Mecha anime and monster movies are some of the most popular media originating from Japan. These two films are especially true in the past decade, which also saw the arrival of Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim and Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla. Monsters and mechs have also appeared in comics, with Godzilla appearing in recent titles from both DC and Marvel. There are also original titles that put their own spin on these genres, such as Dark Horse’s Dawnrunner.
Written by Ram V and illustrated by Evan Cagle – both of whom would later go on to helm DC’s current series New Gods – their first collaboration marks the beginning of a century-long story set in a world overrun by Tezza. It is centered around the world. As more of these monstrous creatures arrive via the portal, the world devotes all its efforts to building the Iron King, a great machine powered by pilots who fight Tezza for the survival of humanity in gladiator battles. . As war becomes more of a sport, star jockey Anita Marr is chosen to pilot a secret new prototype known as the Dawn Runner that could turn the tide in humanity’s favor.
dark horse comics
Most mecha anime are essentially melodramatic, with conflicts often resolved by a giant robot crashing into something. Series like Neon Genesis Evangelion deconstruct the tropes of the mecha genre, such as what happens psychologically when piloting a mecha beast, as it becomes formulaic. As Anita begins piloting the eponymous mech, she begins to see past memories of a male soldier trying to survive the Tezza War with his two children.
Over five issues, Ram V explores many ideas, starting with a world that seems obsessed with turning war into a sport until it gets out of hand. And then there’s the emotional core, Anita’s macro and micro dilemmas as she juggles the possibility of saving a soldier and his family, whose fates have already changed, while saving the world from the beast and caring for her sick daughter. Five issues aren’t enough to convey all the ideas a writer wants. Especially at the slightly unruly climax, where the central mystery and characterization keep the reader captivated throughout.
There’s a lot more to this story than just monster battles, but Evan Cagle helps bring the spectacle to life. With a background in illustration art, you can see a high level of detail in everything from small panel pages to double page spreads, whether introducing crowds of people into futuristic settings. While there’s a Japanese influence in the Iron King and Tezza’s designs, Cagle’s illustrations, colored by Dave Stewart and Francesco Segarra, are a nod to Jeff’s work, especially in the incredibly detailed battles where the monster’s guts spill out. Similar to Darrow’s work. .
Although the storytelling gets a little too clunky towards the end, Dawn Runner utilizes the mecha-kaiju genre tropes in clever and dramatic ways.
dawn runner
Although the storytelling gets a little too clunky towards the end, Dawn Runner utilizes the mecha-kaiju genre tropes in clever and dramatic ways.
Ram V’s strong characterization and deconstruction of the genre.
Evan Cagle’s stunning illustrations show the scale of these creatures and the brutality of war.
Worldbuilding Now Interesting ideas, from war politics to family trauma…
…even the decision to do five tasks is not enough to sustain all these ideas.
