THE FORGED #1 hits your local comic book shop on March 15, but thanks to Image Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an early review for our readers. The book is written by Greg Rucka and Eric Trautmann, with art by Mike Henderson, Nolan Woodward brings the colors to life, and you will read Ariana Maher’s letter work.
About THE FORGED #1:
In the 11th Millennium of the rule of the Eternal Empress, a squad of planet-smashing super soldiers find their routine mission to be anything but. These are the Forged. They take no prisoners.
Check out my review below.
THE FORGED #1 is a gorgeous oversized book. Rucka creates an indie film with heart, and then Trautmann, Henderson, and Woodward elevate THE FORGED to a blockbuster movie with the artwork. This was a fun read and hooked me on the concept and the mystery.
The best part of the issue is how Rucka and Trautmann creates a bond between the reader and the female team of grunts, the Forged. You are right in the trenches with them, and you might get covered in some grease if you don’t watch out.
Image Comics calls it an over-the-top pulp adventure of sex, violence, and sci-fi inspired by Conan, Heavy Metal, and other comics you tried to hide from your parents. The way the “navy” officers were designed and the color the palette used, THE FORGED felt like an R-Rated version of Robotech.
Since this is a female-led book, it was interesting to look at the “camera angles” used in the panel layout and who was the object and who was the subject. Also, there is a character named Cassandra. In Greek Mythology, Cassandra means the one who shines and excels over men. Rucka gives you layers in THE FORGED; how deep you want to go is up to you.
THE FORGED #1 is a must-buy because of its concept, depth of story, and over-the-top artwork.
