The Warden #1: Mediocre Times

“All men can be criminals, if tempted; all men can be heroes, if inspired.” – G.K. Chesterton

Creative Team

David Timm Jr. & Cody Karamol (Writers), Matthieu Pereira (Artist), Roman Stevens (Colorist),
Jimmy Greenhalgh (Letterer), Nate Wells (Cover Artist)

Publisher: IronClad Comics

Mediocre Times

The Warden is an independent comic book published by IronClad Comics. David Timm Jr. & Cody Karamol created IronClad Comics while in college at Bowling Green University. I had the opportunity to meet these gentlemen at a small local convention in Indiana in 2025. Great men who aspire to put IronClad Comics on the map! The plans they have for their debut series, I am sure, they will become noticed in no time at all.

Issue one of The Warden takes place in Detroit, Michigan, in 2004. Within this setting, there have been multiple female child abductions throughout the city. This causes mass chaos in Detroit among the various day-to-day crimes that take place.

We are introduced to the main character of this series, Mr. Henry Hunt. Henry has one of the most dangerous jobs within the city of Detroit, a corrections officer. Going through the panels after the introduction, you gain the feeling that Henry is emotionally disconnected. The job he wakes up to do every day is taking its toll on him.

You are also introduced to the “power couple” for this series, Emma and Matt. Emma is a local reporter for a newspaper, striving to reach her full potential, but is finding that the city is not providing her with what she dreams of. Matt is a detective for the Detroit Police Department. Now you understand why I said, “power couple.” These two share an interesting dynamic, almost a Lois and Clark type of feel.

Henry’s coworkers find him strange. Something is going on with Henry, and while reading and looking at the panels, you get this sense that Henry doesn’t even know what is wrong with him. Leaving readers to ponder what is in store for him next.

The Writing

David Timm Jr. & Cody Karamol have something really special with this first issue. They show off their skills in creating a script that flows and brings you plot and character development. The dialogue between characters makes you feel like you’re actually there for the conversation. The way they focus this series on a real-life setting rather than a work of fantasy helps to make the reader relate more to what is happening.

The Artwork

Matthieu Pereira does a great job bringing this story to life through his art style. The art is rough and rigid, playing into the tone of what is taking place in the city and with the main character. Just from this first issue, I can say that I hope Matthieu stays on this project for its entirety!

Roman Stevens shows his skills filling in the blanks left behind by Matthieu. The colors chosen for this issue hit you on emotional levels, setting the tone for the reader. The shading for this issue is spectacular! Minor areas that you wouldn’t expect to be shaded are, and that helps build the panels even more.

Jimmy Greenhalgh proves to be a master of his craft, lettering this issue. The dialogue and narration are crisp and clean for the reader. Comment and thought bubbles are perfectly sized and placed in the panels in a fashion that does not take away from the amazing art to be seen.

My Thoughts

The Warden, after this first issue, has become one of my favorite independent books! Once I started reading this issue, I was not able to put it down and was saddened when it was over. This book plays on real-life events portrayed by characters that people can relate to or feel sympathy for. This is the first issue of many in this ongoing series from IronClad Comics, and I am thrilled to be subscribed to their Kickstarter to obtain every issue of this story. I urge you to give this series a try! Follow the link below to their website and order your issue today!

Grade: 9/10

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Order The Warden Here: IronClad Comics
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