Subgenre #1
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Subgenre #1

Writer: Matt Kindt Artist: Wilfredo Torres Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Release Date: October 18, 2023 Cover Price: $7.99 Critic Reviews: 8 User Reviews: 2
8.2Critic Rating
7.8User Rating

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A man is living two lives. He is a private detective in a dystopian cyberpunk future trying to solve a triple murder. But when he falls asleep... he wakes up as a wandering adventurer in a barbaric fantasy world where magic exists. Is he two separate people? Or is he a third person that has undergone a psychotic split? He jumps back and forth from sword-wielding barbarian to jaded private eye trying to solve the brutal crime. But the bigger question is, can he merge these realities without losing himself?

  • 10
    Major Spoilers - Ingrid Lind-Jahn Oct 21, 2023

    Subgenre #1 opens strong, drawing us right into a murder mystery that almost looks like a setup to catch the detective himself. But when he awakens as a different self in an entirely different world, everything is thrown off kilter and suddenly the standard noir tropes no longer apply! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Capes & Tights - Jared Thomas Sep 19, 2023

    Among the many exciting moments in Subgenre #1, the cliffhanger at the end of the comic sets the stage for what promises to be an even more thrilling adventure in the next issue. With a perfect mix of fantastical elements and noir-inspired detective fiction, this comic is sure to become a classic. Subgenre proves that good storytelling, coupled with exceptional art, can create a book that is visually and narratively pleasing. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Christopher Egan Oct 20, 2023

    "Subgenre" #1 is playing a few mind games with not only its protagonist, but the reader as well. A fascinating blend of satire, cyberpunk, and high fantasy that will keep you guessing as to whether or not it is all worth it while whispering to you that it is. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Graphic Policy - Brett Oct 18, 2023

    Subgenre #1 is a weird start that dances around and pulls off something so many other comics have failed at. Where it goes with it all is key but I have faith in Kindt who has shown time and time again he can balance short entertainment with long term payoff. The fact he has this reader looking for clues shoes he's “trained” his readers well to look over every detail, as you'll never know what will matter. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Oct 18, 2023

    There's a lot to like with this opening installment as the initial setting is interesting and not overdone, the characters are solid with plenty of room to go, and the overall design and aesthetic draws you in without being over-the-top. The story concept has a lot going for it even with how familiar it is because the execution is good and some amount of self-awareness as well so that it knows and admits some of what's going on is basically cliche. But that just opens it up to tweak things and explore some new areas and we get that with the twist toward the end that leaves things uncertain. Definitely a lot of fun and a solidly engaging read with great visuals. I'm excited to see what this team has put together in what's to come. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Oct 15, 2023

    While Subgenre looks like it is merging two schools of genre fiction into some rough chimera, it is clearly building towards a bigger point. What that point may be is unclear, but I think it will be amusing seeing where this story goes. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    AIPT - Chris Coplan Oct 18, 2023

    Even if this story isn't as strong as others Bang! really nailed the rush and absurdity of this specific plot device there's evidence here that as these two worlds further blur, there could be a gritty slice of noir adventure awaiting readers. You've just got to hold on and wait for the walls to really start crumbling. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicBook.com - Connor Casey Oct 18, 2023

    Its opening issue doesn't hit the level of "must read," but it's memorable. Read Full Review

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