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Debris #1 Review
By Dan Horn
July 26, 2012 - 17:00

Image Comics
Writer(s): Kurtis J. Wiebe
Penciller(s): Riley Rossmo
Inker(s): Riley Rossmo
Colourist(s): Owen Gieni
Letterer(s): Ed Brisson
Cover Artist(s): Riley Rossmo
$3.50 US



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Writer Kurtis J. Wiebe and artist Riley Rossmo continue a wonderful collaborative relationship with the four-issue miniseries Debris. The debut issue of this post-apocalyptic epic introduces readers to Calista, the protector of the last human refuge on the planet, and his apprentice, Maya, amidst battle with a Colossal, a gargantuan beast of junkyard scrap animated by a spirit of the Earth.

From the front cover to the last page, this comic book is absolutely gorgeous. Rossmo's layouts and pacing are pitch perfect, and Gieni's palette is vibrant, scintillating, creating a liquid sheen that ensnares your attention. The creatures, assembled from spare machine parts and refuse, are ingenious and breathtakingly designed. I was happy to see that longtime self-publisher Ed Brisson was in on the action as well, delivering some really brilliant lettering that shows a professional and artistic eye for space, pacing, and flow while melding into that bright palette immaculately.

The plot itself is the stuff of legend, though light on actual script. Wiebe's tale takes us to the last human tribe, Maiden, where the villagers struggle to weather the monster-populated hellscape enclosing on them. When their village comes under attack, leaving them without water, it's up to Maya to lead them to a mythical haven, Athabasca.

While there are shortcomings (cursory character depth, a $3.50 cover price, etc.), this is such a refreshing read. Swift, exciting, and original, Debris is sure to be a modern comic book classic.
Rating: 8.5/10