ROOK: EXODUS #3, by Image Comics on 6/26/24, the cast of characters just got a whole lot bigger, but which ones are allies, which ones are enemies, and who will get to Rook first?
Credits:
- Writer: Geoff Johns
- Artist: Jason Fabok
- Colorist: Brad Anderson
- Letterer: Rob Leigh
- Cover Artist: Jason Fabok, Brad Anderson
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: June 26, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 36
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of ROOK: EXODUS #3:
Plot Analysis:
When last we left Rook in Rook: Exodus #2, his friend Swine was killed, and his escape ship was destroyed by the power-hungry Ursaw. Dire Wolf helped Rook escape destruction, setting our protagonist on a course for revenge, but he’s going to need more help first.
In Rook: Exodus #3, Dire Wolf has a plan to get the help she and Rook need to assemble an army of allied Wardens against Ursaw’s growing threat. If three helmets connect to the Broadcasting Grid, they can triangulate and establish a communication network with all other Wardens. There’s just one catch, the Grid is under the control of one of the oldest wardens and master of the gigantic turtles – Carapace.
One of the gaps in this series so far has been the lack of information about the world of Exodus and the other Wardens. In Rook: Exodus #3, Geoff Johns pulls back the curtain to give the readers a clearer picture of the world, setting up an environment where the Wardens are scattered but surviving. You get a post-apocalyptic feel, reminiscent of Mad Max or Planet of the Apes.
Dire Wolf pilots an abandoned river boat to the Grid, built on the remains of a former hydroelectric dam. Carapace agrees to meet with them when they arrive, but the gigantic turtles armed with massive guns do not give Rook the impression of a warm welcome. Carapace makes it clear he does not appreciate Rook’s lack of commitment to fight for Exodus, but he agrees to attempt triangulation.
Rook’s strong desire to escape Exodus in the previous issues has gotten around, saddling him with the reputation of a coward in the eyes of some Wardens. Mistake or not, Johns uses interpersonal conflict to force Rook to toughen up in the face of even more adversity.
Meanwhile, Ursaw considers his next move aboard his massive crawling fortress known as the Ark. We see that Ursaw has a collection of Warden helmets from his past kills, which he bequeaths to his warrior followers once they’ve proven themself worthy. When Carapace, Dire Wolf, and Rook jack into the Grid, they soon detect the presence of Wardens all over Exodus, including Ursaw.
A call-to-arms that also reaches the enemy is a clever way for Johns to broaden the character list and chart a course for the series while increasing the tension level. How do you communicate with your allies when the enemy is listening in and knows where to find you? I don’t know, but we’re going to find out in the next issue.
The issue concludes with a montage introduction to a small army of Wardens who may or may not answer the call, the new Warden in charge of pigs (Warhog), and a slithery warden who fights by Ursaw’s side.
Overall, this issue accomplishes much in terms of building the world and characters, even if the circumstances that brought Exodus and the Wardens to this state are still a complete blank.
Artwork and Presentation:
If there’s one thing Ghost Machine gets right about all their recently-released titles, it’s tapping the best artists around to bring worlds and characters to life. Jason Fabok can do no wrong with sweeping, cinematic settings, captivating character designs, and dramatic compositions that hit like a hammer blow. Truly, this comic has some of the best art of any on the shelves.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
The early Ghost Machine marketing materials suggest an interconnected timeline between Rook: Exodus, Redcoat, Geiger, and more. Since this series takes place in Earth’s semi-distant future, it’s unclear how or when this title will overlap with the others, but there isn’t an apparent connection as of yet.
Final Thoughts:
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ROOK: EXODUS #3 greatly expands the world and characters in Exodus, escalating the stakes and complexity of a world on the brink of war. Geoff Johns does a commendable job giving readers plenty of wow moments, mostly through the delivery of Jason Fabok’s jaw-dropping art. The past and future of Exodus is still a blank slate, but this issue gives you plenty to chew on.
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