Weird Detective #1

CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top

• 10

  AIPT - Nick Nafpliotis

  May 21, 2016

  There's just so much about this book that's good. Even if you haven't read a single sentence of Lovecraft's prose, it's still a supremely enjoyable read. For those of us familiar with his work, however, Weird Detective is liable to make you go mad with joy. Read Full Review

• 10

  CourtOfNerds - Grant Stoye

  Jun 14, 2016

  This book presents a tremendous opportunity to hop onto something really special before it takes off, and to ignore it is to deny yourself a truly unique piece of art. Van Lente is one of the best in the biz, and Vilanova and crew will soon join those ranks. Read Full Review

• 10

  Newsarama - Justin Partridge

  Jun 14, 2016

  Weird Detective #1 does what many comics and Lovecraft adaptations have failed to do, make the seminal weird fiction balls out fun. By fleshing out their original short story into a double-sized debut issue, Van Lente, Vilanova, Gonzalez and Wallace are allowed the page count to let their plot breathe, add much needed dynamics and depth to the characters, and fully revel in the monster and supernaturally power filled weirdness of the world they have created. All the while delivering a by the numbers buddy cop story complete with banter and straight up comedic beats. Lovecraftian genre tales are a dime a dozen in popular culture, but Weird Detective #1 stands above the lot by displaying a vast knowledge of the source material along with a keen eye for funny, engaging ways to present that material. Read Full Review

• 10

  Comicosity - Doug Zawisza

  Jun 20, 2016

  Considerably entrenched in the realm of horror, but equally formed from crime noir, Weird Detective is a story that gives readers a lot to absorb, a lot to enjoy, and even more to look forward to. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Following The Nerd - Marc

  May 25, 2016

  The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear. And the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. Weird Detective gives us plenty of that, while treating fans of horror comics to a story they feel they know, but have never quite seen this way. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Big Comic Page - Mike Annernio

  Jun 14, 2016

  I hope this series finds it's audience, because the audience that it aims for is going to love this. I can't recommend this enough, if this sounds like you're kind of book: IT IS. Even if this doesn't sound like your type of thing (like me) you should still give it a shot. The bizarre twists and turns that it constantly takes, teemed with the intelligent and fun storytelling makes for one of the best new books currently on shelves. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Comic Crusaders - Alan

  Jun 15, 2016

  You can't really ask for much more from an opening issue. Weird Detective #1 gives enough to draw you in while holding back enough to bring you back for the next installment. The writing is strong, the art is beautiful and I highly recommend seeking this title out during your next trip to your local comic shop. Dark Horse has a hit on their hands with this one. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick

  Jun 15, 2016

  Weird Detective #1 is a sharp debut that successfully embodies both halves of its title, with the weirdness being fun, unsettling and intriguing while the Detective aspect draws enough noir mood to ground the story's stranger elements. If this issue is anything to go by, the rest of "Weird Detective" will take us on a dark and exciting ride, and that's why I give it a 9/10. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Horror DNA - James Ferguson

  Jun 17, 2016

  Weird Detective mixes noir level detective drama and terrifying horror with a bit of humor thrown in to sweeten the pot.  This issue gives you everything you need to know to immerse yourself in the series and at a bargain price for all the content you get in this oversized edition.  Greene is a strange character that definitely lives up to the name of the book.  He's one that I'm interested in following and finding out more about in future chapters. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  ComicWow!TV - Bhavna Bakshi

  Jun 17, 2016

  So far, this series has grabbed my attention and holds it with a tight grasp. I don’t know where Sebastian came from, or what his real goal is in taking over a human’s life, but I’m excited to find out. The end of this issue is a butt-load of monsters and Sana getting jumped where Sebastian has led her. I have tons of questions, but I’m sure Van Lente will answer them in due time. This issue is a really impressive book that shows just how talented the creative team is. For any and all horror fans, get hip to it! Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Graphic Policy - christopher scott author

  Jun 21, 2016

  The artwork by Guiu Vilanova manages to take the natural gritty darkness of noir, adding the tentacled brilliant strangeness of the Cthulhu mythos. While the odd nature of Greene's life is brilliantly polished, it does leave one with a sense of mystery and intrigue. The alien landscapes are gorgeously well done, managing to be balanced with the natural landscapes of a big city. Read Full Review

• 8.7

  Multiversity Comics - Jess Camacho

  Jun 16, 2016

  Weird? Sure. But that's it's charm. "Weird Detective" #1 is funny and has a great core mystery. Read Full Review

• 8.6

  Impulse Gamer - Lyla Saudi

  Jun 05, 2016

  This issue is a great start to the series. Even though I found the pace a bit slow to begin with it was definitely an enjoyable read. I cant wait to get my hands on the next issue so I can find out more about Greenes senses and who or what is behind these bizarre crimes. Read Full Review

• 8.5

  FanboyNation - Josh Heffington

  Jun 13, 2016

  Weird Detective #1 was a very fun story to read. With 52 pages of comic book, it was very much worth it. I am very interested to see where this next issue takes us as we find out more about Detective Sebastian Greene. Hopefully we will get more insight on his origins and his intentions. Maybe we also will get more comedic relief from him and his talking cat. Read Full Review

• 8.5

  Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze

  Jun 16, 2016

  Weird Detective #1 is exciting new story for all the otherworldly things happening in this world that this one Detective will tackle for the sake of saving his own people. For a miniseries that kicked off in a big way making sure that we knew exactly what is in store for us. Already having issues done in advance also helps. The best reason why the Dark Horse Presents anthology is not something to overlook. Read Full Review

• 8.3

  Heroes Direct - Adam Fitch

  Jun 19, 2016

  It's fascinating to brainstorm as to where Weird Detective will go, it's been proven in just one issue that it's a breath of fresh air. Please, please, please check out this issue - even if it doesn't sound like your cup of tea, it's definitely worth a shot. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Comic Book Resources - Jim Johnson

  Jun 16, 2016

  "Weird Detective" #1 impresses overall, as the entire creative team delivers enough twists to easily fill its forty-six pages. This debut issues offers readers an affordable look at a detective who's pleasantly weird, indeed. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  All-Comic - Matthew Strackbein

  Jun 16, 2016

  Weird Detective is off to a solid start and heres hoping it keeps up the momentum and whether the mundane will continue to fade into the surreal. If the first issue proves anything its that the weird is only going to get weirder. Read Full Review

• 7.0

  Newsarama - Joey Edsall

  May 23, 2016

  At 46 pages, Weird Detective offers a lot for you to sink your tentacles into. Despite some occasional hiccups in tone, it offers a really solid story, moody atmosphere, and unique lead character. The pacing of the major plot is laid out well, with Van Lente scattering just enough breadcrumbs for readers to tell that all of the strange things happening in the pages are connected somehow. Vilanova's artwork is often stellar, and is in top form during some late-issue splash pages showing us multiple elder gods. This is preceded by the brilliant juxtaposition of Sebastian's narration boxes with Sana's notepad narration. The narrative and art work together to progressively raise the stakes as the world of the story expands rapidly outward. The last third of the issue is by far the strongest, and if that momentum keeps going, this series can really be something special. With a strong start, it is definitely weird. Read Full Review

• 7.0

  Comics: The Gathering - Ian B

  Jun 14, 2016

  Ultimately I remain unsure of exactly how I felt about this issue. All of the pieces are there for a very interesting and psychologically thrilling story, and I'm definitely on board to see where this goes, but I doubt that this issue would do a lot to win over a reader that wasn't as interested in its Lovecraftian roots. For those of us that are more familiar with the lore, however, I anticipate if nothing else an interesting ride. Read Full Review

• 7.0

  Pop Culture Uncovered - Brett I

  Jun 15, 2016

  For value, this might be the best place for it on the stands this week. While having the 3.99 price point, this gifts you a double sized book for the price of one. On top of that, Van Lente is crafting an interesting story, which found a perfect home at Dark Horse. Lets hope, as I expect it to, that the art gets back on track with issue 2. Read Full Review

• 4.0

  Comic Bastards - Asa Giannini

  Jun 15, 2016

  There's one running joke in Weird Detective #1 that represents my whole reading experience pretty perfectly. Whenever the subject of how odd Greene is comes up, his peers blame it on him being from Canada. When its first used it's a solid, amusing joke that makes the book seem light on fun. By the third time, it's getting a little repetitive. When one character actually explains the joke, saying ' why do people keep saying that like it's an explanation?" it becomes dumb and dull. There's a good comic buried in Weird Detective, but it's buried deep. Read Full Review