By Larry Jorash — Comics are a prime medium for fantastic stories about a post-apocalyptic future, and now we have another one with What’s the Furthest Place From Here #1 by writer Matthew Rosenberg, artist Tyler Boss, and team. This marks a follow-up to the same duo’s breakout book, 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank. This book is heartfelt and thrilling, a unique coming of age story that mixes music and the end of the world.

Within the 64-page first issue, our story tracks a group of armed and isolated teenagers as they grow up in a record store and fend off rival neighborhood gangs. There are no adults in this world, and things have changed. Much of the cause of devastation to this world is so far unknown, and suspense is teased out as the reader is given only hints as to what happened. Another factor to the fast pace of this comic is for sure the kick-ass fight sequences that Tyler Boss pencils. Fights lasting sometimes a full page sprawl in elaborate detail. The color work on each page is also incredibly well done, wrapping the book itself into a kind of pocket universe. Once you begin reading, you almost can’t leave until you’ve had the full tour and found the back door on the last page.

Symbolism is another crucial component of What’s the Furthest Place From Here #1. Rosenberg is perhaps best known for his witty action-packed superhero titles, but in this book we truly see a more sentimental and deeper side of his talent. In the times of desperation depicted in this book, everyday objects become beacons of hope, and that’s what maybe sticks out the most in these pages. Just as a child might, chapters and subheads are drawn in scribbled chalkboard handwriting. We also get a beautiful full page spread of some Hall & Oates glory early on which is just a treat as a reader. Which is not usually something written about a book that’s also violent and unapologetically cynical.

Everyone can relate to the anxieties of youth and the desire to stay young forever. In this beautiful premier, Rosenberg and Boss have encapsulated a moving end of the world tale that also hits hard with comics action. And in the end you’re left with more questions than answers. This comic is a must read as far as I’m concerned; go buy it.

Overall: What’s the Furthest Place From Here #1 is intense and heart felt, playing upon coming-of-age nostalgia. This first issue from a top-tier creative team is a must read. 9/10

REVIEW: What’s the Furthest Place From Here #1

What’s the Furthest Place From Here? #1

Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Artist: Tyler Boss
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Color Assistant: Clare DeZutti
Map By: Courtney Menard
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $4.99
A postapocalyptic coming-of-age story from 4 Kids Walk into a Bank’s TYLER BOSS & MATTHEW ROSENBURG.
The world has ended. All that remains are gangs of children living among the ruins. But Sid believes there must be something more out there. When she disappears into the wastelands, her gang will risk everything to bring her home. A story about the things that matter most—your survival, your loved ones, and your record collection.
More Info: What’s the Furthest Place From Here #1

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Larry Jorash (He/Him) resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)