Amala's Blade #1

Writer: Steve Horton Artist: Michael Dialynas Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Release Date: April 24, 2013 Cover Price: $3.5 Critic Reviews: 15
8.2Critic Rating
N/AUser Rating

The kingdom of Naamaron is bitterly divided into warring factions: the low-tech Purifiers and the high-tech Modifiers. Both fear the great vizier's deadliest assassin, Amala. But for all her lethal skills, Amala’s drawing too much attention for the vizier’s taste. So what better way to deal with a troublesome cutthroat than to send her on a suicide mission?

  • 10
    Comic Book Bin - Jeremy Whitley Apr 14, 2013

    There a few times that I've read a book and thought "Yes, this is what I was looking for." and even fewer when they were books that were an unknown quantity to me. But everything about this first issue is just right. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Behind The Panels - Richard Gray Apr 28, 2013

    A fascinating world where Steampunk meets Cyberpunk, it is sure to please both crowds and draw in those who are in virgin territory. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Unleash The Fanboy - Brittany Villarreal Apr 23, 2013

    Steve Horton is the writer for Amala's Blade and I'm an instant fan. The writing is informative without being overbearing. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics Crux - Tatiana Christian May 10, 2013

    Overall, Amala's Blade is a really great read, and I'm curious to learn more about her past, her work as an assassin and the overall structure of the world she inhabits. I'd highly recommend it for anyone interested in a short series with great art and beautiful colors. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - David Brooke Apr 24, 2013

    As far as setups go though it's a strong issue and it's in large part due to Michael Dialynas's art and color. Some might call it the acting of the characters, but I'd call it exceptional facial expressions from Dialynas. In some cases a writers dialogue is strong enough to apply it to stick figures, but here, while not bad, is made a hell of a lot stronger by Dialynas' art. In truth every comic should be like this, because, much like film you need a good balance between visuals and writing. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Jessica Boyd Apr 24, 2013

    If you are looking for a powerful female character who's opinions are no compromised for the sake of "broader appeal" then Amala's Blade is exactly the title to cut through the excess that abounds. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Rob McMonigal Apr 25, 2013

    This one might get overlooked because of its steampunk-related sitting, but Amala's Blade should be in the pull list for adventure comic fans. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Sean Tonelli Apr 24, 2013

    Amala's Blade #1 is the start of a grand adventure that the reader will have no problem embarking upon. Whimsical and fun, Horton and Dialynas have laid the ground work for an epic series. Let's hope that the fun continues as the stakes begin to rise for the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Addicts - Anirudh Singh Apr 29, 2013

    Nice setup, good world, good art. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bloody Disgusting - ShadowJayd Apr 26, 2013

    All in all, Amalas Blade seems like its going to be another hit for Dark Horse, and the first issue is definitely one worth buying for those interested in steampunk fantasy epics with ass-kicking female protagonists. Though, a little more ass-kicking would have been appreciated. Personal taste of course. No doubt there will be more in the coming installments. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Major Spoilers - Brandon Dingess Apr 26, 2013

    Dark Horse suggested this book to fans of "Trigun," and in another life I was a huge devotee of 1998 anime series, so I jumped on this and was beyond pleased. My expectations were middling, but Horton and Dialynas vaulted over them with Olympic grace. "Amala's Blade" has my loyalty for this four-issue run and I even like it enough to hunt down our young assassin's other appearances. 4 stars""buy it. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Read Comic Books - Tommy Lutz Apr 23, 2013

    Amala's Blade #1 is the beginning of a beautiful adventure with a strong and colourful young female assassin guiding readers through it. This comic isn't like other comics, and although that may not sit well with many comic readers who rarely step outside of their superhero comic boundaries, it's always good to try something new. Read this comic, be drawn in by the great characterization and compelling story and study the art. If after doing those things you still don't agree with me, then maybe you're just not ready for a unique comic reading experience. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker Apr 25, 2013

    I'd think my issues with this first issue will go away as the series progresses. It seems like a lot of fun and will be a nice read each month. But, as far as first issues goes, it was good, but didn't suck me back in to be super excited for the second issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Apr 25, 2013

    "Amala's Blade" #1 has some fun moments in it and some wonderful coming of age bits too, but the throat slitting early in the book really discouraged me from thinking about sharing this comic with my young daughters. I'm anxious to see where the rest of the story goes, but so far, Horton and Dialynas have given me more than enough reason to come back and check out the next issue for myself. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    The Weekly Crisis - Grant McLaughlin Apr 28, 2013

    Amala's Blade #1 is an enjoyable yarn that promises some solid moments in the issues to come. If you're a fan of fantasy and high adventure, this is definitely worth taking a gander at, as Steve Horton and Michael Dialynas appear to be laying the groundwork for a mighty fun read. Read Full Review

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