Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1
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Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1

Writer: Steve Niles, Matt Santoro Artist: Dave Wachter Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Release Date: June 12, 2013 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 14
8.4Critic Rating
N/AUser Rating

The giant clay monster from Jewish legend goes on a Nazi-killing rampage in order to protect the inhabitants of a small Jewish stronghold and an injured British pilot.

  • 10
    Comic Book Therapy - Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell Jun 12, 2013

    Everything Steve Niles touches is magic. Breath of Bones is a wonderful and emotional story that puts a little twist on events we already know. Niles and company have this scheduled for three issues, and I'm definitely coming along for the ride. 5/5Follow @comicbtherapy Read Full Review

  • 10
    Graphic Policy - Sean A. Guynes Jun 23, 2013

    If you only read superhero comics, youre missing out; theres so much the comics medium can achieve, and Niles and Wachter showcase just some of its breadth with eloquence and respect, bringing another Dark Horse masterpiece to market in the shape of Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1 Read Full Review

  • 10
    Newsarama - Forrest C. Helvie Jun 13, 2013

    Steve Niles is known for his work in writing horror, and this story promises to include the monstrous golem of Jewish lore; yet, it is clear there is a much deeper thread these storytellers look to weave into this comic. The only disappointing thing about this comic is the month readers will have to wait for the second issue to arrive. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comics Bulletin - Zack Davisson Jun 12, 2013

    I wasn't quite sure what to make of Breath of Bones when I saw the ads. That cover didn't spark a lot of enthusiasm, and just looked like a typical monster-bash, but I figured I would give it a shot. Much to my surprise, Breath of Bones looks to be one of the best comics I will read this year. Based on this first issue, it's a complicated, heartwarming and heart-wrenching story with a depth of feeling I don't see in a lot of comics. It's beautiful. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Unleash The Fanboy - Max Delgado Jun 12, 2013

    Breath of Bones #1 is off to a strong start. If you want a title that seems intent on exploring the line between hero and monster, then go pick this up. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    IGN - Benjamin Bailey Jun 12, 2013

    What the seals the deal though -- what really makes this a such a stunning debut -- is Dave Wachter's art. The washed out gray tone of the pages gives life to the world in way that you wouldn't think possible. It's dark, dirty, and vibrant, a look it achieves without a hint of color. The pages where a grandfather shares the secret of the Golem with his grandson are bathed in darkness, the characters barely breaking through the deep black of the shadows. Breath of Bones is set to be another stunning miniseries from the folks who do books like this better than anybody, Dark Horse Comics. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Read Comic Books - Tommy Lutz Jun 12, 2013

    In closing, Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1 is a very gorgeous comic book, both in the art and in the story telling. The content is such that is often mishandled, but with Niles putting such focus on the characters, the awesomeness of the ensuing Golem uprising will be secondary. But with Niles at the helm we can also expect some great action and suspenseful moments to come. Great dialogue, great content, great art, all makes more a simply wonderful comic. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Sean Tonelli Jun 12, 2013

    Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem is going to be overlooked and shame on you for it. This is a horror story with tonnes of heart, topped with gorgeous black and white artwork. A sleeper hit in every sense of the word. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Jorge Solis Jun 14, 2013

    An impressive first issue, you should definitely get your hands on “Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem” #1. The writing and artwork are just top-notch. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Multiversity Comics - Michelle White Jun 14, 2013

    So far as action-light, introductory issues go, this first chapter of "Breath of Bones" is pretty solid, working in a real sense of pathos despite a lack of focalizing details. Between the strong writing and understated but powerful art, this story has a solid foundation to build on; and while it is moving slowly, we're talking masses of sentient clay, here, and that kind of magic takes time. My guess it'll be worth sticking around to see what coalesces. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Culture Mass - Boyd Reynolds Jun 14, 2013

    Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem is a solid first part of three. The setting and story-line match the artwork " engaging and timeless. The ending left me hopeful to see the golem kicking some Nazi butt. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton Jun 14, 2013

    "Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem" #1 has a nice story, and that's a good backbone for the rest of the comic. But the art? Well, even if the story wasn't good (which it is), I'd probably still come back. Keep an eye on Wachter. Whatever Wachter draws, I know I'll want to read it. This is a gorgeous comic from start to finish. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Ed Allen Jun 12, 2013

    Breath of Bones #1 is a fine introduction to a mini-series that has the potential to be rather moving and a worthwhile action comic, with solid artwork and writing throughout. There's nothing especially groundbreaking about it, in terms of genre or techniques, but it is very well done. While I am looking forward to some cathartic golem vs Nazis action in future issues, it's also nice to see a WW2 series that doesn't fall into the trap of glorifying war and, while I wouldn't blame those of you who decide to wait for it to be released in trade format, I would heartily recommend Breath of Bones to anyone who is looking to jump on a new mini-series this week. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Comics Crux - Cal Cleary Jun 17, 2013

    Breath of Bones #1 is just way too insubstantial for my tastes, but I'd still highly recommend keeping an eye on the series as a whole. It isn't breaking any new ground, but Niles and Santoro have found the perfect artist for their story, and that counts for a lot. IfBreath of Bonescan figure out exactly what it's trying to say and not get dragged down in details, this could turn into a a very good short series. As is, this is an incredible showcase for Wachter's talents, but the writing lacks a strong voice and the pacing leaves a lot to be desired. Read Full Review

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