Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
From The New York Times best-selling author of Bone comes a stark, gritty sci-fi series about a dimension-jumping art thief -- a man who races through space and time searching for his next big score -- and trying to escape his past. Known only by the four-letter word found spray-painted at the scene of a crime, RASL stumbles across a mystery that spans centuries and not only threatens to expose his illicit activities but also could uncover one of the world's most dangerous secrets.

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2009

15 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Jeff Smith

627 books1,429 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See other authors with similar names.

Born and raised in the American mid-west, Jeff Smith learned about cartooning from comic strips, comic books, and watching animation on TV. In 1991, he launched a company called Cartoon Books to publish his comic book BONE, a comedy/adventure about three lost cousins from Boneville. Against all odds, the small company flourished, building a reputation for quality stories and artwork. Word of mouth, critical acclaim, and a string of major awards helped propel Cartoon Books and BONE to the forefront of the comic book industry.
In 1992, Jeff’s wife Vijaya Iyer joined the company as partner to handle publishing and distribution, licensing, and foreign language publications. In the Spring of 2005, Harry Potter’s U.S. publisher Scholastic Inc. entered the graphic novel market by launching a new imprint, Graphix with a full color version of BONE: Out from Boneville, bringing the underground comic to a new audience and a new generation.
In 2007, DC Comics released Smith’s first non-creator owned work, SHAZAM! Monster Society of Evil, a four-part mini-series recreating a classic serial from comic’s Golden Age. Between projects, Smith spends much of his time on the international guest circuit promoting comics and the art of graphic novels.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
45 (15%)
4 stars
126 (43%)
3 stars
95 (33%)
2 stars
17 (5%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Nancy.
540 reviews21 followers
June 1, 2012
Since I enjoyed Bone so much, I checked out Jeff Smith's other original series, RASL. A much less cartoony, darker "scifi noir" story involving travel between multiple parallel universes and government conspiracies.

I read the first seven issues. It's difficult to describe. Overall it's kind of interesting, but also disturbing and weird and I'm just not into it. He pretty much lost me when the crazy looking waif showed up. To me, the story sat up and said, "Ooh, look, something mysterious!" and I dislike being beaten over the head with Hidden Meaning like that. And RASL himself was cracked and...not unsympathetic but not someone I wanted to hang out with anymore.
Profile Image for Sam Quixote.
4,809 reviews13.4k followers
March 12, 2013
Rasl is a parallel universe-hopping art thief on the run from the military for damaging experimental hardware based on the science of Nikola Tesla. He’s being tailed by a lizard-faced man out to capture something valuable in Rasl’s possession. Also each jump – or “drift” – Rasl takes, damages his health to the point where his life is threatened every time he drifts. Full review here!
Profile Image for Blue.
1,186 reviews55 followers
February 28, 2011
(RASL #1-7) The story is gripping with a good amount of history of science and bizarre and a pinch of sexy. The drawings are excellent, tight, well-planned. The dialog is smooth and real. Smith executes the conventions of noir as a genre well. I suppose I find some aspects of the genre a bit annoying, especially the lone hero who narrates everything in his thoughts so we can understand what's going on. Still, this is less problematic on the page than it is on the silver screen (that is, reading Sin City makes it seem less cheesy than watching Sin City, for example.) I would prefer the explanations of the current predicament of the hero in flashbacks or conversation with other characters rather than us following him walk or drive or steal a Picasso painting as he "thinks" these explanations. But to his defense, Smith does it all: flashbacks, black outs, dialog, history show-and-tell, the whole works. Perhaps he wants to add this to the mix. Perhaps without it the first "pocket book" would be too long, which may not be desirable from a publishing point of view.

One thing I certainly like is that the main character is not a pristine soul. In fact, he is morally very suspect. And his convictions regarding the secret project he is working on with his partner are somewhat surprising, though utterly human as in inexplicably inconsistent. Again, the conventions of noir are apparent in the way the character is presented as an immoral man with principles he will risk his life for. He may also be inclined to risk his life for a woman or two, almost like a true gentleman.

I will read the second book. The ending of this first book is not a huge cliff hanger, which is good, because I hate to be so obviously manipulated, but the momentum of the story is truly building up by the end of this volume. Another good thing about the ending is that it allowed me to have a hypothesis forming about what will happen next and who the weird lizard looking guy might be.

A warning for Bone fans: This is not Bone. By that, I mean, it is an entirely different Jeff Smith you will find. This is not a bad thing at all. On the contrary, the finesse Smith employs to create such a different work than his previous masterpiece demands awe and praise.
Profile Image for Ken-ichi.
630 reviews641 followers
December 23, 2012
If you're unfamiliar with Jeff Smith's Bone you need to stop reading this and find out why it's a comics and cartooning masterpiece and why Jeff Smith is a comics demigod. All set? Cool. RASL is Smith's next long-format work, and is different from Bone in all kinds of interesting ways. Smith's great timing and effortless scenery are on full display, but sadly his clumsiness with depicting "realistic" characters has returned as well. In Bone, more stylized characters like the Bones and the (stupid, stupid) rat creatures have wonderfully expressive faces and bodies, usually hilariously so, but just as often Smith employs this expressiveness in a wide array of complex emotions. Some characters are infinitely more static, with about 2 or three set expressions (Grandma Ben, Lucius), but that rigidity is usually its own joke. And then there's Thorn, the realistic character, who's best visual moments occur at her cartooniest, but who often bears inexplicable expressions at other times. Every character in RASL is of the Thorn type, usually giving them a deranged, incorrectly assembled appearance. Sometimes this serves the story, particularly in the case of Crow, who is intentionally deformed and looks deeply (and wonderfully) deranged, but in the main characters it makes sympathy difficult, and this isn't really the kind of book that challenges the reader to deal with unsympathetic protagonists.

This might simply be emblematic of the work as a whole: none of the characters have that much individuality yet. The Tesla stuff is fun, because Tesla is fun (now I want to find a good biography), and by the end I definitely wanted to keep reading, so overall it was pretty enjoyable, but I fear that it's headed toward the sort of dissolution Bone experienced toward the end of its run. I don't think the same kind of cute baby animal tangents are much of a threat, but there could easily be some deus ex machinas lurking between the worlds. I'll probably check the library for the next one, but I'm not dying to buy it.
Profile Image for Earline.
848 reviews
December 28, 2010
Drifting to parallel universes, government conspiracies, mad scientists, lots of nipples... what more could you want? Still trying to get used to this raunchier Jeff Smith, but so far RASL has been pretty awesome.
Profile Image for Matt.
156 reviews
October 8, 2012
Gritty, wacky, paranoid, mind-bending with plenty of guns, sex, interdimensional chase scenes and good old Nikola Tesla!
Profile Image for Jasmine.
33 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2020
RASL follows a man by that same name who has figured out how to travel to parallel universes which he calls “the drift”. He uses the drift to make a living as an art thief and this attracts the attention of a government agency. They believe he has some top secret documents regarding the drift and this begins a race through various alternate universes that becomes a matter of survival, not just for Rasl but those that he loves. This was a very fast paced read. I wasn’t a huge fan of the art style though, as I couldn’t tell if our main character was 15 or 40 but the story was entertaining enough. If I didn’t already own book two I don’t think I would’ve picked it up as this was only okay.
Profile Image for Matt.
481 reviews
August 4, 2022
I read this years ago in the larger, black & white format. I gotta say, I feel like smith’s work really shines when he collaborates with this colorist. The depth and intensity of the story is exponentially increased by the coloring, IMO.
A neat sci fi tale of universe hopping and mystery. A huge departure from Bone, but still an engaging story.
Profile Image for Travis Duke.
1,140 reviews16 followers
November 28, 2023
Heard about RASL, opened it up... ok the art is not for me....a few months later at work, fine ill read it. The story was pretty good, scientist turned criminal on the run. I did get more into the story and book itself and I like it. I will probably read vol 2 to see whats happens to ole razzle dazzle.

But the art...just not for me. Hard pass
Profile Image for Edward Sanchez.
157 reviews
November 28, 2023
I thought some great elements were in this book but I found it missing the mark toward the end. I wish they could have fleshed out and used more of Sal. I have to admit at first I was hesitant about this book as I'm mostly familiar with Bone and I thought the art style wouldn't fit with the story but it does indeed fit.
1,719 reviews8 followers
September 4, 2018
Better than expected. I never got around to reading the black and white version - something about the format was off to me. I look forward to reading the whole series. Also I really like the coloring on this.
Profile Image for Raven Black.
2,860 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2019
What a beautiful mixed up mess. Sci-fiction mixed with realism and made into one mad trip down the rabbit hole
Profile Image for John Wright.
713 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2022
Interesting concept, but Smith’s art, while charming, sometimes feels off. Need to see where it’s going before I settle my mind on it.
82 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2023
This noir-esque sci-fi epic will inspire those interested in beautiful art, steamy love triangles, parallel worlds, and Nikola Tesla. Follow a cunning and bleak art thief through Smith's many worlds
Profile Image for Dani Shuping.
572 reviews42 followers
August 23, 2011
Let's just get this out of the way early--if you're coming expecting a tale like Bone or a book for kids like Bone is...don't. This is a completely different, darker tale and most definitely not for kids. It is however, a pretty darn fantastic story.

Rasl lives in a world much like own and a time like our own. But Rasl is not like you or me. He has the ability to travel across dimensions into parallel universes. He uses this unique ability to steal art from other places and sell in his own. But Rasl wasn't always this way. He used to be a top scientist, working with his best friend for the military till the day it all came crashing down. And now its coming back to haunt him as an assassin is on his trail hunting him through multiple dimensions and killing the people he cares about over and over. Rasl is running hard trying to evade the assassin and protect those that he cares about, but he doesn't have much time left.

The artwork in this series is very similar to Bone (well outside the Bone characters that is) and is classic Jeff Smith. He uses a lot of short, little lines to convey depth to the characters, scars, tears, whatever is needed. The proportions aren't always correct, but Smith does an excellent job at capturing the emotions of the characters and providing a grim/harsh setting that goes well with the story. And the writing is superb for the most part and keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know more. The transitions are a little bit rough early on and it gets a little bit confusing to figure out what's going on until you read the rest of the book and then it makes a bit more sense. Overall though a most compelling story.

I really look forward to seeing where Smith takes the series and finding out more about the other dimensions and Rasl's past (and the weird/creepy assassin following him.) An excellent start to a new series.
Profile Image for The_Mad_Swede.
1,429 reviews
May 23, 2016
I have been a fan of Jeff Smith's ever since I first encountered Bone back in 2004/2005. Luckily I bought the b/w complete collection, because I am not sure I would have wanted to wait for issues or even paperback volumes. That book reads as a big fat graphic novel (if the term was ever used correctly).

But this is not about Bone. This is about RASL, Smith's current comics project. So far nine or ten issues are out (seven of which were first collected in two larger-sized-but-thinner volumes and now here in one smaller-sized-but-thicker one), but obviously I could not wait any longer once this seven issue volume became available. And I certainly do not regret the decision.

First off, let me say that while Bone is an all ages book and Smith's Shazam! Monster Society of Evil is more aimed at children (albeit enjoyably for adults with a mind open for children's literature, film or comics), this book is definitely more geared towards a mature or adult audience (whichever term is preferred, albeit not in the sense of gratuitous sex or violence, though there is both some violence and sex in there).

At the heart of it all, RASL is a science fiction story about an art thief, who calls himself RASL, travelling between alternate realities to commit his thefts, using technology with roots in the research of a certain Nicola Tesla. Now, I do not want to say much more than this, because Smith gentle eases his readers into his world and his story, and I would not want to ruin the joy of that journey. It is really, really good though, and if you enjoyed Bone you should definitely check this out (and if you have not read Bone – well, what the heck are you waiting for?).

Warmly recommended!
Profile Image for Anne Patkau.
3,717 reviews69 followers
January 22, 2014
Bad ugly man does bad things, sleeps with slim girls, broken by Nikola Tesla biography bits, Bermuda Triangle bosh, boring in cartoons too. Unfinished "to be continued". "No More" - Dr Who #8ish (John Hurt) 2013.

Rasl, formerly Robert, straps on rockets and "drifts" to alternate realities, steals Picasso for cash. Physical damage making him ugly, cold, and bleed do not justify x-rated theft, drinks, drugs, gambling, whores, affair with Maya (his arm tattoo), married to best life-long pal Miles. Gals are winsome, appealing, in thongs, thin flat tiny tops, whether plain ponytail or perky specs, unless slicked down evil Compound chief.

Lizard-head Sal in long black trench and fedora kills Dylan-not-Dylan world whore girlfriend Annie, gives Rasl 48 hour deadline to return Tesla's lost notebooks with formulas, or lose "everyone you love".

Flashbacks cover how he tried to stop lab partners Miles, Maya (Uma in not-Dylan world) in Compound, fearing creation of too-powerful weapon. Security chief from Compound wants secret for weapon, Sal to kill the "copy" worlds.

Yawn. Part 1: Rasl and the Drift, 2 Annie, 3 Maya, 4 Opening Doors, 5 Uma, 6 The Mad Scientist, 7 Brighter than the Sun. Teddy from TV Innerspace, recommended Smith's Bone but library only had this; negative rating means cannot request more by same author. Forceful Wham-Bam fights better with super-heroes.
Profile Image for Andrea Blythe.
Author 13 books87 followers
March 29, 2012
I was, and still am, madly in love with Jeff Smith's Bone series, so when I saw a new graphic novel volume sitting on the library shelf, I had to read it right away. Smith steps away from the mystical and into straight science fiction with Rasl.

Rasl is an outcast, a former scientist, not art thief, who accomplishes his crimes by jumping back and forth between alternate worlds. A strange ape/lizard-like man is tailing him through the worlds, however, a man who works for the Compound and wants something Rasl has taken.

Being book one, there is a lot of introduction and explanation to get out of the way, but Smith expertly weaves it into the action of the story. Already he's brought several characters into life that are interesting, ones that I can't wait to know more about, and I'm sure they will all grow to be more complex and interesting as the story continues. I kinda wish I had some to this with story complete, because now I've got to impatiently wait for the next compilation.
Profile Image for Justin.
860 reviews13 followers
August 20, 2016
I picked up this one, courtesy of a friend who really likes it, and I have to say I'm happy that I did. Rasl is a strange, world-hopping sci-fi yarn about Nikola Tesla, trans-dimensional thievery and murder, and a man trying to do the right thing. The art style took me awhile to get used to (all the characters' heads look too big), but it didn't detract from the story all that much in the end. The story itself can be a bit heavy on the exposition in a few parts, but overall it's an engaging plot.

You could think of Rasl as a sort of film noir version of the old TV show, Sliders, in a lot of ways. If the thought of that appeals to you, give this series a shot; you probably won't be disappointed.
1,212 reviews120 followers
December 26, 2013
I having not seen the cover I ended up with from the library, I didn't quite know what I was getting into when I requested RASL Pocket Book 1 by Jeff Smith, author of the epic Bone series.

This is clearly meant for an older audience than Bone with the violence and adult content, but I was totally engaged in the overall story. What's more, I was really impressed with the Nikola Tesla back story and bibliography noted (well worth a trip down that rabbit hole of theoretical science and conspiracy theory). This is a rip-roaring sci-fi story at its core. Book one left me with more questions than answers, and I hope to read the entire series soon!
Profile Image for Tuck.
2,264 reviews253 followers
March 18, 2011
this is quite good in many ways. It's amazing what author smith can do with very few words and stripped down drawings: transitions, flashbacks, multiple stories, inner dialog, out loud dialog, everything one would find in a prose novel. A fascinating take on Tesla, the good ol usa with edison (zapping elephants to prove HIS DC electricity was safer), FDR, einstein, maxwell equations, a cute Hopi girl...
i cannot wait for v. 2.
i think the women in this novel are not strong characters though, they seem smart and strong, but then revert to quiverers. Listen to the HOPI GIRL Rob!
Profile Image for George Ilsley.
Author 12 books318 followers
December 16, 2012
Picked up book #4, without realizing this was a series. So then I had to start from the beginning. I did not realize that this volume was actually comprised of #1 and #2 of the other series. Gosh I'm so easily confused.

However, as someone who has a minor Tesla obsession, this was enjoyable. I liked the freaky little girl who may have been god. That was the freshest, most evocative detail I've run across anywhere in ages.
Profile Image for Toni Cifuentes.
Author 12 books23 followers
January 21, 2016
Un comienzo interesante, aunque quizá demasiado estirado, lo cual me hace pensar que Smith (o sus editores) querían sacar sí o sí un segundo volumen de algo que, tal vez, no daba para tanto. Flaquea en el ritmo y un tanto en la configuración del personaje principal. No termina de atraparnos del todo y pasa uno las páginas esperando algo grande. Es un cómic más cercano a un relato de novela negra empapado de ciencia-ficción. Tengo mis dudas sobre si continuarlo o no.
263 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2012
This book collects the first 7 issues of Jeff Smith's, 'Rasl,' series - a well paced sci-fi thriller that follows the escapades of an art thief who utilizes Tesla technology to hop back and forth through parallel universes. Some of the trappings reminds me of the FOX series 'Fringe,' but since Smith's books came out first then kudos must be given to him for coming up with his unique storyline.
Profile Image for Josephus FromPlacitas.
227 reviews35 followers
September 9, 2012
What can I say in praise of Jeff Smith that hasn't already been said? A master, a savant, a builder of art and story par excellence. It's funny to think how his action scenes race by with a perfect, heart-pounding speed, and then realize that he carefully toiled over it, constructing every every frame and angle and beat with symphonic levels of attention and care. It's such a weird contrast.
Profile Image for Chad.
533 reviews17 followers
June 29, 2013
There is a somewhat interesting plot here with parallel universe travel and a common sci fi theme of mistrust of technology and overstepping our boundaries. The art has a viewpoint and fits the story well. But it is hard to judge this on its own as it is volume one of a much larger story. It was good enough to read volume two.
Profile Image for Frank.
186 reviews60 followers
July 6, 2013
An interesting and dark story of a scientist turned Parallel Universe jumping Art Thief. The story is slow, but meditative and building. Jeff Smith really flexes his muscles here and I find myself liking this a lot more then I liked Bone. This is grown up dimension jumping adventure that is worth the read. If you like Time Travel or multi universe stories, you will love this
68 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2010
The art in this is gorgeously sparse. The premise is intriguing,
"drifting" from parallel universe to parallel universe, but the story is just as sparse as the artwork, raising more questions than answers. Still, this has me very interested in the next volume whenever it comes out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.