In this new post-apocalyptic sci-fi series, one city will be all that endures against nature’s wrath and the impending obliteration of humanity’s very existence: Denver.

When an errant meteor crash-lands on the Moon and leaves a massive crater in its wake, it sends Earth’s equilibrium into an environmental frenzy, engulfing humankind in a rapid stream of devastating waves and sinking every major landmass and city—save for one. Denver remains the singular stalwart bastion of hope for mankind, elevated over the now-risen sea. And our main character, Max Flynn, stands as its gatekeeper, deciding the fate of would-be citizens as he maintains the city’s population by choosing who is allowed passage into Denver.

There is something to be said about the story’s pacing and the care with which both Palmiotti and Gray have crafted this first issue. I’ve always particularly admired bold takes in the speculative fiction genres, where world-building plays an instrumental role in the immersion of the reader, and it’s so deftly woven into the overarching narrative. There’s an immediate sense of scale that reels you in and informs you of the timeline and the violence that led up to the current events. It’s excellent work, and I’m completely all in for the next chapter in Denver’s story.

Brito’s art and (I assume coloring, as well) were top-notch, with varying swathes of blue to depict the full breadth of Denver’s destitution. There’s an air of discomfort, and in between each panel, you’re able to extrapolate from the gritty surroundings just how far civilization has fallen. Towering buildings jutting out in brutalist architectural fashion do well to instill fear within Denver’s inhabitants and paint the world with a looming pall.

Denver #1 is a thrilling entry into a dystopian future, where man is on its last legs against Mother Nature, demonstrating the innate will to survive at any cost.

Creative Team: Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray (writers), Pier Brito (artist), Bill Tortolini (letterer), John J. Hill (original series design), Joanne Starer (original series editor), Juliana Torres (Mad Cave version design), James B. Emmett & Ryan Carroll (Mad Cave version editors), Amanda Conner (main cover artist), Pier Brito, Uko Smith, & Dave Johnson (variant covers)
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
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