Astro Quantum #1

Written by: Andrea Mutti, and Arturo Fabra

Illustrated by: Andrea Mutti

Colors by: Valerio Alloro

Letters by: Dan Cutali

Mad Cave Studios

2026

Spoilers..

Cast out to die on the toxic world of Maku, young Ishmaeel finds an unlikely ally in the sharp-tongued Soliumite exile Quee-Keg. Together, they claw their way through underground bazaars, brutal creatures of the Galaxy and bitter rivalries to chase a destiny bigger than either imagined: a place aboard the legendary Molok-hunting starship PEKUOD. An all-new epic space saga of survival, rebellion, and the hunger to reach beyond the stars starts here!

I just finished reading Astro Quantum #1, and wow—this is exactly the kind of space adventure I’ve been craving. It’s got that classic sci-fi feel but with enough modern edge to keep things fresh.

The story follows Ishmael, a young guy from the planet Kalua who’s tired of his sheltered life and desperate to see what’s out there among the stars. Right off the bat, we’re thrown into this brutal opening scene that sets the tone—this isn’t going to be a gentle journey. Then we flash back to see Ishmael leaving his worried parents behind to board a merchant ship, which naturally goes sideways when the crew mutinies. He ends up stranded on Maku, basically a death trap of a planet covered in corrosive silicon particles.

Enter Quee-Keg, a badass warrior from Solium who saves Ishmael’s life and becomes his reluctant companion. Their dynamic is fantastic—she’s tough, sarcastic, and doesn’t suffer fools, while he’s earnest and optimistic but clearly in over his head. The banter between them feels natural and often pretty funny, especially when Quee-Keg keeps calling him “boy” or threatens to break people’s spines.

What really impressed me is how lived-in this universe feels. There’s this whole economic conflict around Quantum—the energy source that powers everything—and the oppression of the Solium people who refine it. You’ve got eco-terrorists (the Kobalt), corporate overlords (the Kodash), and everyone in between just trying to survive. It reminds me a bit of Firefly in how it mixes the gritty, working-class side of space with bigger political tensions.

The art by Andrea Mutti is gorgeous. The character designs are distinctive, the alien worlds feel properly alien, and there’s this great sense of scale to everything. The underground city of Tar-Tar looks appropriately grimy and dangerous, while Nuube feels massive and bustling.

By the end of the issue, our duo has managed to board the Pequod (yes, there are definitely some Moby Dick vibes here), described as both the best Molok hunting ship in the galaxy and also… cursed. Which, you know, is always a great sign.

If you’re into space operas with strong world-building, characters you actually want to spend time with, and that perfect mix of adventure and danger, definitely pick this up. I’m already hooked and can’t wait to see where this goes. Astro Quantum #1 will be available on January 28, 2026 at your local comic shop.

Beam Me Up Scotty

Born and raised in the city of Miami. Lifelong pro wrestling fan. Been deep in the 'zine scene since ’84, interviewing locals, Hardcore, Punk, and Metal bands. Spent 26 years in the comic book biz and still obsessed with all things pop culture—Mego, Micronauts, Shogun Warriors, Die-Cast Metal Super Robots, you name it. I can go on about comic books and bad movies all day.