Denver #1 (Mad Cave Studios, 8/26/26): Writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray & Artist Pier Brito imagine a future world ravaged by a meteor strike and a border cop whose life gets turned upside down by kidnappers. This first issue builds a grim, lived-in world of the future to set the stage for a revenge tale with grim grit. Verdict: A solid choice for dystopian future fans.
Credits:
- Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray
- Artist: Pier Brito
- Colorist: Pier Brito
- Letterer: Bill Tortolini
- Cover Artist: Amanda Conner (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: August 26, 2026
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 34
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Denver #1:
First Impressions:
According to the back matter included in the issue, Denver #1 is an update to a Kickstarter graphic novel published in 2022, but I have to admit that I hadn’t heard of it, so I went in completely cold. Post-apocalyptic tales are a dime a dozen in indie comics, but this one is pleasantly well done.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
Denver #1 begins with a preface page explaining how a meteor struck the Moon, causing debris storms of destruction and raising the Earth’s oceans by thousands of feet. Now, Denver remains as the last functioning city amid mountain-top islands that dot an ocean-covered Earth.
We begin with Max Flynn, a border agent, and his team vetting a couple who arrived ashore by boat at the invitation of one of the city’s sponsors. The formality turns into a violent confrontation when the wife is found with an undeclared infant and their boat is hauling illegal goods. One of Flynn’s team is injured, the woman and baby are taken into custody, but the man is murdered when he runs into gang territory.
Following the incident, Max Flynn gets back to the business of maintaining his work and family life routine, including a surprise visit to his college-aged daughter. The issue concludes with father and daughter returning to Max’s apartment for a home-cooked meal, only to find his wife taken hostage and eventually kidnapped by a group of masked men.
How is the story in Denver #1?
The story is… fine. There’s a little bit of dramatic energy and tension in the beginning during the immigrant vetting scene, and there’s a little bit of dramatic energy and tension at the end during the brief kidnapping scene. The rest is a lot of relationship- and world-building with a very sedate tempo. Palmiotti and Gray’s scenes move along at a steady pace to establish the world, but you’ll be tempted to check your watch at the two-thirds point.
In fairness, this book was originally published as a 72-page GN, so the relaxed impact of the first issue could be an unavoidable side effect of chunking up a story that wasn’t meant to be chunked up. That’s fine, but it’s best to know what you’re in for.
How is the art in Denver #1?
Pier Brito’s art style and level of detail are where Denver #1 shines. Brito has an excellent feel for lived-in environments, clothing that feels authentic to the people, and realistic violence hits like a hammer blow when it arrives. There’s a distinctly 2000 AD Euro style to Brito’s imagining of a world mostly covered by water, and it suits the story to a tee.
Characters
Max Flynn is the focal character at the heart of the story. A mix of tough-guy cop with a heart of gold for his family makes him instantly relatable and likable. When the big finish arrives, you can’t help but immediately want to root for him to save his wife and punish his attackers.
Originality & Concept Execution
The back matter, written by Jimmy Palmiotti, in Denver #1 explains that he and Justin Gray drew inspiration from great works such as Planet of the Apes, The Omega Man, and Soylent Green, and you can certainly see shades of those stories in the world the creators constructed. Everything runs with ruthless efficiency for the city’s survival and the longevity of its citizens. But while the inspirations are visible, the story feels fresh enough to stand on its own.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2
Final Thoughts:
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Denver #1 imagines a future world devastated by a meteor and what happens to a man under attack in the last city on Earth. Palmiotti and Gray pull out all the stops, along with the art team, to build a world that feels lived-in and on the edge of survival. That said, the relaxed pacing and minimal action substitute a strong hook with mild interest.
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