Long Cold Winter #1
Illustrated by: Stefano Cardoselli
Written by: Francesca Perillo
Mad Cave Studios
2024
*Spoilers.. Yup!
In the not-too-distant future, the air on Earth has become unbreathable. However, a multinational company called Air Co. has constructed generators that provide oxygen for those who can afford it. Peace Dog, a desperate ex-soldier, who has been willing to do anything to obtain breathable air is haunted by his past and hunted by bounty hunters, though, he may have found a way out of his current predicament by helping a mysterious robot child escape the dangerous and congested city. But, someone from his past has no intention of letting him leave… alive.
I decided to read Long Cold Winter #1 by Mad Cave Studios, I was immediately drawn in by the premise. Set in a future where Earth’s air has become toxic, the story introduces Peace Dog, a former soldier doing whatever it takes to survive in a world controlled by Air Co., a corporation that literally sells breathable air. The twist? He ends up on the run with a mysterious robot child, chased not just by bounty hunters but by someone from his own past who’s determined to take him down. It’s a setup full of potential, but for me, the execution was a mixed bag.
Let’s start with the art, because that’s where this comic really shines. Stefano Cardoselli’s style is bold, with a gritty texture that makes the chaotic city feel alive. I loved how much energy the settings had, with layers of detail that pulled me into this polluted, overcrowded world. That said, the character faces—especially when masks come off—didn’t always hit the mark for me. Some panels looked rough enough to be distracting, but it wasn’t enough to ruin the experience overall. The vibe was very much in the spirit of classic dystopian sci-fi, which I appreciated.
The writing, though, didn’t quite match the strength of the visuals. Francesca Perillo’s dialogue felt a bit stiff, and there were moments where the characters seemed to be talking past each other rather than having natural conversations. I couldn’t help but feel like the emotional beats didn’t land the way they were meant to. There’s a lot of potential in the story’s themes—survival, morality, and confronting one’s past—but the execution left me feeling detached. For me, it lacked the depth to really get me invested in Peace Dog or his journey.
The whole vibe of the story reminded me of Total Recall in some ways, with its dystopian setting on Mars and corporate overlords, but it didn’t quite have the same impact. Honestly, it felt like this could’ve worked better as a short feature in something like Heavy Metal Magazine rather than a first issue of a new series. It’s not bad, but it’s not a standout either.
If you’re into gritty sci-fi with a strong visual style, it might be worth flipping through just for the art. As for the story, it didn’t quite stick the landing for me, but maybe it’ll resonate more with a younger audience or someone looking for a light, straightforward read.
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