Rust: Visitor in the Field TPB
Written by Royden Lepp
Illustrated by Royden Lepp
Archaia Entertainment
Release Date: December 13, 2011
Cover Price: $24.95

Perhaps it speaks to the level of all ages comics on shelves currently, but I do not go out of my way to check out new kid friendly books that often. When it comes to all ages comic I have hit my limit, it seems like every time I pick up a new comic it somehow finds its way into my rotation. I do not have the time or the money to read every amazing all ages comic out there, so by reviewing Royden Lepp‘s Rust: Visitor in the Field I have taken a risk. It’s a risk that I do not regret taking even though I will now be adding any Rust comic to my pull list. Royden Lepp’s latest title was everything that I love about kid friendly comics wrapped into one beautifully illustrated trade paperback.

Rust: Visitor in the Field follows the story of Roman, a young man who is tasked to run his father’s farm. Roman would be struggling at this if not for the help of Jet Jones. Jet mysteriously landed with a jetpack in Roman’s field after being hunted by a giant mechanized solider. Jet was a part of a government program in World War II to create jetpack-powered boy soldiers and now he’s on the run for one reason or the other. Roman must come to terms with this mysterious boy while also keep his family provided for in the face of their missing father. Lepp portrays the inner turmoil of Roman through a series of letters he is writing his father, as he puts on a strong face in front of his obviously hurt mother and brother and we see his vulnerability seep through these one-sided communications.

Visitor in the Field is a pretty by the numbers story with an even number of twists and turns and third party narration; however, it is through this simplicity that this comic shines. As an all ages story Visitor in the Field captures the magic and mystery of Jet Jones and his temporary family simply and clearly so that a reader of any age can understand the bizarre nature of Jet Jones’ presence at the farm. It is so important for any all ages creator to be able to speak to a younger audience while still maintaining a deep and personal link to his or her story.

Rust‘s artwork is simple and clean; the color palette never changes from the earthy browns and yellows of the Midwest. The landscape and characters are inked and colored in such a way that they risk blending into one another at any second. Lepp makes a statement about the nature of his characters with his choice of color being so similar to that of the landscape and earth around them. This comic is also packed with several beautifully illustrated fight sequences. Lepp seems to use a motion blur filter on several of the fight sequences giving it a unique line of movement and stunning action choreography.

Rust is able to explore the sense of mystery and wonder that is so crucial to a successful all ages comic. Even though Rust does not take place in a magical kingdom, Lepp still is able to craft a story that is full of wonder and excitement that reminds us of what an all ages comic should be.