Review: Jackrabbit Book #1
Now available from Surrey Lane Books
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Jackrabbit Book #1 is now available to the broader public in both print and digital formats. I had a look at this retro sci-fi beginning from Surrey Lane Books.
In a 1950s influenced, retro-futuristic New York City, where the Kennedy brothers never died and monorails are the city’s main form of transportation, Flynn Hawking is a brilliant Robotics Engineer on the cusp of marrying his sweetheart.
But...
On the night of his engagement party, Flynn’s estranged father returns and reveals their utopia is not what it seems. Thus, dragging him into events that will change his life forever...
Written by David Schlow, and art by Utku Yavaşca.
Kicking off with an excellent X-Files-type tease, Jackrabbit immediately sets the tone with intrigue and unease. It artfully blends action, mystery, and perfectly executed sci-fi tropes. From the very first pages, there’s a palpable tension as shadowy figures meet in secret, cryptic conversations unfold, and we’re left wondering what exactly is going on beneath the surface.
When the mission inevitably goes awry—and it does so in truly explosive fashion—we’re thrust into plan B. Whatever that means! From there, the pace doesn’t let up. We’re introduced to Flynn and his fiancée, and it’s here that the story’s wider world really begins to open up. The world-building is exceptional, presenting an alternate history that feels both familiar and unsettlingly different—an America that took a different turn back in the ’60s, with JFK and the Cold War reshaping the course of human progress. There’s even a hint that this version of history might be propaganda itself, which adds another delicious layer of intrigue.
The robotic elements are another standout feature. They bring a steampunk edge to the story, with designs that feel integral to this world rather than decorative. Each model and mechanical creation adds character, depth, and a dash of wonder, helping define this alternate timeline in a way that feels cohesive and visually rich.
As the tension builds, we learn more about Flynn himself—his complicated past, his missing father (who’s not truly absent but working for the ominous corporation that seems to control everything), and the emotional void left behind. This personal thread grounds the wider sci-fi spectacle with some real human drama.
By the final third, Jackrabbit kicks into high gear. The action is relentless, the revelations come fast, and the story barrels toward an ending that delivers both satisfaction and a fantastic cliffhanger. There’s still plenty left to uncover, and that’s precisely what makes it such an addictive read.
Artistically, the book is stunning. The attention to detail is first-rate—from sprawling cityscapes and sleek robots to the street-level fashion and character designs. Every panel feels alive with purpose and atmosphere.
In short, Jackrabbit is an innovative, stylish, and thrilling start to what promises to be a standout sci-fi series. If you’re a fan of The X-Files, Blade Runner, or alternate history stories with heart, this is one you shouldn’t miss.
Grab your copy of Jackrabbit Book #1 from Surrey Lane Books today and dive into this bold new world!
Get it from the Surrey Lane Books online store:
Or get it digitally on Amazon:
