Expectations for Image Comics’ The Moon Is Following Us were high given the powerhouse team behind it: Daniel Warren Johnson, Riley Rossmo, and Mike Spicer. This dramatic debut issue surpasses all expectations ten-fold.
The Moon is Following Us #1
Daniel Warren Johnson (writer, artist), Shawn Lee (letterer), Riley Rossmo (artist), Mike Spicer (colorist)
Image Comics
September 18, 2024
The Moon is Following Us follows Sam and Duncan LaMarr, two parents who would do anything for their little girl, Penny. They are put to the test when the mysterious Cascade takes Penny. Six months later, Sam and Duncan are kicking ass and taking names as they fight alongside magical beings to save Penny before it is too late. Along with an already compelling family dynamic, this comic boasts wild worldbuilding. The setting of The Moon is Following Us runs on the rule of cool. It is a blend of action, fantasy, and sci-fiction staples. Magic, firepower, weird creatures. You name it, and it’s probably there.
Eisner-winning writer and artist Daniel Warren Johnson has made a name for himself telling larger-than-life stories that are, in a word, metal. This can be seen with Murder Falcon, Do a Powerbomb, and Transformers. What also stands out about those titles is how they tug at readers’ heartstrings, even when the initial premise feels like an adrenaline rush. The Moon is Following Us is right up there with those titles.
Readers are thrown straight into the chaos of The Moon is Following Us where Sam and Duncan are taking on that chaos head on. They are the power couple, but they also have their differences. Sam jumps into the fight, no hesitation. She is a mother you do not want to cross. She lets her actions speak for her and knows there is no time to waste. Meanwhile, Duncan is the more cautious and grounded partner. He cares deeply and takes into consideration the consequences of their actions. With this dynamic, they both bring something to the table and complete each other.
The initial draw to The Moon is Following Us may be the badass premise and the creative team, but it’s the relationships and characters that truly shine. In just one issue, Johnson clearly communicates the dynamics of this couple and their core beliefs. He also captures the immense care they have for their daughter, Penny. What stands out more is that Penny is barely present in this issue. Despite this, readers see how much love Duncan and Sam have for her. That’s a testament to Johnson’s writing.
Artist Rossmo and colorist Spicer take on the task of bringing this colorful, vibrant world to life, and they knock it out of the park. Rossmo has a cartoonish art style. It’s fluid and highly expressive. Along with that, it complements the dynamic, video game-like action perfectly.
Meanwhile, Spicer knows exactly when to lean into the vibrancy and fun of this world and when to embrace the darkness of it. When the action is coming hot, so are the colors. It’s a fun world to explore, and the colors match that. It is also a tragedy about two parents trying to save their child. In those moments, Spicer plays with shadow and uses darker, cooler colors to match that somber mood.
There is also a brief art shift where Johnson jumps in. Art shifts can be jarring in comics, but that’s not the case here. There is a clear intention behind that shift, and it is successful. It is also best to pick up the comic yourself to see the reason for it.
The Moon is Following Us is one of the best comics of 2024. The first issue is already a home run. Johnson, Rossmo, and Spicer truly are a dream team, just like Sam and Duncan are. The Moon is Following Us captures the wild fun of comics, as well as how emotionally gripping comics can be.
