You took the words right out of my mouth.
Berserker Unbound #1
| Writer | Jeff Lemire |
| Artist | Mike Deodato |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
A merciless sword and sorcery warrior finds himself blasted through a wormhole to a modern-day metropolis where he must protect those around him from an evil wizard determined to send him to hell. From the Eisner Award-winning team of Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato Jr., and Frank Martin comes this urban warrior fantasy series!
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes
Jul 26, 2019I can not stress how much fun this book is. True, there are enough elements to make you think of other characters, but in Lemire, you have a writer who seems to be able to fasten onto the core elements and vibes of what characters and stories tick, adding in a very well done classic touch. Read Full Review
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10
AIPT - JJ Travers
Aug 07, 2019I like to believe there's a little bit of something for everyone here. There's classic fantasy, mystery, magic, love, loss, incredible artwork and a world that feels like it has the potential for countless other stories. But there's also something new. Something completely unexpected in the world of barbarians past. Lemire and Deodato have delivered an utterly fantastic first step into a brand new fantasy world that I can't wait to explore. Read Full Review
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9.3
Graphic Policy - Alex K Cossa
Aug 07, 2019When it comes to any story written by Jeff Lemire, I usually find there's a slower start (though that doesn't mean I'm not normally hooked within the first issue or two), but that's not the case here. The opening salvo to this story grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and screamed: "READ ME!" So I did. And I'll continue to read this series until it's over. Read Full Review
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9.2
Monkeys Fighting Robots - Cody
Jul 31, 2019Berserker Unbound is exactly what it looks like, but still fresh, original, and intriguing. Lemire introduces a barbaric mystery tale and Deodato makes it feel like you're living in it. Read Full Review
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9.2
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Aug 07, 2019Mike Deodato Jr masters the art in this issue. There are some truly beautiful visuals in this issue and the battle were both visceral and beautifully composed. I can't wait to see what's next for this character and the story. Read Full Review
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9.0
Sequential Planet - Ryan Easby
Aug 06, 2019A brilliant issue, with one of the most tantalising cliffhangers I've seen in a comic. Lemire and Deodata JR are at their peak here. Read Full Review
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9.0
Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith
Aug 11, 2019Strong language and intense violence warning, this is not a book for kids, but as an adult, I am on board for Berserker Unbound. Read Full Review
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8.4
The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge
Aug 07, 2019Berserk Unbound leaves me conflicted because it's a simple story setup without anything truly unique or that sets it apart from other stories that have done the same. It's well-executed and it hints at some character material to come, but it is fairly standard. What elevates it is the artwork which is damn strong and worth the price of admission alone. But balancing that out has me in the "B+" range for it as a whole, which I feel isn't quite right but I can't quite bump it up to the next level. I'm in for the run as long as it goes with the creative here. I definitely recommend it as it's got all the right ingredients for something special once it moves past the standard setup elements. Read Full Review
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8.4
You Don't Read Comics - Rick Lopez
Aug 14, 2019Although Deodato takes the spotlight with this exciting first issue, Lemire is sure to lay further more detailed groundwork. As this mini-series gets its footing and introductions out of the way. A far cry from other works out from Lemire, this seems to fit perfectly within the wheelhouse of Deodato. The two creatives work together and create a new and exciting look at an old comic trope. Read Full Review
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8.0
Big Comic Page - Craig Neilson-Adams
Jul 18, 2019In a world of relentless marketing, press releases and solicitation info, its a rarity that I go into a comic completely blind, but boy am I glad that I did on this occasion. And while its unlikely youll be afforded the same opportunity, Id still highly recommend picking this new series up, and enjoy as it delivers a cracking blend of frantic fantasy violence and high-concept intrigue. Read Full Review
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8.0
Doom Rocket - Clyde Hall
Aug 01, 2019Lemire's pace introducing the elements is a marinating, unrushed affair. The reader is granted ample opportunity to breathe the smoky air of an age hitherto undreamed, witness bloody, violent clashes of steel and sinew, before being led to the smog and urban decay of modern times. Lemire allows artist Mike Deodato, Jr. abundant panels and pages to make the first issue exceedingly visual. It's a wise use of talent. Read Full Review
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8.0
Comics Bookcase - Jarred A. Lujn
Aug 06, 2019Berserker Unbound #1 is great fun. It packs unique, bombastic artwork and a plot that is certainly Lemire-esque. The book hooks you, keeps you, and sets up a great seriesthats a damn good first outing. Read Full Review
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8.0
Multiversity Comics - John Schaidler
Aug 09, 2019The technical execution of "Berserker Unbound" #1 is as good as it gets, but unless you're a completist who really digs buying floppies, you don't need to feel compelled to rush out and get it. The best is yet to come. Read Full Review
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8.0
But Why Tho? - Mateo Guerrero
Aug 12, 2019What's presented in this issue is not terribly original. Fish out of water narratives or Isekai stories are a dime a dozen, while 1987's Masters of the Universe did the fantasy hero in the modern world decades ago. But 'Originality' has never quite been Jeff Lemire's area of focus. Like Black Hammer, Berserker Unbound draws from the forgotten pool of retro pulp fiction, weaving strange and compelling stories with the toys and sandboxes of yesterday. Pretty much every time Lemire tries this recipe out, the result is outstanding. Combined with Deodonto's gorgeous illustrations, and you got a book that has the potential to be great. We just have to let it play out and see what happens next. Read Full Review
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8.0
Following The Nerd - Shane Michael
Aug 18, 2019Make no mistake, this is the bones of the story and the meat is yet to come. Read Full Review
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7.7
Major Spoilers - Stacy Baugher
Aug 08, 2019A sword and sorcery book that looks to draw in a new sort of audience. Read Full Review
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7.5
Weird Science - Dispatch
Aug 05, 2019This series seems like a great idea on the outside and I would recommend it to anyone not reading a Conan series right now. I would also recommend it to anyone interested in dipping their toe into a series featuring a barbarian-like character. However, it's strikingly similar to a Cimmerian we all know and love and I will just continue to read that right now unless something changes quickly in the next issue that really grabs my attention. There is certainly potential for something really great in this issue and series. However, my hope is Lemire can quickly find his own direction and steer clear of the Conan comparison fast before it's too late. Read Full Review
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6.6
IGN - Jesse Schedeen
Aug 07, 2019Berserker Unbound #1 is a solid barbarian comic undone by its numerous similarities to Marvel's Conan books. Read Full Review
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6.0
Kabooooom - Matt Morrison
Aug 09, 2019Sword and sorcery fans may enjoy it, but everyone else will wonder why they bothered. Read Full Review
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5.0
Newsarama - Justin Partridge
Aug 07, 2019Berserker Unbound #1 is very much a double-edged sword. The good news is it looks tremendous. But if you’ve come in expecting the Barbarian-out-of-water story the cover promises, better luck next month. Let’s pray to Crom that it’s worth the wait. Read Full Review
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5.0
Comics Bulletin - Daniel Gehen
Aug 13, 2019For a beautiful looking, action-heavy title, Berserker Unbound #1 is worth picking up. But if story matters, then it's best to leave it. Read Full Review
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4.0
Comics Bulletin - Jason Jeffords Jr.
Aug 07, 2019Hopefully in further issues Lemire and team explore new idea and twists, while presenting the type of stories he is famous for writing. Read Full Review
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4.0
ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett
Aug 07, 2019Luke's journey was the standout storyline in this issue, reminding us that, at this point in his story, he is still desperate to learn as much as he can about the Force, even if it means taking advice from possible criminals. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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9.0
Yes it's a Conan type ripoff, but most characters are and it's deodato art with Lemire writing what more do u want
+ Like • Comment• Likes (1) -
7.5
First, the art is significantly detailed. In my opinion the protagonist was not given a proper means to mourn after the immediate tragedy that took place in this book, at times the narration and dialogues seemed a little odd as well, I don't know where it went wrong but I certainly know where the book is at its best, the whole idea behind shoving a character to a certain point in time in which they don't belong often paves way for a dynamic storytelling and I think Lemire achieved the transition fluently.
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7.0
Quality compensates for a lack of originality.
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6.0
This was a standard CONAN issue, beatifully drawn and written, however I expected more, I am sure next issue will be a lot better, and will get the real story started.
+ Like • Comments (1)• Likes (2) -
6.0
Pretty standard fantasy world. Dunno why but the use of "fucker" coming from such a Conan-esque character seemed too civilised for me, maybe something like dog raper or whore son instead?
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6.0
I trust Jeff Lemire but this just felt empty to me. Will stick because I believe there is something more.
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6.0
I can't give it anymore than a 6.0, and most of that is based on potential and faith in Lemire. This issue didn't advance the story beyond the cover and the solicits, and the back story was vague and generic. I'll be back for issue #2 though.
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9.5
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9.0
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8.5
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8.0
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8.0
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6.5
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6.5
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5.0
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