The Humans #1
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The Humans #1

Writer: Keenan Keller Artist: Tom Neely Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: November 5, 2014 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 15 User Reviews: 6
8.1Critic Rating
7.5User Rating

Apart, they are nothing...deemed by society as outcasts, misfits, losers, no good punks! But together, they are THE HUMANS! The HUMANS is a high-octane, no-holds-barred, ape-biker-gang chopper ride into '70s exploitation genre bliss. Follow Bobby, Johnny, and all The HUMANS as they fight and fly down the road to oblivion on a ride filled with chains, sex, leather, denim, hair, blood, bananas, and chrome.

  • 10
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Nov 8, 2014

    The Humans is a balls-out (literally...there are quite a few ape penises in these pages), drug-fueled, psychedelic ride through exploitation-era cinema. The book has an old school look to it, like it was just discovered in the most awesome time capsule ever. Plus, where else are you going to find the sound effects Butt, Schwing, and my personal favorite "KA-FUCKIN-BOOM"? Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Rhymes With Geek - Denise Blakely Nov 4, 2014

    This debut issue of the Humans is mostly a set up issue. It's meant to give the reader a brief introduction of the MC. Outside of that it hasn't gotten into any deep storytelling. The issue ends on a note that leaves me intrigued. Perhaps it's just because I recently did some binge catching up on season 6 of Sons of Anarchy, but it's what this book reminds me of after my initial read. I feel that if the storytelling becomes as intense and unpredictable as that show, then this book will be a big hit. There are endless directions of action and adventure that a story about and MC full of primates could go in, and I'm ready for the ride. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Major Spoilers - George Chimples Nov 7, 2014

    I didn't see any particular reason for the bikers to be apes in this comic, other than the visual novelty, but that ended up being reason enough. True story, I hate apes. Growing up with the last name Chimples, you might wonder why that is. I've always hated ape gimmicks in comics, and most ape characters. I love The Humans. It's my kind of trash. The Humans #1 is drive-in fare, pure exploitation and pulp. It's loud, dumb, stupid, fun, and clearly made with a lot of love. I have a soft spot for any comic that is willing to write its back material in character, and also provides an original soundtrack to boot (only two songs, but they're both very dope). If you're looking for a comic that hearkens back to the grindhouse biker flicks of the 60s and 70s, if you're a little sick and weird, then The Humans is for you. Check it out. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Pop Culture Uncovered - Ray W Nov 6, 2014

    This is a really good title that really presents itself a little different from the rest. This title is also mature with some very explicit scenes but not too much to throw off the story in anyway. There is also a three page column page in the back that has Karns answering questions and letters. I did not really find anything bad with this first issue. I enjoyed what was presented to me. I can't wait to see wear this gang of misfits bikers go to next on their journey to wherever they're going and also we get a tease on one of the returning members of The Humans returning from the Vietnam War. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comicosity - Sam Marx Nov 5, 2014

    As I wrote earlier, on the surface The Humans #1 is just a violent, drug and sex fueled gang fight. Surprisingly, Keller and Neely are able to inject a lot of humanity into these characters despite any craziness that is thrown their way. I cant wait for issue two to continue this badass ride into oblivion after seeing what they were capable of here. Just dont show it to your kids. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Nov 4, 2014

    The Humans #1 is an impressive debut. It asserts Neelys position as a talented cartoonist, one who is capable of seamlessly blending tones to great effect. This comic provides an intriguing introduction, one that lays a foundation upon which Keeler and Neely could construct one of the most interesting comics on shelves today. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    IGN - Tres Dean Nov 6, 2014

    It's awesome to see Image taking a chance on a weird book like this one and you definitely don't want to miss it among all the other great books out this week. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Coming Up Comics - David Melton Nov 4, 2014

    On top of the entertaining writing and mesmerizing artwork, Kristina Collantes gives this book a vintage appearance with her vivid colors. Whether you're viewing the sunset through a character's sunglasses or enjoying a violent gang war, Kristina makes sure every color enhances the drawing while also adding its own style to the book that will keep your eyes glued to the pages. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Geeked Out Nation - Jess Camacho Nov 5, 2014

    “The Humans” might not be for everyone but this is one of the most crazy and psychedelic trips you'll take in comics all year. Consider me signed up for the long haul. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Brian Bannen Nov 5, 2014

    The Humans appears like a standard biker story at its face value, but it's much more. Keller's creativity is matched by Neely's smooth character designs and Collantes' color vitality. The comic takes its chances and succeeds in its undertaking, so if you're like me and you think monkeys make everything better, take a look at The Humans this week. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Andr Habet Nov 6, 2014

    I go back and forth on whether to write about bonus content when assessing an issue, but just wanted to mention how much I dig things like Keller and Neely curating a soundtrack for this comic that they make available on Soundcloud. While we only get a brief intro to the world of The Humans, I get the sense that Keller and Neely are gonna ratchet the action up to dizzy heights while delivering a satire of 70's West Coast culture. Read Full Review

  • 7.1
    Capeless Crusader - Cody Mudge Nov 6, 2014

    The Humans #1 is missing some crucial pieces necessary to make a stellar debut. It is possible that the book could improve and deliver those things in the months to come but as of right now this series is unremarkable amidst a sea of great comics. Neelys art and Kellers rap were definite highlights for this issue. My expectations are admittedly high for new Image series and I couldnt help but feel a little bit let down when this installment didnt wow me. I wouldnt fault any reader for sticking with or dropping this series, both make perfect sense to me. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comics: The Gathering - F-O-R-R-E-S-T Nov 5, 2014

    I feel like, after reading this, that I get The Humans and I get what they're about. For life, till deth. But, I don't get WHY I'm supposed to care about them. Maybe that will come in issue two, I hope it does. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Spectrum - Adam Alamo Nov 12, 2014

    I thought this first issue of the Humans was a bit of a mixed bag. The concept is there, and so is the cast, but the story seemed disjointed. I didn't get the feeling after reading it that I was invested in the characters or their plight. I really feel that for the book to work, it has to be about breaking the character tropes and offering up a little more than sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The book is crass and naughty in the way that bikers are, and I certainly appreciate that Keller didn't shy away from that (which means this book is not one for the kiddies). It keeps it real in a way that most comics would otherwise avoid. Hopefully future issues will get more deeply into the characters and make me buy into them as individuals. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Newsarama - Edward Kaye Nov 6, 2014

    With biker gangs, beat poetry, hallucinogenic imagery, copious amounts of drugs and tons of sexual references, this love letter to 1960s counterculture is about as subtle as an acid blotter of smiley faces. Read Full Review

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