Rebels #1

Writer: Brian Wood Artist: Andrea Mutti Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Release Date: April 8, 2015 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 28 User Reviews: 4
7.8Critic Rating
8.6User Rating

In a rush of great public resistance to an oppressive and excessive government, a homegrown militia movement is formed in rural America. This is not 2015, but 1775. With the war for independence playing out across the colonies, young Seth and Mercy Abbott find their new marriage tested at every turn, as the demands of the frontlines and the home front collide.

  • 10
    Comic Spectrum - Bob Bretall Mar 22, 2015

    I think this series is going to be talked about and be winning awards in the years to come, you should get on board at the ground floor. It's a really entertaining read, beautiful to look at, and you might just learn some history along the way, what a deal! Entertaining. Enlightening. Enrapturing. Buy this book! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Kabooooom - Gregory Goode Apr 10, 2015

    If this first issue of Rebels were a one-shot, it would feel like a complete, satisfying story. But with references to greater struggles and heartache to come, this revolution is only beginning. Do yourself a favor " read Rebels #1, and thank your lucky stars if you read another debut as fully realized this year. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Apr 8, 2015

    The book as a whole is just engaging throughout for me, with great narration pieces, solid dialogue that flows well and a visual design that's just striking. There's a sense for me that this would work better here than in a live action piece simply because of the way you get to be drawn to the details of it all and Mutti makes it feel very lived in and natural, making the artwork a big part of the appeal. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Needless Essentials Online - Stan Ford Mar 15, 2015

    This is a series that I look forward to reading the next issue. If you would like to make up your mind yourself, check out the preview we put up earlier. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Word Of The Nerd - Oscar Maltby Apr 10, 2015

    Dark Horse should be applauded for publishing Rebels #1. Gutsy, well-written and with solid artwork, itis the first part of a grounded historical tale that will elevate the literary value of anyone's pull list. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Forrest Hollingsworth Apr 8, 2015

    This first issue is just a stepping stone but it’s a carefully crafted one. Everything we know about Seth and America and Britain and war and peace and violence and humanity from this first issue will be expanded in the coming ones, I have no doubt. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    The Latest Pull - Barry Donnelly Apr 8, 2015

    Brian Wood has resurrected an era of American history that will satisfy the history buff and the lover of good comics alike. Don't miss this issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Maxwell Majernik Mar 13, 2015

    Beautifully drawn and well told, Rebels #1 is a strong beginning. The one misstep the story had will fix itself as the series continues and should be able to keep the momentum issue #1 created. Wood and Mutti have done their history homework and put together a very interesting and enjoyable take on America's history. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Graphic Policy - Edward Wendt Apr 8, 2015

    The end result is a compact and interesting story that manages to touch on some common iconography while also establishing a little bit of its own. It serves as a reminder that even in such a time and place that imagination opens the doors to new perspectives on old material. In a certain sense this is even an almost simplistic story, but it succeeds where it needs to in order to pull the reader in and promises more excitement to come in the following issues. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Geeked Out Nation - Jess Camacho Mar 12, 2015

    "Rebels" #1 is all introduction but wow is it ever an introduction. This is an action packed and dynamic first issue that sucks you in and doesn't let go. If this issue is any indicator then "Rebels" is going to be a very special and memorable series. I'm fully on board for more. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker Mar 12, 2015

    In the first issue, the focus is the smaller community, and the individual, and by the end we're reminded that those smaller communities provide incredible insight, but also the greatest change. The smallest voice can have the biggest impact, and that enough of those small voices together can help shape the world for the better. In just the first issue, Wood reminds us of that, and at the same time questions how far we've truly come as a nation. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Apr 9, 2015

    If you enjoyed Brian Wood's work on Northlanders, this series will be very much up your alley. Wood takes a conflict that has been mythologized over the centuries and re-examines it from a more grounded perspective. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Doom Rocket - Molly Jane Kremer Apr 13, 2015

    Much of Brian Wood's works are methodically paced, taking patience to get to the well-earned payoffs. Rebels looks to be another piece in this same style in that it also includes intensely character-driven and thought-provoking drama amidst world-changing events. Such restrained story-telling isn't for everyone (especially for an audience now used to superhero comics' mega-crossovers, each trying to outdo the last in chaotic bombast) but this is a comic that is quiet (well, mostly), requiring actual thought and rumination about the dialogue, plot, and the repercussions of these historical (and, at the time, unprecedented) events. This is compelling, slow-burn historical fiction, and Wood's return to the genre is a beautiful one. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Therapy - Kevin Finnigan Apr 9, 2015

    A good start to the series that scratches an itch I didn't know I had for comics. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal Mar 13, 2015

    All in all this was a solid first issue. It didn't knock my socks off, but I'm willing to come back for the second issue. I really don't know if it'll hold my attention for the entire series, but that's just my personal taste. If you enjoy historical dramas then you're probably foaming at the mouth for Rebels #1, but if you've never read one in comic book form then why not give this one a shot. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Crusaders - Martin Ferretti Mar 13, 2015

    If you're apprehensive about giving this book a try because of its setting, don't be. Rebels #1 offers both a beautiful, emotional script with terrific visuals that anyone who appreciates what the comic book medium can do needs to add to their pull list. The first issue is out April 8, 2015. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Apr 8, 2015

    Who says comics can't be educational and entertaining? Brian Wood is diving into America's fight for independence in 1775. In a comic book landscape full of superhero books, it's great to get something with a completely different feel. Wood's historical fiction makes you want to find out even more about the time period. With art by Andrea Mutti and colors by Jordie Bellaire, everything looks fantastic. This first issue sets up the characters and time period. If you're a history buff or interested in the time period, check out this series to get a taste of what things were like. This is just the beginning of a fascinating comic book journey through historic events. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Nerdophiles - Sam Wildman Apr 15, 2015

    I'm looking forward to seeing how this story moves forward. Issue #1 is the first in a six part story arc entitled "A Well-Regulated Militia." So we'll check in again once the arc has concluded! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Unleash The Fanboy - John McCubbin Mar 12, 2015

    Rebels is a wonderful insight into the American Revolution, as though there is a lot still to explore, the character depth more than intrigues. The immersive narration, and gritty artwork also manages to draw this reader in, with the second issue not coming soon enough. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Rhymes With Geek - J. Reifler Apr 7, 2015

    The last page introduction of a love story seems slightly interesting but then again it's a bit late into the story.Will this series be a mix of flashbacks or set in the present day? I just can't tell where it's going but in this instance it's not really a good thing. I found myself not feeling very much either way after finishing and while that will probably put me in the minority of reviewers, I wouldn't say this issue is a must read at all. MaybeRebelswill find it's footing as it goes on and sets up the overall narrative but for now feel free to wait a bit longer before diving in. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comix I Read - Kyle Pitman Apr 9, 2015

    Overall, the artwork stands out more than anything, with the writing feeling a little compact due to narration. It was a solid story, but it's not necessarily on the top of my pull list for next month. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comics Bulletin - Matt McGrath Apr 14, 2015

    Brian Wood (Star Wars, X-Men) deftly tells the story and dances on the line between historical fiction and historical fantasy pretty well.Andrea(Evil Empire, Noir) Muttis pencils are deftly executed. The one gripe is in the lettering, which isnt credited. The narration uses a serif type face think Times New Roman. Its a bit anachronistic. It would add to the feel if the narration looked like handwriting. Overall, this is a book worth checking out if for nothing but the spectacle of it all and a peek at a part of the war that is often overlooked. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Brady Steele Apr 8, 2015

    Overall, I really enjoyed the artwork more than the story. I never really was too curious about this time in American history, but I will try out this series based on the pedigree of creative minds involved. It's worth a try and hopefully the action keeps flying by readers to get people like me invested in this. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Resources - Matt Little Mar 12, 2015

    Though it's set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, Wood and Mutti's "Rebels" is about basic human rights and the freedom to grow into a person or a country on one's own time. As the series expands its scope, it will be interesting to see how much of Seth's more basic wants are sacrificed for the greater cause. "Rebels" #1 is a good comic book full of solid characterization and beautiful art. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Forces Of Geek - Atlee Greene Mar 16, 2015

    Brian Wood and company pulled off a serviceable first issue that set the stage and there is plenty of room for growth that needs to be taken upon in order for the series to flourish in the months ahead. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Apr 11, 2015

    Rebels is aimed at readers that have an interest in period-piece comics from hundreds of years ago. A reader that isn't interested in American History could still fall in love with the characters but eventually this comic is going to get more political and that might turn some folks off. For now, this is an entertaining read covering ground that isn't often covered in comics. This is a good comic to give a try. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    The Fandom Post - Aj Adejare Mar 13, 2015

    Rebels, has a lot to do from here on out. Rebels needs to prove to itself that it knows where the narrative is going. It needs to know how to bring that narrative, the world, most importantly why this era is so important to the characters. Bring that sense of why this era is important to readers and how it connects to the emotions, feelings, and urgency to the characters. If Rebels can do that, it can bring in readers into the comic. If they cannot it is going to be a rough sell for many people except for the niches. For right now, the only thing you can say is, "well they tried". Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    AIPT - John F. Trent Mar 18, 2015

    I really wanted to like Rebels #1. It is a story about property rights, lower taxes, and freedom — things which I highly value. However, Wood's overuse of exposition really bogs the story down and he hampers Andrea Mutti's ability to portray everything he is describing. There were some bright spots with the courthouse action panels and verbal fights creating a lot of apprehension as well as dislike of the Redcoats. The issue felt too much like a setup for the rest of the series which will hopefully drop the narrative exposition going forward. There are some potentially dynamic characters here; let's hope Wood and Mutti are able to develop them. Read Full Review

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