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Rust Vol 1: Visitor In The Field
Publisher: Archaia
Writer: Royden Lepp
Artist: Royden Lepp
Cover: Royden Lepp

The phrase “better late than never” definitely applies to me when it comes to Royden Lepp’s Rust Vol 1: Visitor In The Field. Now, you may be wondering why a guy like me who is such of fan of what Archaia has been putting out would not have read this title much earlier. Well, it’s quite simple, I get busy and things sometimes slip by my usually keen eye. However, after being introduced to Rust at this year’s NYCC I’ll say that you shouldn’t miss out on this title either!

While being pursued by a giant machine, a young boy wearing a jet pack crashes through the Taylor family’s barn. He’s saved by the eldest son Roman, and he stays on the farm in what looks like an attempt to repay him. Taylor is also trying to find a way to help his family keep the farm running, and he thinks the key to it may be in the mechanical beast in his field, and maybe with Jet. However, Jet has a few secrets as well that he’s keeping close to his chest.

After reading Rust a couple of times (because it’s just that good), there’s just no denying it’s one great tale that you just want to keep going on once you get to the end. In part because the cliffhanger was just perfect, and by the time you get to it Lepp has successfully pulled you into this world he’s created. The struggle that Roman is dealing with goes over expertly as the art is a backdrop at times during his conversation with his father via a letter. There’s also the unpredictability of the story as you think this is a particular war in American history, but then something in the artwork shows up and turns that assumption on its head.

The artwork itself just reinforces the heart of the story page after page and panel after panel. Those sepia type color tones and various browns and yellows just help with the nostalgic feel of Rust. The robots themselves have a great amount of detail, but it doesn’t get to a point that it overwhelms, or distracts from the story. Everything is simple, clean, and to the point, and it’s great that Lepp tells the story just as good visually as he does with the dialogue.

As Rust was suggested to me, I’ll gladly pay it forward and suggest that you read this great adventure tale. If there’s ever been a part of you that just wanted to put on a jet pack and fly around, or if you’re just looking for a title to read with or to your kids, then this is definitely it!

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