Review: Vanishing Point #1 – A Haunting Sci-Fi Debut

By Nolan P. Smith

Editor, Pastrami Nation

Mad Cave Studios kicks off its ambitious new sci-fi mini-series Vanishing Point with a powerhouse first issue, and if this debut is any indication, we’re in for something special.

Each issue in this six-part series is a standalone story set deep within the sci-fi realm. For the opener, writer Mark Russell (Not All Robots, The Flintstones) and artist Juan Doe (Wolverines) plunge us into the lonely world of deep space mining—a bleak and unsettling backdrop that perfectly sets the tone for what’s to come.

The story centers on Jim, a miner locked into a grueling 10-year contract in Jupiter’s asteroid belt. The deal is simple: fulfill your decade of labor and secure a life of comfort for you and your family. Bail early, and you get nothing. That’s the hook—and it’s a brutal one. Jim’s only connection to Earth is through video transmissions with his family and base, but when those go dark and screams start flooding the comms, everything unravels fast.

Russell doesn’t just tell a sci-fi story—he digs into the psychological weight of isolation, obligation, and the fragility of the human mind when it’s pushed too far. There’s a creeping dread in this issue that feels earned. It doesn’t rely on cheap thrills. Instead, it slowly builds tension, drawing you into Jim’s unraveling reality.

Juan Doe’s artwork is a perfect match for the narrative. His pages pulse with emotion and movement, like scenes from an animated nightmare. Each panel amplifies the sense of unease and desperation. The colors, the shadows, the expressions—it all works together to make you feel what Jim feels: trapped, alone, and completely unmoored.

Vanishing Point #1 leaves a lasting mark. It’s not just another space tale—it’s a sharp, emotional story that lingers after the final page. If you’re a fan of smart, character-driven science fiction, this issue is a must.

When Vanishing Point hits shelves this May, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. It’s an unforgettable launch to what promises to be one of the standout sci-fi series of the year.

Rating: 4.5 Pastrami Nations out of FIVE