Victor LaValle's Destroyer #1

Writer: Victor LaValle Artist: Dietrich Smith Publisher: Boom! Studios Release Date: May 24, 2017 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 17 User Reviews: 4
8.1Critic Rating
8.0User Rating

When the last descendant of the Frankenstein family loses her only son to a police shooting, she turns to science for her own justice...putting her on a crash course with her family's original monster and his quest to eliminate humanity. An intense, unflinching story exploring the legacies of love, loss, and vengeance placed firmly in the tense atmosphere and current events of the modern-day United States.

  • 10
    Comicsverse - Zach May 25, 2017

    VICTOR LAVALLE'S DESTROYER #1 is a fascinating take on the classic Frankenstein story that perfectly adapts its best elements to modern times. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Ashley Gibbs May 24, 2017

    While this only the first issue and there weren't too many overtly political plot points touched on, yet, I'm curious to see how they're handled in this world where now humanity's upcoming problem is Frankenstein's Monster. This would probably be a good read for fans of Mary Shelley's work, but also those who enjoy a deeper message from their comics. Destroyer #1 sets a good tone for upcoming issues and the pacing is handled very well. It's a combination of very good writing and eye-catching artwork that I hope continues on with future installments. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ComiConverse - Darryll Robson May 27, 2017

    A macabre, modern updating of a horror classic. There is some brilliant character work and an inspired sci-fi story line. You will come for the horror but stay for the intrigue. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - David Brooke May 23, 2017

    Makes a strong case for sci-fi fans and Frankenstein fans especially. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Multiversity Comics - Kent Falkenberg May 29, 2017

    This is a very strong, very assured debut. Period. Lavalle and Smith set a monster on the warpath and tease just enough of the ethical ramifications that we're never quite sure which of the two leads is actually being referenced as the titular destroyer. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Brazen Bull - Dave Robbins May 31, 2017

    LaValle's reanimation of a classic tale is skillfully presented with a new perspective and greater depth. It borrows its intensity and conflict more from the gothic literary source material that the film history which makes for a stronger story. The legend is modernized and the story is intense. We've only just been introduced to the players, but it looks to be an exciting and original as it continues. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick May 23, 2017

    Victor LaValle's Destroyer #1, a contemporary continuation of the "Frankenstein" story, offers a bold look at contemporary culture through the eyes of yet another gifted scientist who challenges the laws of nature to create life. It's a debut with a lot of promise and an interesting concept at its heart, even as structurally it takes a bit to get going. Despite that, Destroyer #1 is a thought-provoking and smart debut that still brings the scares and big ideas, living up to the legacy of "Frankenstein." Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Graphic Policy - christopher scott author May 29, 2017

    The art by Dietrich Smith and Joana Lafuente has a proper sense of contrast to it, as the story's viewpoint changes from Frankenstein's quest to the US and a mysterious cabal. While it is a simple but subtle move, it helps keep the plot moving. Frankenstein's monster makes for an interesting sight with a gaunt lanky design, which differs from classic depictions of a more built brick house. It reminds me some of Iron Maiden's mascot Eddie, except with hair and a long beard. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicWow!TV - Huck Talwar May 19, 2017

    This issue is the perfect way to start off the series. We get a taste of classic literature and modern literature at the same time. The story is absolutely enthralling, and perfectly blends the past with the present. I have tons of questions and conspiracy theories as to how the rest of the series will go, but we'll have to keep reading to see what happens! This issue is out next Wednesday, May 24th, from BOOM! Studios; make sure to head to your local comic book shop and give it a read! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - stephengervais May 24, 2017

    This is only a miniseries, at six total issues, so I really want people to run out and grab this book. It'll be well worth your time. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson May 28, 2017

    Destroyer presents a harsh future for Frankenstein's monster that is quite creepy. The real stars of the comic are Baker and her son. She steals the show away from the monster that sets a high bar with the first half of the book. Baker presents a compelling story that is equal parts heartbreaking and bone-chilling. Just think about it for a minute. What if Dr. Frankenstein was a mom? How would the story change? Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Word Of The Nerd - Brent Jackson May 24, 2017

    I came into Victor LaValle's Destroyer #1 (of 6) blindly not knowing anything about it, boy was I surprised within the first few pages.Victor LaVelle does a fantastic job of not making this a run of the mill "Frankenstein" story putting in characters and situations to give the book a real heart and human feelings. The art and colors match the series well and brings to eerie life. Victor LaValle's Destroyer #1 looks like it is going to be a great mini-series from BOOM! Studios and from what I can tell is nothing like they have published before. It is a refreshing take on the Frankenstein mythos. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    AIPT - Trevor Richardson Feb 28, 2018

    An affecting, ambitious series held back by its short length, but elevated by consistent, detailed artwork throughout. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The GCRN - Daniel Clark Jun 9, 2017

    There are some bumps along the way. Some of the social messaging came off slightly hamfisted. In one specific sequence, The Monster is getting caught up with all the key events that he has missed chilling in his ice castle. Some of these events make sense like the atomic bomb and images from World War One. Images from a butcher house though did not seem on the same level. Social commentary is a key element in comics and based on LaValles ideas for this series it could make this into something special. My hope though is he is a little more tactful with his approach in the future. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Outright Geekery - Christa Harader May 24, 2017

    You make a bit of a messy landing into the doctor's story, but from her appearance on, things change for the better. The last few pages demonstrate a leaner and dynamic touch that builds her relationship with her son deftly and organically, and makes the emotional final reveal pop. From here, the story most definitely leaves you wanting more. Overall, Destroyer is not just an update on a classic " this comic promises a unique lens into a fictional world that's both timely and engaging, and will most likely deliver. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    All-Comic - Erik Gonzalez May 30, 2017

    Destroyer clearly has potential, it's a creation still trying to find its footing, so it's worth sticking with for at least a few issues. This comics wants to reach its readership; it has a voice yearning to be heard. It's evident the creative team isn't just trying to use a well-known intellectual property to make a name or buck for themselves and one has to respect that. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Nerdophiles - Kylee Sills May 31, 2017

    While to love for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is clear, Victor LaValle's Destroyer doesn't quite hit the mark in its first issue. LaValle wrote a jam-packed script that doesn't yet deliver on the promises of the solicitation, nor hint at groundwork that would begin the exploration of police brutality, but there is something to this modernized re-imagining that is intriguing and I'll be sticking around at least for the next issue. Read Full Review

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