Mars Attacks #1
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Mars Attacks #1

Writer: John Layman Artist: John McCrea Publisher: IDW Publishing Release Date: June 20, 2012 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 14 User Reviews: 2
8.0Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

  • 10
    Geekality - Clayton Humphrey Jennings Jun 20, 2012

    On the whole, with a gripping drama, amazing artwork, a stunning story, and a captivating cliff hangar, the comic would be rated as a 5* in my eyes. I don't think this could've been any better without being ridiculous. Good control " can't wait for the next issue! Read Full Review

  • 10
    SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes Jun 25, 2012

    Wicked fun that I don't want to see end. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Edward Kaye Jun 21, 2012

    I don't have the usually highest regard for comics based on licenses, but Mars Attacks #1 really took me by surprise with its fresh, fun, and exciting story. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Mat 'Inferiorego' Elfring Jun 20, 2012

    Mars Attacks is a fun book. That's the best way to describe it. While I truly enjoyed this front to back and had a dumb grin while reading it, Mars Attacks simply entertains the reader. I loved the tongue-and-cheek feel to this book and I really enjoyed the narration. This issue is a great set-up for future issues and I loved how this book revolves around one of the Martians and not a human. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Entertainment Fuse - Nicole D'Andria Jul 22, 2012

    This is a great comic that requires no beforehand knowledge. Sci-fi fans and readers who rarely dabble in science-fiction unite because this issue (specifically fans of the oddly similar Frankenstein Alive, Alive), despite some odd opening decisions and a clichd cast of characters, is a fun read. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Therapy - Chuckie Valdez Jun 23, 2012

    John McCrea is the man when comes to him drawing Martians. His detail work is far from none, the guy can draw like no mans business, especially his close up panels have great detail work, but the only fall back is the some of the panels just have to much shadowing going on. But don't get me wrong McCrea is jaw dropping awesome with the pencil and with Andrew Elder (Batman Beyond) adding his vibrant colors really just adds another element. Combing them both together they know how to make a book feel like it's from the 1960's. I highly recommend this book just for the pure fun of it. Can't wait till the next issue! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Kevin Beckham Jun 20, 2012

    Another cool thing was the Topps trading card type chapter induction. One can only hope that John Layman and John McCrea can keep this style through the whole Mars Attacks experience because it’s more than a true treat to read! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comicosity - Brett Monro Jun 25, 2012

    I originally wasnt very excited about this comic because my biggest memory of Mars Attacks is the movie, which I am not a fan of. I like the fact that this is a reboot of sorts, owing no allegiance to anything other than a 50 year old concept. It is a very easy read and is a lot of fun. Mars Attacks is another great example of a top-notch popcorn comic book. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Jun 23, 2012

    Mars Attacks is a horror book with some funny moments. Layman plays with the absurdity of the concept but clearly has a love for the original work. The book is a fun read that is engaging and makes great use of the twenty-two pages to set up a war of worlds perfectly. I can't wait for the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Stash My Comics - Leo Johnson Jun 19, 2012

    Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this comic. Maybe not something I would've picked up had I just seen it in the store, I liked this a lot. I would recommend it to any fans of the franchise, and also people who enjoy stories that just make you smile and feel good by the end of the book. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comics Crux - Jessica Tarnate May 10, 2013

    As a whole, Mars Attacks #1 is a must-read for fans of the cult classic film. The art is vivid and perfectly matched to the story. While it seems less quirky and aims to give the Martian race more depth, it is still a fun new series that doesnt weigh too heavily on the mind. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Major Spoilers - Zach Woolf Jun 26, 2012

    With this first issue Layman and McCrea have established they aren't here to rehash the story that has spilled out from the card line and movie. There were certain faults with the way the story was presented, but I think Mars Attacks will be another series that allows John Layman to produce wacky, engaging stories. I'm giving the opener for IDW's newest licensed property 3.5 out of 5 stars, with the recommendation for fans of the previous iterations to pick it up. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Jun 20, 2012

    The trading cards were known for their vivid imagery and the "Mars Attacks" Martians have become pop culture icons. "Mars Attacks" #1 is a fitting tribute to this legacy and a fun summer comic that is a buoyant celebration of this franchise's fiftieth anniversary. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    CHUD - Jeb Delia Jun 22, 2012

    In either case, here's two gimmicks that have surprised me and even pleased me to some degree. Maybe I'm feverish, or just in a good mood. I don't expect it to happen too often. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    fivexfive Feb 15, 2014

    Mars Attacks freaked me out as a kid. I desperately need to rewatch the movie, because I never expected to feel so sympathetic towards the Martians originally. Good, fun writing and the art is gorgeous. Cannot complain.

  • 8.0
    BrightestDaycare.com Mar 24, 2016

    I wasn’t really aware of Mars Attacks books, but I know IDW has put out quite a lot of really good stuff- I was reading Colonized, the aliens vs zombies series when it released in 2013, but beyond that I wasn’t really too big into Mars Attacks comics. I was a fan of the movie growing up, and even went so far as to have some of the Mars Attacks toys… I know, I am probably one of the few people ever to have owned Mars Attacks toys, but I was a very well-cared for only child for much of my life, so I had TONS of random toys- Darkwing Duck, Wild West C.O.W. Boys of Moo Mesa, Biker Mice From Mars, Street Sharks, Ronin Warriors… the list goes on SO LONG. But I liked Mars Attacks, and I saw this was a $1 reprint of the more recent Mars Att more

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