s next.
[3.5 Stars]
Fabok’s art is wonderful, but even better in large format. This is a book I’ll hand to folks just to paw through great comic art.
For me, I do love reading a big chunk of comic story all at once, so there’s a bit of disappointment in having to wait for whatever’s next.
[3.5 Stars]
May 20, 2025
Was not expecting this to slap so hard. It’s like Batman meets Red Rising meets…power rangers?
October 29, 2024
Rook Exodus Vol 1 pulses with a visceral energy that immediately grips you. The narrative throbs with brutal action, poignant moments, and existential dread, all masterfully woven together by comics stalwart Geoff Johns. Unlike a mere string of chases and fights, Johns crafts a rich tapestry of human resilience and a desperate quest for redemption in a post-colonized world.
The world he builds is as compelling as it is terrifying, where every corner turned brings new challenges and revelations. The characters—each uniquely scarred by their dystopian environment—are incredibly relatable and complex. Rook, Dire Wolf and others are unique creations.
Rook is a scavenger eking out a survival in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, controlling a flock of crows with his helm, which is itself jacked into the worldwide grid.
Johns doesn’t merely use the wasteland setting as a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, filled with savage warlords, corrupted AI, and ruins that whisper of a lost civilization founded by a corrupt interspace corporation. The atmosphere is thick with tension, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.
This first volume lays a robust foundation, not only in terms of plot but also in setting the emotional stakes high. It dives deep into the madness and beauty of survival, posing profound questions about what it means to be human in a world gone mad. The action scenes are brutal and unflinching, yet they are interspersed with moments of introspection and heart, adding layers to the narrative.
Rook Exodus Vol 1 is a wild ride through a radioactive hellscape, offering more than just a story; it's an exploration of human nature, resilience, and redemption. It challenges readers to confront their deepest fears and hopes, making it a compelling read.
I finished issue 6 today, which is the end of the first story arc. This ends on a bit of a tantalizing cliffhanger but the goal set up for our protagonists to find a leader of this world who has essentially lost his mind in the wilderness. Looking forward to the next issue coming out somewhere in 2025.
The world he builds is as compelling as it is terrifying, where every corner turned brings new challenges and revelations. The characters—each uniquely scarred by their dystopian environment—are incredibly relatable and complex. Rook, Dire Wolf and others are unique creations.
Rook is a scavenger eking out a survival in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, controlling a flock of crows with his helm, which is itself jacked into the worldwide grid.
Johns doesn’t merely use the wasteland setting as a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, filled with savage warlords, corrupted AI, and ruins that whisper of a lost civilization founded by a corrupt interspace corporation. The atmosphere is thick with tension, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.
This first volume lays a robust foundation, not only in terms of plot but also in setting the emotional stakes high. It dives deep into the madness and beauty of survival, posing profound questions about what it means to be human in a world gone mad. The action scenes are brutal and unflinching, yet they are interspersed with moments of introspection and heart, adding layers to the narrative.
Rook Exodus Vol 1 is a wild ride through a radioactive hellscape, offering more than just a story; it's an exploration of human nature, resilience, and redemption. It challenges readers to confront their deepest fears and hopes, making it a compelling read.
I finished issue 6 today, which is the end of the first story arc. This ends on a bit of a tantalizing cliffhanger but the goal set up for our protagonists to find a leader of this world who has essentially lost his mind in the wilderness. Looking forward to the next issue coming out somewhere in 2025.
December 16, 2024
Humanity is in full swing with terraforming planets and surviving outside of earth. Perhaps not so much as a hobby or a way to make a better living, but rather in order to survive. Some are left behind on failed planets and are trying to scavenge and escape asap.
Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson are great, as usual. Jason has a overly detailed style, that can be draining after a while. Every scene and everything is detailed and hatched and cross hatched, in favor of a polished look. A bit like Jim Lee. Most characters look samey, and like they are all metrosexual models. This hurts immersion a bit. Besides that, the art is really good.
Both the writing and the art leans a bit juvenile though. It seems targeted at a young audience. Unsure if 12 year olds still pick up comics these days. Other than that there's plenty of action and it's a quick read. The idea of a connection to the wild was alright, but they made it too much like a game, and I was never invested in the story.
Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson are great, as usual. Jason has a overly detailed style, that can be draining after a while. Every scene and everything is detailed and hatched and cross hatched, in favor of a polished look. A bit like Jim Lee. Most characters look samey, and like they are all metrosexual models. This hurts immersion a bit. Besides that, the art is really good.
Both the writing and the art leans a bit juvenile though. It seems targeted at a young audience. Unsure if 12 year olds still pick up comics these days. Other than that there's plenty of action and it's a quick read. The idea of a connection to the wild was alright, but they made it too much like a game, and I was never invested in the story.
January 14, 2025
Overall great read and detailed art.
Have read this in a trade paperback version, but I will be following the series as a monthly in 2025.
This happens very rarely.
The premise of the "Wardens" being able to control certain animal species such as Wolves, birds, bears, giant turtles, etc.. is really cool.
World building is good, but can be significantly expanded upon in the future.
I'm not sure what the plans are from Geoff Johns here, but he has all the ingredients to make this a long-lasting run, with a lot of world building to explore.
Have read this in a trade paperback version, but I will be following the series as a monthly in 2025.
This happens very rarely.
The premise of the "Wardens" being able to control certain animal species such as Wolves, birds, bears, giant turtles, etc.. is really cool.
World building is good, but can be significantly expanded upon in the future.
I'm not sure what the plans are from Geoff Johns here, but he has all the ingredients to make this a long-lasting run, with a lot of world building to explore.
September 17, 2025
One of the many books coming out of Ghost Machine, Rook Exodus is held up by John's writing and Fabok on art. The one two punch alone garners some goodwill for me, as Fabok can do no wrong.
The basic premise is timely and a bit overdone, but once the ball gets rolling on a plot involving man and animals working together via tech, I was interested. While there isn't much great dialogue or big narrative swings, the basic plot alone is entertaining and paced well. Looking forward to more.
The basic premise is timely and a bit overdone, but once the ball gets rolling on a plot involving man and animals working together via tech, I was interested. While there isn't much great dialogue or big narrative swings, the basic plot alone is entertaining and paced well. Looking forward to more.
December 7, 2024
4.5. This is a brand new sci Fi adventure by Geoff John's and it's a very fun one with very nice characters and an interesting story and mystery going on this is my second best independent comic of the year
January 22, 2025
4 pentru artă, 3,5 pentru scenariu. iese de un 3.75 bunicel, dar nu chiar de 4.
Prima serie SF citită în ultima vreme din zona de comics și totodată prima bandă din noul imprint Ghost Machine.
Povestea e clasică, Pământul suprapopulat și poluat trimite coloniști pe noi planete. O astfel de planetă ideală e Exodus și aici ajunge Rook, fost fermier pe Pământ. Aici învață o nouă meserie și devine Warden, persoane capabile pe baza unei căști și a unor legături neuronale să comunice cu o anumită specie de animale, insecte sau păsări. Rook poate comunica și coordona corbi, ciori, păsări înrudite, deci nu neapărat cea mai puternică specie. Sunt alții care „stăpânesc” urși, lupi, broaște țestoase, șerpi sau păianjeni uriași. Da, în lumea aceasta creaturile au proporții imense. Doar că ceva s-a întâmplat și tot ce ține de procesul de terraformare și aclimatizare a oamenilor a eșuat. Așa că corporația care i-a adus pe Exodus a decis ca oamenii să părăsească de urgență planeta. Mai sunt mulți rămași în urmă, cum e Rook, și aceștia trebuie să lupte pentru a supraviețui sau a construi din resturi o navă capabilă să părăsească atmosfera planetei. Aceasta e intriga de bază a primului volum: melanj de locuri comune și câteva idei bune, noi. Primele numere seamănă cu un SF post-apocaliptic, ca mai apoi să se simtă un soi de influență fantasy, ce scade din „realismul” poveștii. Finalul primului număr e grăbit și rezolvat cam ușor, probabil erau necesare mai multe numere pentru a avea o poveste coerentă, dar nah. Trebuie terminat primul arc narativ.
Un mare plus e arta lui Jason Fabok care reușește să surprindă bine atât stranietatea noii lumi, cât și secvențele de pe Pământul originar. Cadre bune, atât portretele, cât și secvențele de acțiune. Măcar pentru asta voi continua seria în 2025.
Prima serie SF citită în ultima vreme din zona de comics și totodată prima bandă din noul imprint Ghost Machine.
Povestea e clasică, Pământul suprapopulat și poluat trimite coloniști pe noi planete. O astfel de planetă ideală e Exodus și aici ajunge Rook, fost fermier pe Pământ. Aici învață o nouă meserie și devine Warden, persoane capabile pe baza unei căști și a unor legături neuronale să comunice cu o anumită specie de animale, insecte sau păsări. Rook poate comunica și coordona corbi, ciori, păsări înrudite, deci nu neapărat cea mai puternică specie. Sunt alții care „stăpânesc” urși, lupi, broaște țestoase, șerpi sau păianjeni uriași. Da, în lumea aceasta creaturile au proporții imense. Doar că ceva s-a întâmplat și tot ce ține de procesul de terraformare și aclimatizare a oamenilor a eșuat. Așa că corporația care i-a adus pe Exodus a decis ca oamenii să părăsească de urgență planeta. Mai sunt mulți rămași în urmă, cum e Rook, și aceștia trebuie să lupte pentru a supraviețui sau a construi din resturi o navă capabilă să părăsească atmosfera planetei. Aceasta e intriga de bază a primului volum: melanj de locuri comune și câteva idei bune, noi. Primele numere seamănă cu un SF post-apocaliptic, ca mai apoi să se simtă un soi de influență fantasy, ce scade din „realismul” poveștii. Finalul primului număr e grăbit și rezolvat cam ușor, probabil erau necesare mai multe numere pentru a avea o poveste coerentă, dar nah. Trebuie terminat primul arc narativ.
Un mare plus e arta lui Jason Fabok care reușește să surprindă bine atât stranietatea noii lumi, cât și secvențele de pe Pământul originar. Cadre bune, atât portretele, cât și secvențele de acțiune. Măcar pentru asta voi continua seria în 2025.
November 1, 2025
Read the single issues and loved them. Captivating story and superior art. Felt compelled to bring home this deluxe hardcover. Besides being a larger size book, it includes a gallery of variant covers, character information and designs, and an interview with the creator.
At a time when I’m seeing compact editions on the shelves, this reader sees value in the large, deluxe editions. I’ll consider saving space on my shelves for more like this.
At a time when I’m seeing compact editions on the shelves, this reader sees value in the large, deluxe editions. I’ll consider saving space on my shelves for more like this.
August 21, 2025
this rules and I need action figures of all these guys
August 6, 2025
A nice engaging book.
I will miss Pumba and Poe.
I will miss Pumba and Poe.
May 10, 2025
The art was fantastic and consistent throughout. The concept of the world was really interesting and enjoyable. The story overall would have benefitted from being fleshed out more. There was also too much recapping past events for a volume that isn't really that large. Rook emphasized that he was "from a farm" way too much. I got it the first time, my guy.
May 10, 2025
Easy way to describe this is Princess Mononoke in space. It was a lot of fun, the artwork was great, and I can’t wait for the next volume!
May 7, 2025
One of the coolest and strongest starts to a comic series that I've read in a very long time. Everything from the story to the art and colors are at the top of quality. I'm already jonesing for the next volume.
November 27, 2024
I’ve heard a lot of hype around Rook: Exodus over the last few months, and it’s absolutely well-deserved. From the story to the artwork, everything is so well done. At first, Rook didn’t seem like an interesting character, but his development over the course of the first six issues is incredible. It’s a quick read but doesn’t feel rushed, especially in terms of character development. Rook’s love-hate relationship with his team of Rooks was very compelling, and seeing him learn to truly open up to them while realizing what he himself really wants was so satisfying. That line, "Fight or flight, you say? You're wrong. We are more than that—we are fight and flight," was just so cool.
The sci-fi elements, power system, and lore don’t disappoint either, and there are still plenty of threats and mysteries to uncover. I can’t for next year, Vol.2 is gonna be crazy
The sci-fi elements, power system, and lore don’t disappoint either, and there are still plenty of threats and mysteries to uncover. I can’t for next year, Vol.2 is gonna be crazy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
It’s an action sci-fi where select humans can control their “spirit animals”(that’s how I see it 😊) with the help of a helmet. Art is beautiful Story is okay-ish so far. Check your expectation go in blind and enjoy the ride.
Next volume may make or break this series for me.
Next volume may make or break this series for me.
April 7, 2025
Loved this one! It’s not super original, but it blends its influences well. Since post-apocalyptic stories are a dime a dozen, the test is how invested I am in the world created and the world created here is super cool. I love the whole warden concept, illogical as it may be.
December 5, 2024
Awesome art and story. Excited for v2
December 30, 2024
Story 3.5/5
Art 4.5/5
Overall 4/5
Art 4.5/5
Overall 4/5
February 5, 2025
Good world-building, interesting characters. Fabulous art.
June 2, 2025
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.5 of 5
I'm starting a week of graphic novels - something I was in the mood for - and I decided to start my week with this, Rook: Exodus. I'm really glad I did, because this absolutely rocked!
It is centuries in the future and Earth is dying. Corporations have jumped on this and have profited from the destruction by terraforming distant planets and either charging large sums of money to travel to these places, or by hiring desperate laborers.
When his generations-old family farm was destroyed by a fire, Rook takes a job and a one-way trip to Exodus where everything is under human control. That includes all specially designed earth-like animals. Wearing specially designed helmets which allow a human to communicate with a specific animal species, a human Warden exerts great control.
But the planet failed, the rich departed, the laborers were left behind and the criminals found a way to take charge. Rook, who controls the scavenger bird population, has a few Warden friends, but the Warden enemies are powerful and want to take away Rook's (and a few others') animal control.
This was such a clever story and author Geoff Johns works it masterfully. There's great action, wonderful drama, and rising out of it all is a human story that we can really get behind. Rook's our hero but you know, he's just a guy trying to survive in some really tough circumstances and he needs to dig deep and stand tall.
Rook is our hero and as such he's the best defined of the characters, but even with a limited appearance, we get to know Swine and of course the potential romance (well, there's no romance here, but she is the female lead) Dire Wolf (care to take a guess which animals these two control?). Ursaw is our villain and as written, and especially as drawn, he is tremendous.
The artwork - Jason Fabok's art (colors by Brad Anderson) really ties in well with with the story. Art and story are so well integrated that it makes for a delightfully sweet read. All graphic novels should be so well connected and with such great art. I'm not aware of seeing any art by Fabok prior to this, but I'm reminded of some of the great comic artists of the 70's and 80's (the Buscema's, John Romita, Mike Grell, etc)
I've been away from comics and graphic novels for awhile, but if this is an example of what publishers are putting out, I'm ready to get back in. This was wonderful and I can't wait for the next volume.
I have, however, taken away half a point for the volume of ads included here. And because these are comic issues bound into one book, it's generally the same ads repeated six times.
Looking for a good book? You found it! Rook: Exodus Vol. 1 is a well-written, beautifully drawn sci-fi adventure graphic novel.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
I'm starting a week of graphic novels - something I was in the mood for - and I decided to start my week with this, Rook: Exodus. I'm really glad I did, because this absolutely rocked!
It is centuries in the future and Earth is dying. Corporations have jumped on this and have profited from the destruction by terraforming distant planets and either charging large sums of money to travel to these places, or by hiring desperate laborers.
When his generations-old family farm was destroyed by a fire, Rook takes a job and a one-way trip to Exodus where everything is under human control. That includes all specially designed earth-like animals. Wearing specially designed helmets which allow a human to communicate with a specific animal species, a human Warden exerts great control.
But the planet failed, the rich departed, the laborers were left behind and the criminals found a way to take charge. Rook, who controls the scavenger bird population, has a few Warden friends, but the Warden enemies are powerful and want to take away Rook's (and a few others') animal control.
This was such a clever story and author Geoff Johns works it masterfully. There's great action, wonderful drama, and rising out of it all is a human story that we can really get behind. Rook's our hero but you know, he's just a guy trying to survive in some really tough circumstances and he needs to dig deep and stand tall.
Rook is our hero and as such he's the best defined of the characters, but even with a limited appearance, we get to know Swine and of course the potential romance (well, there's no romance here, but she is the female lead) Dire Wolf (care to take a guess which animals these two control?). Ursaw is our villain and as written, and especially as drawn, he is tremendous.
The artwork - Jason Fabok's art (colors by Brad Anderson) really ties in well with with the story. Art and story are so well integrated that it makes for a delightfully sweet read. All graphic novels should be so well connected and with such great art. I'm not aware of seeing any art by Fabok prior to this, but I'm reminded of some of the great comic artists of the 70's and 80's (the Buscema's, John Romita, Mike Grell, etc)
I've been away from comics and graphic novels for awhile, but if this is an example of what publishers are putting out, I'm ready to get back in. This was wonderful and I can't wait for the next volume.
I have, however, taken away half a point for the volume of ads included here. And because these are comic issues bound into one book, it's generally the same ads repeated six times.
Looking for a good book? You found it! Rook: Exodus Vol. 1 is a well-written, beautifully drawn sci-fi adventure graphic novel.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2025
Awesome sauce!!! Ghost Machine is spinning on all cylinders. It is really sad that many comic readers still don't know that this publisher exist. I have enjoyed many of the new concepts Geoff John and the creators are giving readers. So far I have read The Rocketfellers, Junkyard Joe, & the orginal run of Geiger, Vol. 1. I think Rook Exodus may be my new favorite. The concept of a sci fi space odyssey where humans use animal partners in battle is an interesting premise. Writer Geoff Johns had a lot of world building to do in this story but he is not alone because he is aided greatly by artist Jason Fabok. This duo has teamed up before on one of my favorite DC comics books: Batman: Three Jokers. Fabok has worked with Johns on a spectacular Justice League run. So it goes without question Fabok is one of the best artist in the biz. I this book is just eye candy all over. The colors popped and the costumes of the character look great. This series would make a great Saturday morning cartoon. The action figures for Rook and Dire Wolf should be selling right now. Johns & Fabok have told a great story here and Rook already seems to be a likeable character. I am curious to see how this universe connects to Geiger, Junkyard Joe, The Rocketfellers, and Red Coat. The later I am going to be reading next. I can't say enough how top notch this book was and why it should be on every comic book readers list. Here are few other books from Johns & Fabok worth checking out: Justice League, Volume 7: Darkseid War Part 1, Justice League, Volume 8: Darkseid War, Part 2, Swamp Thing Winter Special (2018) #1, & Ghost Machine #1.
October 24, 2024
This maybe one of my favorite comics this year and holy shit its so good, like the art here.. this feels like an action movie and one of 2000s type series with what a crazy sci-fi idea about this place called Exodus, another planet where a company transformed it but then abandoned it and there are WARDENS here who can control animals using their helmets and our central character ROOK and what his struggles are and how he fights all these challanges.
I love how the first volume is an exploration of Rook and his complicated origins and fears and what not and what happened to his father and how he came to this planet and I love over the course of 6 issues you see how he evolved and accepted his role as the planets saviour and it was #5 which was like a character exploration issue and I love how Johns has this ability of focusing on the character and in that 1 issue everything clicks for the series and the reader.
You connect with the character and the story and the stakes and omg the art is freaking gorgeous, long animals and the CARS especially that ark which the villain had was so cool and its better than a Batmobile and its awesome. I love the villain URSAW and wow he is big and scary and the way he fights and has this madness is pretty awesome and that challenges our character a lot and thats good to see and so when the big fight happens, its so worth it and there's more mysteries by the end.
There's supporting characters like DIREWOLF and well her design is so cool and you see the chemistry between them and that will be cool to see. If the first arc is about Rook and his father, the next one is gonna be about her and her father and how its connected to this planet and their survival and omg the twist with
There are other characters like SWINE who becomes the emotional anchor for the book and I love it. And there are so many other characters introduced and set up I am excited to meet them all! Its the start of an exciting new series by Johns and co.!
GET THIS! Its like the standout comic of 2024!!
I love how the first volume is an exploration of Rook and his complicated origins and fears and what not and what happened to his father and how he came to this planet and I love over the course of 6 issues you see how he evolved and accepted his role as the planets saviour and it was #5 which was like a character exploration issue and I love how Johns has this ability of focusing on the character and in that 1 issue everything clicks for the series and the reader.
You connect with the character and the story and the stakes and omg the art is freaking gorgeous, long animals and the CARS especially that ark which the villain had was so cool and its better than a Batmobile and its awesome. I love the villain URSAW and wow he is big and scary and the way he fights and has this madness is pretty awesome and that challenges our character a lot and thats good to see and so when the big fight happens, its so worth it and there's more mysteries by the end.
There's supporting characters like DIREWOLF and well her design is so cool and you see the chemistry between them and that will be cool to see. If the first arc is about Rook and his father, the next one is gonna be about her and her father and how its connected to this planet and their survival and omg the twist with
There are other characters like SWINE who becomes the emotional anchor for the book and I love it. And there are so many other characters introduced and set up I am excited to meet them all! Its the start of an exciting new series by Johns and co.!
GET THIS! Its like the standout comic of 2024!!
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