Mall #1
Writers: Gary Dauberman, Michael Moreci
Creator: Emile Gladstone
Artist: Zak Hartong
Colorist: Addison Duke
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Vault Comics
Price: $3.99
The world as we know it is gone, and generations later the only thing left standing is the mall. Civilization is a thing of the past as the residents inside are barely surviving. If it’s not trying to feed everyone, then it’s defending themselves against gangs and a dangerous caste system. Such is the world of Mall #1.
Written by Gary Dauberman and Michael Moreci, in partnership with Emile Gladstone, the series features art by Zak Hartong and colors by Addison Duke. Jim Campbell rounds out the team with letters.
The story gets right to the action, with a few brief panels of exposition to set the stage and an intense chase scene to throw you right into the dangerous, unstable world. We then meet Andre Walker, heir to the Gacy’s empire, who has been framed for murdering a tribal leader. As he tries to make his escape and find allies to prove his innocence, we learn even more about the world in which he was raised. Dauberman and Moreci deftly flesh out the story without losing any momentum or overpowering the action with lengthy word balloons of backstory.
Hartong’s art reflects the rough, unpredictable setting, and Duke’s muted palette complements the line art perfectly. Along with Campbell’s lettering choices, readers have a clear sense of the violent environment that humanity is forced to live in, unless they want to brave the uncertainty outside the mall’s doors.
The new world order is quite the commentary on American consumerism. Name brand gangs, box store tribes, murder, mayhem…it’s Mad Max set in your favorite shopping center. If you’re looking for an uptempo story and nonstop action, Mall #1 is for you.
The first issue is on sale today, Wednesday August 28, at your local comic shop. Head over to Vault Comics’ website for more on the series or click here to purchase online.
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