4001 A.D. #1

Event\Storyline: 4001 A.D. Writer: Matt Kindt Artist: Clayton Crain, David Mack Publisher: Valiant Comics Release Date: May 4, 2016 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 24 User Reviews: 15
8.7Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

In the tradition of BOOK OF DEATH, ARMOR HUNTERS, and HARBINGER WARS, Valiant's most ambitious crossover event yet starts here! At the dawn of the 41st century, the future of Earth will be decided in the stars. This May...the rebellion begins in 4001 A.D.!

One hundred years from today, Father - the benevolent artifi cial intelligence that governs the island nation of Japan - will gain sentience. To defend its borders, Father will take drastic action by launching Japan into space...where its people will thrive in isolation, away from the overpopulated and resource-deprived planet below. Over the centuries, as New Japan orbits our incr more

  • 10
    All-Comic - Amy Okamoto May 2, 2016

    If you read only one series this summer, 4001 A.D. should be it. Gorgeous depictions and an exciting story make this book a sure winner. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Crusaders - Dylan Hicks May 5, 2016

    All in all, this is an A+ book kicking off another A+ event from Valiant Entertainment. I mean, what is there not to like? David immediately draws you in with beautiful charcoal work, while Clayton slams you with one of the best visuals any publisher could ever ask for. All of this accompanying Matt Kindt, who has shown time and time again what an incredible talent he is. Get out there and buy this book, specifically that bitching variant from Ryan Lee. 5 out of 5 stars. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comicsverse - Matthew Murphy May 5, 2016

    For those of you wanting to catch up on RAI before reading this title, note that Valiant has recently released a deluxe edition hardcover of the first three arcs. I haven't read it, though I'm planning to, and I feel like David Mack's introduction to RAI, and New Japan is all you need to get into this crossover. In a summer that is looking to be bogged down by superheroes at war and relaunches, the first issue of 4001 A.D. truly stands out as the beginning of what looks to be another Valiant storytelling masterpiece. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Outright Geekery - Henry Starling May 1, 2016

    Overall, this is just about as perfect as a comic could get. You have great writing with the emotion, the pacing, and structure, and you have all the beautiful panels that take the action up to a whole new level. This is a perfect jumping on point for anyone looking to get into the Valiant Universe. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    The Broken Infinite - Frank Rodriguez May 3, 2016

    4001 A.D. #1 is a roller coaster ride that kicks off with a huge bang. Kindt weaves the seeds of revolution as it is building into a war against him and New Japan. Mack's and Crain's art is absolutely exquisite. There is a lot of beauty in the book. The two biggest revelations in the book are rendered with such awe that readers will definitely be impressed. A wonderful, exciting start to a powerful event. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Major Spoilers - Wayne Hall May 10, 2016

    Kindt and company deliver high-power sci-fi. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith May 2, 2016

    4001 A.D. #1 delivers on all fronts, cranking up the urgency and tension to 11 and making a war that has literally millions of lives hanging in the balance. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Hulking Reviewer - Kareem Ali May 2, 2016

    4001 A.D. is an exciting start to the series with Father becoming an even more terrifying threat in the face of the opposition. The start of this issue feels like it could be Rai #12 with the fall of New Japan and Lula's interactions with her parents. It adds a personal touch in the midst of all the destruction, and shows Father's influence on the populace. However it's when Rai joins the fray that this issue starts to feel like the start of a massive event and gains the most momentum. And as a result I'm glad this series takes us to 4001 because it's both horrifying and awesome. I can't wait for the next episode. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - David Brooke May 3, 2016

    This is good summer blockbuster comics. The action is fierce, the science fiction fun, and the art spectacular. This is Blade Runner meets Transformers meets Elysium. Check this out! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Big Comic Page - Andrew McGlinn May 3, 2016

    I really am a little in awe of Valiants crossover event here, I wasnt sure what to expect when I chose this title to review and I am so very glad that I have discovered this. As an introduction piece I have to say its pretty much flawless, anybody could pick this up and read it with no prior knowledge of the Valiantverse and thoroughly enjoy it. The writing and art are of the highest caliber and you can immediately tell that this will be a critical story, there will be a significance here to those familiar with the world of 4001 A.D. I think. And yet, at the same time, for people like me who are not completely up to date on the happenings here, this title is no less enjoyable. Its an event story too, so Im pretty sure that two other Valiant immortals Armstrong and Bloodshot are somewhere in this era and Im sure theyll pop up. So, while I wait for that to happen, Im emailing my comic book retailer to get Rai Vol 1-3 added to my pull list. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Graphic Policy - Alex K Cossa May 8, 2016

    Valiant‘s summer event is off to a cracking start, and I can't wait to see how it proceeds in the coming weeks and months. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Aaron Long May 6, 2016

    4001 A.D. #1 is a solid first issue in what has the promise to be a very entertaining event. Kindt & Crain are a solid team and this event has the right elements to be big and impressive. Valiant is doing a great job building a cohesive universe that is robust, and books like 4001 A.D. #1 are proof that their hard work since launching X-O Manowar #1 has been building toward some big stories. I'm in for #2 without any hesitation. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    SnapPow.com - John McCubbin May 6, 2016

    4001 AD #1 is a strong start for the latest Valiant event, with the creative team moving Rai's story forward in an intriguing manner. Whether it's Earth or New Japan, writer Matt Kindt gave us some marvelous developments and along with some powerful visuals it is hard not to praise this issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck May 9, 2016

    It's a bit much to take in one sitting, but writer Matt Kindt keeps it rolling along, and artists Clayton Crain and David Mack bring the future to life with some striking, powerful art. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    FanboyNation - Lowell Newton May 2, 2016

    All in all we have a great comic book. This is great jumping in point for Valiant Comics. Get in this story while it's still fresh. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze May 4, 2016

    4001 A.D. #1 was a solid start. They addressed the things we don't know, the things we should know, and didn't fear getting into a big confrontation. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Pop Culture Uncovered - Brett I May 5, 2016

    In short, I really enjoyed this issue, with a few caveats. I know Crain has some better work in him, and Im hoping itll come out in later issues of this series. In the meantime, Ill enjoy the incredible Matt Kindt on the script. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    IGN - Levi Hunt May 5, 2016

    The action here is breathtaking, and the closing pages are grand in their scope. There isn't anything particularly "special" about this first issue. It's simply fun, superhero event storytelling. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Multiversity Comics - Ken Godberson III Apr 28, 2016

    One of the most new-reader friendly beginnings to a big event book. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Steven Phillips May 10, 2016

    I don't know how much of 4001 will take place in space or how much will be dedicated to the Rai/Father battle. And without looking ahead at Valiant's publishing schedule, I can only guess who will poke their head in on this event. Pretty much anything could happen. Issue one has my interest and my attention because I'm a fan of thoughtfully doled out bombast; 4001 has some to spare. This event is off to a good start. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Justin Partridge May 3, 2016

    Though I applaud Valiant's continued insistence on accessibility, that same accessibility proves to be 4001 A.D.'s biggest strength and weakness. Make no mistake however, this debut is bold, stocked with crazy slick visuals, and presents an epic entry point into an universe that is quickly and confidently holding its own against established imprints and household name characters. Minor missteps aside, 4001 A.D. #1 offers an ambitious new title that is tailor made for readers either looking to take a chance on a new imprint or those looking for a respite from the standard tights and fights of a traditional summer crossover event. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Jim Johnson May 4, 2016

    "4001 A.D." #1 makes an explosive debut that builds on an existing premise and then doubles down for an especially strong introduction to Valiant's latest event. Read Full Review

  • 7.4
    Project-Nerd - Alex Ampadu May 16, 2016

    Valiant has re-established itselfas one of the most creative comic universes out there. The fact that they have multiple titles that span various genres and timelines yet allexist in the same fictional universe…this is something to be applauded. 4001 AD#1 is a great introduction to the next era in the ever-expanding Valiant universe. Bet your money wisely; this horse race is far from over. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Bounding Into Comics - John F. Trent May 4, 2016

    4001 A.D. #1 is primarily a book that sets the stage for the rest of the event. Kindt provides some solid characterization with Father and Lula and with Clayton Crain's art they leave the book on a pretty big action cliffhanger. However, due to the nature of the story it was a little slow and felt drawn out at times. There was a little too much focus on building the world outside of the story. Despite the unique introduction, the book feels targeted towards readers who have been following the story in Rai which makes it a little bit more difficult for newer readers to dive in. This event series definitely has potential and I expect really great things moving forward; this issue just didn't get there yet. Read Full Review

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