Dawnrunner #5 [Review]
In Dawnrunner #5, writer Ram V and illustrator Evan Cagle bring their sci-fi epic to a jaw-dropping conclusion, delivering an issue that seamlessly combines existential dread, cosmic horror, and a monstrous kaiju battle for the ages. The arrival of the terrifying Tetza Prime has left Anita and the Dawnrunner outmatched in every conceivable way. But after a transformative conversation with Ichiro, Anita and her Iron King undergo a metamorphosis that turns her into a mutated, seemingly malevolent force - and one capable of meeting Tetza Prime head-on. What follows is an explosive showdown that doesn’t just decide the fate of humanity, but also Anita’s soul.
Ram V’s writing continues to shine, particularly in how he balances the grandeur of cosmic horror with deeply personal moments of introspection. The dialogue is sparse, but this choice works in the issue’s favor, allowing the weight of each word to settle in. Lines like “We turn ourselves into terrible things to save what we can” hit hard, emphasizing the moral compromises Anita must grapple with in her fight against Tetza Prime. The dialogue never overwhelms the action, instead enhancing the emotional stakes of the story, as Ram V explores themes of sacrifice and survival in a world teetering on the edge of destruction.
One of the most striking elements of Dawnrunner #5 is the way Ram V contrasts the chaos outside with the relative calm among Andre and his crew. As the battle between Anita and Tetza Prime rages on, the detached and clinical approach of the Dawnrunner's staff offers a chilling reminder of how humanity can become numb to even the most apocalyptic of events. This juxtaposition between the grandiose and the mundane adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, forcing readers to ponder the emotional and ethical cost of the characters' actions.
Evan Cagle’s artwork in this issue is nothing short of breathtaking. His depiction of the kaiju battle between Anita and Tetza Prime is rendered with a level of detail and intensity that pulls readers into the chaos. The monstrous designs of the colossal beings are grotesque yet mesmerizing, with Cagle’s intricate linework bringing every sinewy tendril and warped feature to life. There’s a palpable sense of scale throughout the issue, as the towering creatures dwarf their human counterparts, underscoring the insignificance of humanity in the face of such cosmic horrors.
Cagle’s muted color palette—dominated by reds, browns, and eerie grays—creates a hellish, oppressive atmosphere that’s both captivating and unsettling. The heavy use of shadows and contrasting light adds to the feeling of impending doom, while also lending a sense of awe to the battle sequences. His art expertly conveys the visceral horror of the battle while maintaining an otherworldly beauty that keeps you glued to the page. The attention to facial expressions, even in the midst of this larger-than-life conflict, further grounds the story, reminding us of the human cost of this war between gods and monsters.
That said, the issue isn’t without its flaws. The final page presents a wall of text as a means of wrapping up some of the story’s lingering threads. While this expository push may feel a bit disappointing compared to the visual spectacle that preceded it, it’s understandable given the constraints of a limited series. In a perfect world, the climax would have been spread across more pages, allowing the final sequences, though admittedly not as action packed, to unfold more naturally. However, Ram V and Cagle make the most of the space they have, and the text-heavy conclusion doesn’t diminish the impact of the story as a whole.
Looking back on Dawnrunner as a complete narrative, it’s clear that Ram V and Evan Cagle have created something special. This chapter of Anita Marr’s journey is an important one, filled with powerful themes, stunning artwork, and deeply human moments amidst the cosmic horror. While Dawnrunner may be over for now, I certainly wouldn’t say no to more stories in this universe. Ram V and Cagle have crafted a haunting, beautiful, and thought-provoking sci-fi saga that leaves a lasting impression.
Here’s hoping we see a collected edition soon—this is a story that deserves to be revisited again and again.
