Shipwreck #1 feels like the first chapter to a profound comic book series. Comics creators have explored surrealism before, to varying degrees of success, but having a writer of Ellis’s gravitas throw his talent at the genre will give future writers a higher bar to hurdle. Read Full Review

Shipwreck is magic. Dont get me wrong, its also a confused jumbled mess of a story, but I think that is exactly the point. Its a literal reflection of the state of mind of the main character and I believe that the protagonist and the reader will make their journey hand-in-hand from confusion to enlightenment, madness to sanity or whatever analogy you want to use for this crucible. I dont know if this guy is trapped on another planet, another reality, or inside his own mind as he slowly drowns, but what I can tell you is that this first issue smacks of brilliance. Ever get the feeling that you are witnessing something a bit different and a bit special but you dont quite understand why yet? That is the notion I have after reading this issue. I dont understand what Shipwreck is, but I just cant stop thinking about it. Read Full Review

Shipwreck #1 doesn't seem to care much if readers understand what's going on within its pages. And why should it? The series' dreamlike mood, unique characters and engrossing visuals are more than enough to hook readers regardless of premise. If you need an extra touch of the surreal in your reading pile, this issue won't steer you wrong. Read Full Review

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this series as I went into it intentionally blind but the end result is fantastic. This is a series that could do some really fun stuff with its reveals and twists that will delight mystery fans and those looking for something with no easy answers and plenty of potential twists and turns along with a few fake outs I'm sure. Ellis is a known commodity so you have a general idea of what to expect here – in a very good way – and he delivers on it. Combined with Phil Hester's haunting artwork the whole thing just elevates a couple of levels. This is a series to keep an eye on, both for those that enjoying the monthly experience and those that will want a meaty trade down the line as well. Read Full Review

A strong example of surrealism in comics even if it does eschew convention so much that it's difficult to connect with emotionally. Read Full Review

I have a feeling that since every Aftershock comic so far has been well crafted that this ship will eventually clear through the mist and right its course. That said, just having Hester's art pulling me past the confusing dialogue in the comic is not enough to keep me from abandoning this ship. I couldn't get into this story that bounced around so much and seemed to lack an internal logic, even though that could very well get cleared up in the long run. This is the first comic written by Ellis that I've read where I wasn't left captivated enough to move forward to a second issue. Read Full Review

Hester does well to offer transitions between two seemingly unrelated stories. His oft-echoed bird and spider themes fit perfectly within the dueling narratives, underscoring the augury and matricide, telling us there are somehow connections found amidst the craziness. Like a hull dashed upon rocks in a storm, Shipwreck is all over the place, but that may be the point. This is a perfect book for those with a passion to divine a story through scattered clues and broken fragments left at ground zero. Read Full Review

Mystery done well is like an addiction, the need for details and information becomes the driving force for a reader to continue pursuing the answers that elude them. Mystery done poorly is confusing and lackluster. The reader never invests enough of themselves into the plot to continue on to the next clue. I would leave this mystery alone. While it comes off as highly thought out there is something lacking in execution. Read Full Review

Guess I forgot to take my LSD before reading this book.