Written and Illustrated by Ben Stenbeck
Published by Image Comics
Ben Stenbeck’s Our Bones Dust arrives on the scene with a head full of steam, promising a thrilling dive into a post-apocalyptic wasteland filled with cannibal tribes, feral children, and a sentient AI archaeologist.
On the surface, the series sets itself up to be a bold and gritty addition to the dystopian genre, but as the initial arc concludes, it leaves the reader with a mix of awe and frustration.
Let’s start with the positives.
Stenbeck, known for his work in the Mignolaverse, brings his signature style to the table here. The art is gripping, drenched in atmosphere, and brimming with detail. Every page feels alive with tension and danger, perfectly capturing these characters’ brutal, decayed world.
Stenbeck’s character designs are particularly noteworthy, especially the AI Attis, who exudes an almost God-like presence. The human characters, drawn with influences from real-world rough mugshots and the gritty, makeshift attire, keep the world grounded and believable, even amidst over-the-top violence.
Our Bones Dust doesn’t hold back when it comes to action.
The intensity, the visceral nature, and the downright gnarly scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat. From blood-soaked battles with cannibals to the feral child’s desperate attempts to survive, Stenbeck orchestrates each sequence to be both thrilling and horrifying. The comic’s readiness to plunge into its bloodbath of a narrative is commendable, and fans of ultra-violent, high-stakes storytelling will find plenty to sink their teeth into here.
However, where Our Bones Dust excels in visuals and atmosphere, it falters in its storytelling.
The series hints at a complex world with a rich backstory and deep mysteries, but the first arc ultimately leaves too many questions unanswered. While this can be a powerful narrative tool, in this case, it feels more like a missed opportunity. By the end of the arc, the story feels incomplete, as though the reader has been left hanging, just as the plot gets interesting. It’s a disappointment that leaves you hungry for more.
The dialogue and prose are another highlight, blending dystopian slang with a sense of desperation that befits the setting.
Yet, as much as the worldbuilding and character interactions engage, the lack of narrative payoff dulls their impact.
For instance, the relationship between the AI and the feral child—a core element of the series—begs for more development and resolution. Instead, the arc wraps up with more ambiguity than clarity, leaving the reader dissatisfied.
Ultimately, Our Bones Dust is a comic that feels on the cusp of greatness but doesn’t quite stick to the landing.
It’s a series with a fascinating premise, stunning art, and adrenaline-pumping action, yet it fails to capitalize on its potential in its first arc fully. The questions it raises are intriguing, but without more concrete answers or a more precise direction, the narrative risks feeling more frustrating than compelling.
For those who appreciate bold, stylistic comics that push the envelope in terms of violence and atmosphere, Our Bones Dust is a must-read. But be prepared—this initial arc may leave you craving more, and not entirely in a bad way. It’s a series that’s bursting with potential, and while it may not fully realize that potential in its first arc if Stenbeck decides to continue the story, the future looks promising.
Hopefully, future installments will provide the narrative closure and depth that this intriguing world deserves.
Rating 3/5
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