The Forged is a new hard-hitting sci-fi series published by Image Comics. Set in the 11th Millennium of the rule of the Eternal Empress, the series focuses on a squad of planet-smashing super soldiers utilized by the Empire to maintain control and order throughout the cosmos. Pulp adventure, sex, violence, heavy metal, and hard sci-fi collide in a confluence of influences. The initial premise sounds simple enough, but this series promises to be anything but run-of-the-mill. The Forged #1, written by Greg Rucka and Eric Trautmann, with art by Mike Henderson, colors by Nolan Woodard, and letters by Ariana Maher, introduces readers to a sprawling, epic space opera.
This issue presents readers with an almost overwhelming amount of information. Everything about this series is massive in scale and scope. Most of this issue takes place on a single ship. Readers are quickly introduced to an Empire that has ruled for millennia, with all the world-building that comes along with that. Nearly every line of dialogue has a reference to something that feels banal to the characters — it’s just a part of everyday life for them — but that will intrigue readers.
Both writers are exceptional at bringing this world and its inhabitants to life. The Forged all have shining personalities and bounce off each other with relentlessly entertaining banter. The character work is excellent, and the overall narrative is compelling. Presenting readers with such a vast and complex Empire invites curiosity about the ins and outs of how everything works. The book will leave readers wanting to understand how The Forged came to be, what the Empire’s main goals are, what conflicts they’ve had in the past, and how the mysterious projections of the exalted Empress fit into the story.
Henderson’s art is stunning throughout all 64 of this oversized issue’s pages. This issue is much longer than the standard comic issue, and it is also printed in a larger premium format. The art captures the epic scale introduced by the narrative in staggering ways. The main ship’s design feels almost sterile, contrasting brilliantly with space vistas and the harsh reality of an abandoned planet. The design aesthetic throughout the book feels gritty and familiar but also fresh and utilitarian. It helps inform the world of the story.
Woodard’s colors are a pitch-perfect complement to Henderson’s art. Reserved, neutral tones bring the ship’s interior to monotonous life while vibrant, kaleidoscopic hues paint the skies of space. Cassandra — a mysterious, scantily clad woman who is a representative of the Eternal Empress — sports a striking design that hinges on Woodard’s ethereal coloring. Maher’s lettering is full of personality throughout the issue. Wavy, loose speech bubbles give characters added depth. There is a ton of dialogue in this issue, a necessity of establishing a sprawling new world for readers. Maher keeps the pacing of the issue brisk and light with intelligently placed bubbles across each page.
Fans of Rucka, sci-fi, queer representation, and kick-ass comics will find a lot to love in this series. Establishing a new sci-fi series is a tall task. The extra page count certainly helps. The issue’s back matter expands the lore of this universe, further inviting readers in. This book presents a complete package of wonderful characters, story, lore, and art. With The Forged #1, Rucka and the rest of the creative team blend the familiar into something wholly unique and exciting.
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