Clear #1
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Clear #1

Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Francis Manapul Publisher: ComiXology Originals Release Date: October 13, 2021 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 18 User Reviews: 14
8.9Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

A sci-fi mystery thrill-ride into a strange dystopian future, where a neurological internet connection is transforming reality.

Batman writer SCOTT SNYDER and Detective Comics artist FRANCIS MANAPUL unite to take readers on this hard-boiled sci-fi journey.

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.

  • 10
    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes Mar 8, 2023

    Dark Horse, kings of the mini-series format, have allowed Snyder and Manapul to produce a giant sized issue. which allows Snyder's script to breath without the confines of 22 pages. This gives book a more fuller, grander, more epic feel to proceedings. It also means that you will be done in three issues, albeit at a higher price point. For the swathes of Snyder fans out there, this is another great example of the world outside of Batman! Read Full Review

  • 10
    AIPT - David Brooke Oct 12, 2021

    Your new favorite science fiction comic book series is here, and it goes by the name Clear. This series has all the trappings of an instant hit, capturing the old-school vibe of a detective noir with the modern sensibilities we crave in sci-fi. Buried within the slick visuals is a comic that is focused on the human struggle to escape reality and bury our noses in entertainment and instant gratification. In some sense, it's an inversion of Blade Runner which is about trying to find identity -- in Clear, our protagonist is trying to hold onto his identity and what is real in a world that wants to escape it. Read Full Review

  • 9.8
    Comic Watch - Tyler Davis Mar 8, 2023

    Its safe to say thatCLEAR #1is nothing short of excellent, a story that not only nails style with its visual flair and writing choices, but brings something new to the table with an overarching them of expatriation. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    GWW - Joseph Gilmore Oct 12, 2021

    There is a reason Clear was the second title to be released from Snyder's Best Jackett Press imprint and ComiXology. It is a fascinating, gripping, and visual tour de force of storytelling. Once again, Snyder has delivered an absolute masterpiece. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Comic Watch - Dustin Gebel Oct 12, 2021

    Clear is a promising start to what could be a compelling sci-fi neo-noir. It replaces the long lingering pace of most science fiction and replaces it with a kinetic, surreal visual style. The mystery and characterizations are the textbook noir archetypes, but knowing Synders body of work, its not hard to guess that there are some tricks up his sleeve. Bolstered with Manapul's next level panel work and colors, this could could, and shouldstep out of the neon drenched shadow of Blade Runner. Read Full Review

  • 9.1
    GWW - B Ferg Mar 9, 2023

    Detective Dunes suffers a loss at the beginning of this issue and clearly this was not the first. Now as he looks for answers, are the creators of Clear showing readers the importance of the things we dismiss without even a glance, while living the lies of the illusions. The things we miss. Or will. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    ComicBook.com - Jamie Lovett Oct 13, 2021

    With the impeccable execution of two masters at the top of their game to back it up, this is easy to recommend for anyone who wants unnervingly relevant genre fiction. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Oct 13, 2021

    I won't say this is an easy lift for Snyder because every writing project has its challenges and no matter how easy it comes to mind, putting it to page is its own host of birthing challenges. That said, this is a very straightforward setup that we've seen in any number of films before in terms of the actual structure and intent. The trappings have some welcome elements to it that are wonderfully designed, and that's no surprise with the talented Francis Manapul handling it and the colorwork. It's got a strong look but also manages to work a lot of really solid variety to it because of the Veils, which I hope is utilized more going forward. Snyder's got a solid story here, one that easily appeals to me as I used to enjoy things like the Philip Marlow series on HBO decades ago. It's old school with the right flair and sets up an interesting storyline. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    You Don't Read Comics - David Harth Oct 13, 2021

    Clear #1 is peak cyberpunk noir. Snyder isn't reinventing the wheel, but this story is more than the sum of its parts because of Manapul's art. It feels like Snyder wrote it specifically for Manapul, and he makes it very special. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Lotusland Comics - Hank Rea Oct 13, 2021

    'Clear' #1 is a fantastic new neo-noir mystery thriller. Snyder takes the tried and true story of a hardboiled detective caught up in a murder mystery and sets it in a moody neon-soaked future. It's a comfortable beginning with familiar plotting but you should come for Snyder's writing but stay for Manapul's brilliant art.  It's a master class.  Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Oct 13, 2021

    Manapul delivers some breathtaking visuals throughout the issue. The contrasting styles and images created with the veils is stunning and unique. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    COMICON - Olly MacNamee Oct 12, 2021

    Detective Sam Dunes is an old shoe flavoured gumshoe in the mould of classic film noir P.I.s in a new school neo-noir world. And on the scent of a murder mystery. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Oct 12, 2021

    It's too early to say just how much we'll see of the other filtered worlds and how deep our main character will descend into the world he's tried to avoid. But this is a highly intriguing first issue that paints a disturbingly plausible picture of the future and makes me want to read more. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Christopher Egan Mar 9, 2023

    A truly smart, gorgeous, and thrilling cyberpunk noir worthy of the genre. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Graphic Policy - Brett Oct 13, 2021

    Clear #1 is a solid start for those who enjoy detective stories. It's an exciting start that blends classic tropes and beats with a look that feels more Blade Runner than anything else. There's a familiarity of it all while also folding in new ideas and concepts which have potential for creating an intriguing series going forward. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Major Spoilers - Christopher Rondeau Oct 12, 2021

    Clear #1 has a great premise but lacks a balance between the art and the writing. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    But Why Tho? - Kate Snchez Jan 1, 1970

    That said,CLEAR #1is a gorgeous comic and Detective Sam Dunes is a swoon-worthy man with a past that I want to know more about. Snyder's writing feels like a movie and Manapul's art perfectly matches. While this may have been a slow one to start if the ending splash page with Dunes eye reflected in a watch seems like a promise that things are about to pick up fast. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Capes & Tights - Jared Thomas Mar 7, 2023

    The art itself is stunningly detailed and evocative throughout each panel, emphasizing both the beauty and horror that comes with "the clear reality that Sam experiences without his filter on. Each page feels like both a thought experiment gone wrong and an exploration into what makes life truly meaningful when you strip away all distractions from your daily routine. From start to finish, Clear #1 proves to be an unforgettable experience for comic book fans everywhere as every moment is filled with breathtaking visuals that leave you wanting more by its conclusion. Read Full Review

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