I'm a big fan of C.S. Pacat and her Captive Prince series, so when I heard she was collaborating to make a comic, I just had give it a try. Fencing, from what I can tell, is a new theme in English comics. Though I don't know a lot about fencing, the comic does a really good job introducing both the sport and the characters. It had just the right amount of action balanced with dialogue and a twist at the end. Also, because I know that both C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad are anime/manga fans, it was fun to see the influence of sports manga gleam through. I really enjoyed this comic and I really look forward to future issues! Read Full Review

FENCE #1 has a simple, no-frills plot that introduces the fencing rivalry between an intrepid underdog and a world-class finalist. We meet Nicholas Cox, a poor but passionate fencer, entering a regionals tournament for a chance to prove his mettle. His determination " and that of his opponents, too " is brought to life through the manga-inspired art of Johanna the Mad. In the end, C.S. Pact's story of competitive fencing (and an implied touch of romance) sets up what is sure to be a fun and emotionally compelling series. Read Full Review

The series is a solid one reminding me of the sports focused manga I've been getting in to. It's a great debut and one that was unexpected in how much I enjoyed it all. A definite get and a comic that's going towards the top of my read pile going forward. It delivers action, emotional ups and downs, and surprising depth in its characters all in one issue. Read Full Review

The artwork is exceptionally clean " no spare lines anywhere to be seen and very minimal shading. This does sometimes give the illusion of everything being a bit more on the blocky side, but it is also reminiscent of manga as well. It's an interesting blend between the two, in a way. I will say that all the characters introduced have amazing hair, especially Nicholas. The artist did a fantastic job making all three of them very distinct (different facial structure, hair style, hair color, etc) yet bold. Read Full Review

Fence #1 kept me entertained with its character building and peek into the world of fencing, but got me totally hooked with the issue's cliffhanger and what this ending could mean for Nicholas and Seiji's rivalry. Read Full Review

There's nothing wrong with formula, but I was really hoping for something different in Fence #1. If you like the genre, then you'll enjoy Fence #1 Read Full Review

Three or four months from now we very well may be looking back at the start of a brilliant run. For now, were still on the starting line. Allez! Read Full Review

A fun first issue with a few cliche moments, but an overall interesting story that caught my attention. Read Full Review

To more avid readers, the story may seem already done, but younger readers will likely enjoy following Nicholas' fiery attitude battle through the fencing world and the even more frightening world of school. Read Full Review

It wasn't bad. It wasn't all that great either. If you like the underdog story and want to see it in a new context, go ahead and pick this issue up. Read Full Review

The premise is cool and the issue's not bad, but it's not really good either. The art direction for the actual fencing is especially disappointing. Read Full Review

Overall, FENCE is a good drama, and I plan to give the series a try. I've got hopes that it'll deter from the looming cliched YA story line, and insert more character into the work, but if it doesn't, Pacat and Johanna will still have a fun, easy to read story that teens and light-hearted adults should enjoy. Read Full Review

Despite the dearth of queer content in the world, particularly in comics, there's so much more out there now that Fence #1's uneven, emotionless debut makes me feel as if even my meager alternatives are enough to allow me to give this a pass. Read Full Review