The Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Russell (Traveling to Mars, Not All Robots) has returned to AWA Studios with his latest comic series Rumpus Room, co-created by artist Ramon Rosanas (Year Zero, Star Wars).

Rumpus Room is filled with intriguing characters, including Bob Schrunk, a technocrat billionaire with a horrible skin condition that can only be treated with a highly illicit face cream that must be harvested from human beings. Alongside Schrunk, there are also guests who willingly choose who will be the next victim for Schrunk’s gruesome treatments. However, Schrunk doesn’t know that one of his guests is an undercover cop- and she’s carrying a concealed gun.

The debut issue of Rumpus Room is packed with quirky characters that are well-written by Russell. Bob Schrunk is one of Russell’s best characters, a technocrat billionaire who is both intriguing and highly disturbing. The character fills the pages with his twisted humor and his affable nature. He’s a collector of bad art that he displays throughout his mansion which is not the craziest thing about him. Russell used Schrunk’s wit and charm to give him a touch of humanity while still capturing his twisted and gruesome side.

The story of Rumpus Room is well-crafted. Russell has created a world where the wealthy elite believe they can do whatever they want, without facing any consequences. The comic takes a critical look at the horrors of wealth and power, highlighting the lack of empathy of those who stand at the top of society. The comic also explores themes of decadence, including the obsession with beauty and youth at any cost. Rumpus Room takes a biting look at contemporary society, and highlights its moral shortcomings.

The artwork by Ramon Rosanas is also impressive. The way Rosanas captures the mood of each character is fantastic. His style is uniquely expressive, with a mixture of semi-realistic and exaggerated character designs.

Mark Russell has hit the mark with yet another engaging and entertaining story. Rumpus Room is a comic that will have you hooked from the first page. The characters are intriguing, the plot is well-written, and the artwork fits perfectly with the story’s twisted humor. The comic delves into some dark themes and topics, but it does so with wit and humor that will leave you chuckling. The first issue has set the tone for a series that promises to be one of the best comics of the year. We eagerly await the next issue and can’t wait to see how this twisted story will unfold!

Rumpus Room #1 hits local comic shops on September 20, 2023 from AWA Studios.