Ghost Machine Scores Big Hit with “Rook: Exodus”
When the fourth issue of Rook: Exodus arrived in bookstores on July 24, 2024, it continues one of the most popular stories to come out of Ghost Machine Comics.
The Rook storyline reunites artist Jason Fabok and writer Geoff Johns, who created “Batman: Three Jokers” together. The duo partnered with Rob Lee and Brad Anderson to round out the creative team devising Rook’s saga.
Just How Popular Has Rook Become?
The first issue of Rook: Exodus has sold out – three times. The lavishly illustrated, oversized graphic novel entered its fourth printing in July 2024. Comic book fans who haven’t yet read the story awaited the anticipated the fourth printing of issue number one to hit the shelves or read the digital copies.
What Makes Rook: Exodus So Popular?
On Reddit, fans of the series discuss what draws them to it. Rook’s readers complement its “A-1” and “sublime artwork” and “engaging storyline,” calling the series a “really fun book” with a “compelling and complete story.” The active fans of Ghost Machine Comics, who have read its other comic offerings – Geiger, Junkyard Joe, and Redcoat – refer to Rook: Exodus as “a legitimate showstopper.” Although they don’t offer ideas for where they want the story to go, they do offer ideas for marketing tie-ins, though the fans don’t think of them that way.
What Fans Want to See from Rook: Exodus
Some fans want to see it become a Netflix series, while others want it to appear on Amazon. Reddit users point out that Rook’s storyline lacks the “tropey” features of many comic books. The story in issue one launches two years into Rook’s stint on the planet Exodus. He moved there from Earth, so even at the beginning of the story, its plot has opportunities for scenes in two locations. The comic introduces its characters, the Wardens, or rangers, of Exodus a little at a time. That lets readers build a rapport with each character and get to know them, which could play out well in web TV series.
Some fans want it as a video game instead. Gamers among comic book fans point out its in-depth illustrations and the detail used by the artist and colorist. With so many conflicts and potential conflicts available in the Rook: Exodus storyline, it lends itself to a video game:
- Human vs. Nature
- Human vs. Human
- Human vs. Machine
- Human vs. Corporation.
Each of those options offers battle opportunities requiring weaponry and strategy. Ghost Machine could build a lavish, layered computer or video game with something to offer every type of game player a way to play what they like. The storyline offers options for strategy, shooting, building settlements, and spaceships.
Critics Agree with Fans
In an unprecedented occurrence, the critics agree with the fans, referring to Rook: Exodus as “one of the best looking sci-fi comics out there,” says AIPT Comics. Its storyline confounds some who’re used to comic books doling out a storyline linearly and episodically. Rook doesn’t do that. Instead, it hints at the why behind the current state of Exodus.
Intended as a series of series, according to its creators, readers should expect about eight issues per year. Unlike the other books to come out of Ghost Machine in the past two years, this one doesn’t take place in The Unnamed Universe. Rook, Dire Wolf, and Swine reside in a different universe, in which Exodus is one planet.
The story opens as Rook closes out his second year on the planet Exodus after leaving the failing Earth. Find out the latest happenings on Exodus on July 24th, 2024, when readers get the fourth installment of Rook’s story.