Reviews

Rust Vol. 1: Visitor in the Field by Royden Lepp

sillypunk's review

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5.0

I recommend anyone who enjoys graphic novels (and even those who don't) to pick up this beautiful book. The artwrok, story and idea are just absolutely brilliant.

lorathelibrarian's review

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4.0

This is seems to be a great start to an awesome new graphic novel series.

joshgauthier's review

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4.0

Volume 1 of "Rust" is a simple but remarkably well-done story. With its diesel-punk setting, sparse storytelling, and antique color scheme, the different elements of this story come together quite well to make the whole. The scope is simple - focusing on Jet Jones, his efforts to escape his traumatic history with war, and the family that takes him in. The themes of family, identity, and trauma are resonant and there is enough suspense and menace in the background of the story to keep things interesting.

While the simplicity of the story is part of its effectiveness, it also is the main weakness. There are times in the story where too little seems to happen, leaving a plot that is ultimately rather thin for the size of the volume.

However, this is my only real complaint, and the simplicity of the plot doesn't really stop me from enjoying the story. On most counts, "Rust" is a solid story that could appeal to readers of all ages.

mark_lm's review

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4.0

Very attractive art work and intriguing story. Apparently, judging by the graphic novel section at B&N (the last of the bookstores), many of these are written as a series - so there is about 10% of a plot line in this volume 1, and these hardbound, admittedly beautiful, graphic novels are about $20 each.

csdaley's review

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5.0

I really loved this book. The story and art are superb. My only disappointment was knowing I had to wait for the 2nd one.

showlola's review

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4.0

Great teen appeal, nice art, good premise. Not enough lady development.

katlogbrenn's review

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3.0

This first volume builds mystery without leading to much of a story. I'm intrigued but not very emotionally invested. The artistry is promising, though, with a great use of computer-generated lighting to diffuse a background or highlight scenes.

jrug's review

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4.0

Rust should feel like a cart hitched to the steam-punk bandwagon. Instead, Lepp's vision is used, not just to dazzle us in and of itself, but also as a means of introducing us to some intriguing characters.

I'm not sure there's as much going on in this book as Lepp thinks there is, but the art is beautiful, the world well-conceived, and even the supporting characters have personalities. The plot promises more waiting around the corner, but it could stand to move a bit more quickly.

jennybeastie's review

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3.0

I enjoyed the monochromatic-ish, rocket man setting going on here, and I particularly liked the photo inspirations in the back. It's a little slow moving for me, a little too mysterious. This is a solid piece of work, and a lovely one, just not my cup of tea.

kellymy's review against another edition

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fast-paced

3.5

Didn’t grab me. Interesting premise, liked the tone-on-tone color scheme.