When writer Francesca Perillo and artist Stefano Cardoselli team-up we know we are in for a treat. This continues with Long Cold Winter, a dystopian science fiction western that may seem cruel but carries a message of hope.

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.

Francesca Perillo has a keen ability to craft stories that are based in fiction, but have a true reflection of today’s society and the world we currently live in. In Long Cold Winter, Perillo gives us a peak into the life of Peace Dog—a man on the edge of desperation in a world where clean air is a privilege few can afford. This riveting tale not only entertains, but also provokes important reflections our current relationship with technology and our home planet.

We cannot simply overlook how timely these stories feel within our current society; it can serve as both a cautionary tale plus a call-to-action regarding environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Using a blend of genres such as science fiction and western along with thought-provoking themes, Long Cold Winter uses the comic book medium to push storytelling boundaries—offering us readers food for thought while also enjoying an entertaining read.

As with tales such as Love Me: A Romance Story, which was written by Perillo, as well as Don’t Spit in the Wind, Stefano Cardoselli artwork elevates the story at hand to new heights, capturing the chaotic beauty of a dystopian world through his distinct style. One can always tell when Cardoselli’s pencils are at work as his style is like none other. In Long Cold Winter, Cardoselli crafts a visual experience that is both chaotic as well as perfect for the story being told.

Long Cold Winter stands out from the crowd with an entertaining tale that evokes thoughts of how we rely on technology and our treating of our home planet Earth. Francesca Perillo delivers yet another wonderful story with depth and brought to life by the unique art style of Stefano Cardoselli in this new series from Mad Cave Studios.

Long Cold Winter #1 hits local comic shops on December 4, 2024 from Mad Cave Studios.