Review: Only The Savage Are Left #1
From Dark Horse Comics
Post-apocalyptic horror from Dark Horse Comics with a new series. I had a look at Only The Savage Are Left #1.
A strange virus has spread across the world, transforming its victims into monsters. The only cure is to kill another infected soul.
When a nonviolent young man sets out from the safety of his settlement to find his missing true love, he must face the corrupted world of monsters and monster-killers. A dramatic survival adventure that dares to ask what we should stand for in the monster apocalypse.
Hit-making author Zack Kaplan (Kill All Immortals, Port of Earth) and Eisner-nominated illustrator Stefano Raffaele (Detective Comics, Alien vs. Captain America) join forces for a post-apocalyptic action-adventure!
A tale of two lovers fighting for survival in the aftermath of the apocalypse - equal parts harrowing and heartfelt!
Five-issue series.
Author: Zack Kaplan
Artist: Stefano Raffaele
This is a packed and highly effective introduction to a brutal post-apocalyptic world, balancing world-building, character development, and escalating threats without ever feeling overwhelming. Right from the opening pages, the creative team establishes the dangers facing humanity while also giving readers a strong sense of the people trying to survive within it.
What stood out most to me was how the story explores both the best and worst aspects of human nature. Faced with an infection that appears to alter not only a person’s physical form but also their personality and behaviour, society begins to fracture in fascinating and often disturbing ways. The series immediately raises difficult questions about survival, morality, and what people are willing to sacrifice when fear begins to take hold. It creates a constant sense of uncertainty, where nobody seems entirely safe, and trust becomes increasingly difficult to place.
The structure of the issue works particularly well, using several time jumps to show the progression of the outbreak and its impact on the world. Rather than spending the entire issue focused on the initial collapse, we are shown snapshots of how society adapts, evolves, and sometimes deteriorates over time. Rumours of cures, misinformation, and the public’s reaction to the crisis all feel very familiar and add an extra layer of realism to the story. There are definitely elements that feel inspired by recent real-world events, which makes the narrative all the more relatable and unsettling.
Alongside the larger world-building, the book does an excellent job of establishing tension between the various factions that have emerged in the aftermath of the outbreak. The threat posed by the infected and mutated humans is ever-present, but the human conflicts are equally compelling. The relationships between the main characters provide an emotional anchor amidst the chaos, and their personal struggles help ground the larger story. Their interactions feel natural, and by the end of the issue, I already found myself invested in their futures. The supporting cast is introduced effectively as well, with enough personality and intrigue to make them feel important rather than simply background characters.
The artwork plays a huge role in bringing this world to life. The devastated cityscapes, overgrown wilderness, and isolated settlements all help create a believable setting that feels both dangerous and lived-in. The infected designs are particularly impressive, showcasing varying stages of mutation, from subtle physical changes to horrifying transformations. Every environment feels distinct, and the visual storytelling does an excellent job of reinforcing the bleak atmosphere while still leaving room for moments of hope.
Overall, this is an excellent start to the mini-series. It delivers a compelling premise, strong character work, and plenty of intriguing mysteries while laying the groundwork for what looks to be a much larger and more dangerous story. The first issue hits all the right notes, providing enough answers to hook readers while leaving plenty of questions that will keep them coming back for the next chapter. If the creative team can maintain this level of quality, Only The Savage Are Left has the potential to be one of the year's more memorable post-apocalyptic stories.
