The Black Beetle #1

Writer: Francesco Francavilla Artist: Francesco Francavilla Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Release Date: January 16, 2013 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 18
9.2Critic Rating
N/AUser Rating

Black Beetle’s investigation of two local mob bosses is interrupted when a mysterious explosion murders them and a pub full of gangsters—taking out most of Colt City’s organized crime in one fell swoop. Who could pull off such a coup, and what danger might that murderous bomber do to Colt City and Black Beetle?

  • 10
    Comics: The Gathering - JohnP Jan 16, 2013

    If you know anything about Francavilla, you know he is basically "Mr. Pulp Comic" since he draws covers for nearly every pulp hero comic being published. It's no secret that pulp is his thing and this is a true love letter to the genre. The Beetle can stand tall beside the likes of the Shadow, the Spider, and even Batman. Everyone owes it to themselves to get this comic. It is a tale that immediately captivates you, propelled by a character who is is an instant classic. Go to your comic store and get this before it sells out, because it is going to. You don't want to miss it. Read Full Review

  • 10
    A Comic Book Blog - John Barringer Jan 17, 2013

    Put simply, this is good comic booking. From the moment you flip the cover you're going to be entertained, and left wanting more. For my two cents Francesco Francavilla has created something worthy of sitting next to any of the other popular crime books out there right now. If you haven't already, go get this. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Read Comic Books - Tommy Lutz Jan 15, 2013

    Black Beetle: No Way out #1 could just set the world on fire, and if you're smart you'll pick up a copy as soon as possible. This is great pulp storytelling and art married together to bring readers one awesome pulpy story. For fans of the genre, and anyone looking to cut their teeth on something like this, do it. You won't be disappointed. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Midnight Logic - Atlee Greene Feb 26, 2013

    I have never had as much difficulty making my pick of the week as I did this week. I went with Daredevil #23 in the end but this series is truly something special and fans should enjoy the awesomeness that has been unleashed by Francesco Francavilla. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Steve Paugh Jan 16, 2013

    This doesn't appear to be a continuation, at least not directly, of the previous events in Issue 0, and in fact proves to be a better jumping-on point, and in my opinion, a superior issue in general. I'm really looking forward to Issue 2 and the series as a whole, partly to see what happens next, but mostly because I just want to see more of this art and story. This book comes with a STRONG recommendation. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Jan 16, 2013

    If you're looking for something new and something different, you owe it to yourself to check out Francesco Francavilla's BLACK BEETLE. If you're familiar with Francavilla's art, you know what to expect here. His art and colors will amaze you as you witness the dawn of the adventures in Colt City. It's great to be able to jump into a new series and enjoy the adventures of a character without having to worry about what happened before. Because we are used to having answers, not knowing Black Beetle's past is also something you'll find yourself wondering occasionally. BLACK BEETLE is the type of comic anyone can get into. If you like good comics with great art and storytelling, you really need to pick up BLACK BEETLE. Don't miss out on it. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Newsarama - Lan Pitts Jan 16, 2013

    Any pulp and classic noir fan will tell you, there are only a handful of books out on the market that really do the job. An original concept like The Black Beetle will surely give fans of the genre something to cheer for. It's been a long time coming for this title and it was worth the wait. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Following The Nerd - Shane Kildea Feb 8, 2013

    Black beetle is equal parts Batman, Indiana Jones and the Shadow with Francavilla's own fresh take on it and it is a joy to behold. It's evident that this is a dream project for the creator and that type of love and care going into each issue has me very excited. It has rocketed to the top of my most anticipated each month and I can't wait for the characters and story to be fleshed out more. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Comic Book Bin - Andy Frisk Jan 8, 2013

    The last time I read something set in this time period with the type of grainy, newsprint-like, and action/mystery packed feel to it was when I re-read a reprint of Detective Comics (1939) #27. Everything about this issue, from its stylish 399cent (as in $3.99) cover price to its uneven and blocky logo, The Black Beetle drips pulp fiction. This is going to be the must read of 2013. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Jan 16, 2013

    Topped off by a Mike Norton pinup and a fill-in for the letters page from editor Jim Gibbons, "The Black Beetle" #1 is a fantastic diversion from current comic book reboots and reimaginings. This is a fun, adventure-filled, mystery-tinged story as welcoming to new readers as possible for a comic book. Quite simply, this is good stuff. I may not be the biggest fan of pulp adventures, but I am a self-proclaimed fan of all things good and this is very good indeed. Hopefully, as promised in the text piece at the back of this issue, this is just the beginning. I, for one, cannot wait to get more. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Weekly Crisis - Grant McLaughlin Jan 20, 2013

    Francavilla has introduced a new superhero character who plays with the tropes of the genre while mixing in those of noir stories that are of such importance to the creator. There's a lot to recommend this book, including the strange and enigmatic villain who seems to be at the centre of everything for reasons that are yet to be explained but appears incredibly intriguing. We'll be incredibly fortunate if the remaining three issues of this mini can maintain the same level of quality that is found in this opener. Black Beetle is clearly a labour of love, and the results are a story that is incredibly enjoyable to read. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    First Comics News - Matthew Szewczyk Jan 21, 2013

    Francesco has defiantly created a hero that feels ripped from the pages of an old pulp novel, I went so far as to check the copyright information to confirm that this was indeed a new creation, that is how authentic it feels. They even went so far as to create 1940′s styled radio show posters that they feature in the editorial pages, it is obviously a labor of love. If you are looking for a good old fashioned pulp adventure featuring a new character uncluttered with decades of history then this is the book that you have been waiting for. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Walt Richardson Jan 17, 2013

    Fans of Francesco Francavilla through his work on "Detective Comics" and "Zorro" " again, as a remind, you need to read his "Zorro" " have anxiously been awaiting for him to step back out of the world of company-owned characters, and "The Black Beetle" does not disappoint. A visual delight, and a genuinely entertaining read, the first chapter of "No Way Out" is just the thing for those with a love for all things pulp, or who just enjoy this talented artist's work. And, hey, if you still aren't familiar with him, there's no better place to start than here! Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Maxwell Majernik Jan 16, 2013

    You can tell so much love and dedication went into this book and it oozes out of every page. As a pulp serial story, I would give it an 9.0. From a straight comic book perspective, I think it would fall somewhere near an 8.0. I think we can find a middle ground. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker Jan 14, 2013

    Story and Art:Francesco Francavilla Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Lonmonster Jan 17, 2013

    I want to know more about our hero, his brilliant opposite of a nemesis, and how his beetle-winged cape works. I want this pulp hero and someone like The Rocketeer would team up! I want more gorgeous letter pages and postcards in the back of this issue. It all has an incredibly consistent look and feel. I want more. That is a great start to a new book. And this is only the first part of a four part story. You know it has an ending but I hope it is the start of something bigger we can all look forward to reading. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Den Of Geek! - Bob Chamberlain Jan 21, 2013

    If you are a fan of pulp novels, or action/adventure stories, there is a lot to enjoy in this new series by one of comicdom's fastest rising stars. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    CHUD - Jeb Delia Jan 25, 2013

    Dark Horse has been moving away from their pulp template with titles like The Massive and Mind MGMT, but they're still the premier publisher of new pulp stories in the comics medium, and these two very solid entries testify to that fact. Read Full Review

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