Autumnal #1

Writer: Daniel Kraus Artist: Chris Shehan Publisher: Vault Comics Release Date: September 23, 2020 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 14 User Reviews: 12
8.5Critic Rating
8.8User Rating

Following the death of her estranged mother, Kat Somerville and her daughter, Sybil, flee a difficult life in Chicago for the quaint--and possibly pernicious--town of Comfort Notch, New Hampshire. From NY Times best-selling author, Daniel Kraus (The Shape of Water, Trollhunters, The Living Dead), and rising star Chris Shehan, comes a haunting vision of America's prettiest autumn.

  • 10
    Bleeding Cool - Theo Dwyer Oct 31, 2020

    Among 2020's best debuts, it might be Vault Comics' best single issue ever. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Pastrami Nation - Rebecca Benson Sep 22, 2020

    The Autumnal #1 is the perfect book to welcome in the change of seasons. I know I am definitely going to be enjoying this series! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Sep 27, 2020

    The Autumnal will get into your brain and stay there. It has a haunting quality to it that really shines. This first issue has a dynamite cliffhanger and cements the unsettling nature of the story in such a way that you will be dying to learn more. Do not miss this book. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Major Spoilers - Ingrid Lind-Jahn Sep 23, 2020

    Is Kat's return to Comfort Notch a new beginning or a trigger for traumatic memories? Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes Sep 24, 2020

    I am a bit of a sucker for the whole “crazy town” vibe, and this book certainly whets my appetite. With many influences and stable brothers to contend with, this book manages to stand apart from the crowd. Another dark and deep success for Vault Comics. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Sep 29, 2020

    Perfectly timed to the season, The Autumnal weaves an amazing tale about a mother and daughter and their sudden move from Chicago to a rural setting. It may sound like a setup for a Hallmark movie, but instead it's a personal story with hints of darkness, of sadness - and horror. Kat Somerville has led a rough and rowdy life, and she struggles to raise her misbehaving young daughter Sybil. When Kat is told that her long-estranged mother has died, she travels home to the rural town named Comfort Notch. There she finds eccentric residents, a possible new home, and a haunting mystery. It's a sharp and clever story by Daniel Kraus with stunning,evocative art by Chris Shehan and color art by Jason Wordie. The first issue has this series off to a strong start - recommended! Read Full Review

  • 8.6
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Justin Munday Sep 24, 2020

    A thoughtfully paced and beautifully drawn opening that builds its horror plot to a spine-tingling head. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - David Brooke Sep 22, 2020

    The Autumnal sets the stage for an interesting mother/daughter narrative that highlights the horror at the edges of the abuse we face and the darkness at the edge of the brightest of suburban ideals. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Sep 23, 2020

    The Autumnal has the familiar kind of chilling tease of horror that I'd expect from something of this nature and, saying it as a compliment, it has a Stephen King-like feeling about the setup and preparation for what's to come. I like both Kat and Sybil and hope to see more of who they are when they're not facing what feels like a daily existential crisis in how to survive and hold on. There are some great moments between the two and a strong bond but it teeters on less of a parental one than one of two people with the same issues. I'm definitely curious to see what's coming as the right hooks are here and the artwork is just gorgeous throughout. The look of the town is great in capturing that quintessential New England town in the fall. I'm excited to see how this team intends to progress. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Multiversity Comics - John Schaidler Sep 25, 2020

    The story starts with familiar beats, but quickly makes us care about the compelling main characters, getting weirder and creepier as it builds to the cliffhanger. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Caffeinated Critique - James Stone Sep 23, 2020

    Autumnal is a book I did not expect to enjoy because I normally enjoy the more science fiction, super hero related books but I found myself pleasantly surprised. Autumnal is a great example of creating something good, compelling and engaging and you will win your audience. This is a book with great potential and I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing where it takes me. I think people who enjoy meaningful, thought provoking stories with a dark side will get a lot of enjoyment out of this. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Sequential Planet - Hunter Sandlin Sep 23, 2020

    This issue isn't going to blow anyone away but it is a very worthwhile read. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comics Bookcase - Keigen Rea Sep 23, 2020

    In all, The Autumnal #1 is an issue thats highly elevated by the craft on display, but the story isnt something that really engaged me. It feels like it could be the opening chapter of a great trade, but it also feels like it could disappoint if it continues to lean on familiar horror ideas. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicBook.com - Nicole Drum Sep 23, 2020

    Overall, it's a good read, but not great, though there's lots of potential in the mystery presented. Read Full Review

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