Damage #1

Writer: Robert Venditti Artist: Tony Daniel, Danny Miki Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: January 17, 2018 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 33 User Reviews: 41
7.4Critic Rating
6.7User Rating

Tasked as the government's own living, breathing, ticking time bomb, Ethan retains no control when the monster takes over. Cheaper than a nuclear warhead and twice as effective, Ethan fights to rein in the damage he unleashes when the beast inside him springs free for one hour a day. With everyone around him in danger, Ethan struggles to contain the DAMAGE he inflicts on the DC Universe.
RATED T+

  • 10
    Critical Blast - S.J. Mitchell Jan 19, 2018

    DAMAGE is not just a run-of-the-mill, muscle-bound, tank like we've seen in the past, so clear your mind of expectations and prepare yourself to be blown away. Read Full Review

  • 10
    DC Comics News - Jay Jan 19, 2018

    Despite the fast-paced composition, this is a very strong introduction to a future power player in the DC Universe thats validated by an established antihero team. The artwork is tight and my one regret is that Daniels pencils ends at the cover. While Vendittis pencils are awe-inspiring, I was hoping to see Tony draw the first issue. But thats a very small complaint to a great issue. Perhaps the limited dialogue works in its favor. I look forward to the second issue, and those who read this review should do so too. Read Full Review

  • 10
    On Comics Ground - Dwight Thomas Jr Apr 10, 2018

    This one is leading to a crazy confrontation between the Fantastic 4 and Doom versus Doom lol. This issue was fire all the way through. I'm loving what they're doing giving us the Fantastic 4 back and it gets me even more excited for their eventual book that comes out. If one of Marvels best groups excites you on any level you NEED to be reading this. Also check out their future book when it comes out too. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Outright Geekery - Jacob Lucas Jan 24, 2018

    Not just a Hulk ripoff. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Watch - Robert Struble Mar 18, 2018

    The perfect way to bring back a franchise. Transformers Generation One is an amazing story, revitalizing the Transformer name, giving us the best of good versus evil and the best of both Optimus Prime and Megatron. Forget what you remember from the old comics. This one is truly more than meets the eye! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Weird Science - Branden Murray Jan 17, 2018

    I'm all in on Damage after issue #1 because this book has the perfect combination going for it so far of intrigue and action, all while looking beautiful on the page. I highly suggest you give this a shot, ignore the obvious Hulk comparisons, and dive in. This is as good a jumping on point for newbies as there may ever be and something that might reinvigorate long-time readers.   Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Jan 17, 2018

    Im optimistic Daniel and Venditti can keep Damage away from too many familiar Hulk paths. If theyre successful, this could be one of DCs surprise hits for 2018. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Graphic Policy - Brett Jan 17, 2018

    I wasn't quite sure what to expect but this was not it and that's a good thing. It feels like there's a vision here and the “New Age of Heroes” as a whole. While we've seen this before, the way it's presented feels fresh and exciting as it breaks DC's mold in some ways. Solid stuff that has me looking forward to seeing what's next. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Anthony Wendel Jan 17, 2018

    Just enough story to keep interest but a lot of great art makes it worth picking up. Read Full Review

  • 8.1
    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze Jan 17, 2018

    I had a good feeling about this New Age of DC Heroes, and they are off to a good start with Damage #1. This is the best time to introduce new heroes and concepts that take us beyond the same stories retold. If you are looking for a reason to invest in Damage, I think they gave us good reason to. New characters, creative, not quick to reveal everything at once, but gives us just enough to anticipate how this story branches into the rest of the world. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes Jan 17, 2018

    I am not sure how I feel about “The New Age of Heroes”. Whilst I sit on the fence, pondering if having a range of new characters is financially feasible for comic book fans (I know I can't afford to buy every book), retailers who may have to chop numbers in other areas such as indie books perhaps and DC; if I have a choice to buy a book with my favourite characters or a new book with a new character thatI have no real relationship with, how do you think my knee will jerk? These are questions for another time. In the meantime, the New Age is upon us with a pretty solid book straight out of the gate. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joe Glass Dec 12, 2017

    Damage #1 may look like a simple case of DC trying to make lightning strike twice by doing their own version of another publisher's character, but that is the most superficial way of looking at it. Damage has some new kinks and subtleties that ultimately make for a different story and experience, despite the surface appearance. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Jan 17, 2018

    With its last-second cameo featuring a big screen-worthy band of antiheroes, Damage may wind up being another casualty in a long line of new superhero characters - but as far as first impressions go, Damage packs a surprising wallop. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Jan 17, 2018

    Damage #1 is a damn cool comic. It's the kind of book you want to cut out pages from and post to your door in middle school. That's not a slight either. This slam-bang beat-'em-up formula is played to perfection and is everything Metal advertised itself to be. It's all about wild-looking characters tearing about cities and foes. That concept works in these pages because it has artists capable of pulling it off. Damage is all about impact and it plants its big moments like a punch. It's a reminder of how this sort of comic is supposed to be done. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Beat - Louie Hlad Jan 17, 2018

    As an introduction, this issue does its job. I'm listening. The trick now is to keep my attention and build a character who is more than just a big guy who smashes things. But, you know, have him smash a whole lot of stuff along the way, too. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    GWW - D. Ivester Jan 16, 2018

    Damage has great art, fantastic action panels, and a chance to give us something new in the DC Universe. I hope to see this series breakthrough a barrier to be a surprise standout and not buried beneath building rubble. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Jan 17, 2018

    Damage is an interesting character that will have people talking for a variety of reasons. "Is he a rehash of the Hulk?" is probably going to be on most people's minds, but to me DC has established it's a different character in many ways. They also tie-in some familiar DC character faces which should help give readers a sense of what kind of book this will be. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman Jan 17, 2018

    Welcome to the New Age of Heroes ladies and gentleman! Damage (2018-) #1 comes out of the gate swinging; this book hits hard and keeps on hitting throughout and when it finally stops, readers, with their heads dizzy from the action, will be eager to keep reading this series and will also be looking forward for what DC has in mind with other New Age of Heroes titles. Damage (2018-) #1 isn't perfect but it's entertaining. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    The Pop Break - Andrew Fontana Feb 3, 2018

    Art is definitely Damage #1's strong point. Daniel's pencils are epic in scope. He captures the sheer brute strength of Damage, and his sense of perspective adds realism to each panel. The blockbuster action which Daniel's excellent at smooths over the muddled quality of the script.Daniels is the co-creater of this book, so its entirely up to him to make this new character visually memorable. He succeeds in this character design with a figure that's as sleek as it is monstrous. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Jan 23, 2018

    Damage has a lot of potential and I have no doubts that the team here will be able to capitalize on it. The problem is that I don't think they did enough in the first issue to make you eager for the second issue unless you're just big into the artwork. For me, I'm of split mind based on this installment whether to wait for a trade of the first issue or try the book a bit more. The bit more has two factors to it in that it did not get my to hit the subscribe button so that I'd just get it automatically, but it did get me to preorder the second issue because it is priced at $2.99 and that's a buy-in price to try something a little longer if I think it has potential. I have faith in the creative team and want to support this New Age of Heroes initiative but this just needed more. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jan 17, 2018

    This is the first of the "New Age of DC Heroes" series to debut, and it's an extremely artist-driven issue. I'm not sure if this is the style of comic to expect in coming debuts, but it didn't blow me away so far " the look and action is there, I'm not sure the story is. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Bin - Leroy Douresseaux Jan 18, 2018

    Conceptually, Damage seems like a blending of Marvel's The Incredible Hulk, Dale Keown's The Pitt, and Tony Daniel's 1990s Image Comics series, The Tenth. Damage is not groundbreaking, but, as I said, the artists, colorist, and letterer deliver a graphics package that is so visually attractive that even my cynical self wants more. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison Dec 31, 2017

    Damage looks like it could be interesting. The first issue doesnt have me especially optimistic, but Im not ready to write it off either. I can recommend trying it for sure, though, and you should feel free to check it out. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Multiversity Comics - Rowan Grover Jan 18, 2018

    Prioritising style over substance, "Damage" #1 struggles to holds together an interesting plot but lucks out with an all-star art team that embody the term 'huge'. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    All-Comic - Jessica Petrecz Jan 23, 2018

    The book has a fun throwback feel with the art, but there is not a lot of original ideas or thoughts going on throughout this book. The book is a fun read overall, the main problem with the book isn't really the writing or art, but the purpose this book serves. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    On Comics Ground - Taylor Vessel Dec 31, 2017

    "Damage" has potential but maybe in the form of hurting DC's monthly sales. We'll just have to wait and see what the story brings to the table in the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    We The Nerdy - Kyle Simcox Jan 22, 2018

    As it stands, if you're a DC fan and you want a story akin to that of the Hulk, then Damage #1 is right up your alley. It's full of non-stop action and wanton destruction. You may be intrigued to learn how Ethan became Damage and stick with it, but the first issue lacks any meat to hook the readers, and it's an all too familiar road we've been down before. A guy becomes a monster, destroys some stuff, fights the government, and inevitably gets away. Until the next issue that is when Ethan's time runs out and the hour of Damage is upon him anyway. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal Jan 17, 2018

    Damage isn't going to change your comic book world. The character is going to feel familiar for all the reasons I've already listed, but the character has a lot of potentials. Both creators are talented writers and so working together they may just create something that can make a mark on the DC Universe. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Jan 17, 2018

    Damage #1 is a less than auspicious way of launching "The New Age of DC Heroes." This issue tells a very straightforward tale that does nothing to set its title character apart from the classic Hulk or the many other character's he's inspired over the years. Fans of Daniel's art may be won over regardless, but there's little about this series that feels genuinely new or different right now. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Comicosity - MJ Rae Jan 17, 2018

    Overall, this was a fun read. Damage has the potential to be an interesting player, and a randy band of anti-villains sneak in toward the end, providing some suspense and anticipation for the next issue. The true problem might simply be that there isn't enough here to support a solo series. Damage only exists for an hour a day, and only so much can happen in an hour. Will these moments of Damage, coupled with 23 hours of Ethan, be enough to hold readers' attention? Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Newsarama - Joey Edsall Jan 18, 2018

    As a purely aesthetic experience, artist Danni Miki and colorist Tomeu Morey create a visual spectacle balances a level of chaos with an attention to detail that never lets the panels lose a sense of space, making it more artistically cohesive work than a narratively cohesive comic. Read Full Review

  • 4.5
    Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick Jan 17, 2018

    It's too bad, because as the opening title of DC's New Age of Heroes, Damage #1 feels like a pale variation of a lot of other things that have come before and been done better rather than anything new. But, if you like some truly great art and don't care about the story, then you'll get your wish here. Read Full Review

  • 3.0
    411Mania - RobF Jan 25, 2018

    I'm not sure why this book was chosen to kick-off a new comic line. Looking at some of the other characters I think this one should have been launched somewhere in the middle. If this is the best the New Age has to offer I have little hope for the rest. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicman Jan 18, 2018

    Great book I see a lot of potential.I don't think this is a Hulk rip-off as many people say.Turning into a strong big monster isn't the most original idea.Plus it seems different.Ethan is a soldier not a genius.He can talk to Damage,it's not the other is unconcious and other is awake,which I think it can make some really good moments.So can't wait for the next one.

  • 8.0

    A big dumb book for a big dumb character. I think it works as an appetizer and I look forward to see what Venditti does with the character.

    I am also completely livid they ripped off Solomon Grundy for this.

  • 8.0
    Nick_Mad Jan 21, 2018

    The First Issue was Interesting,so I think I will read the whole series.

  • 8.0
    The bad who Jan 18, 2018

    I can say I'm on board with the series after the first issue. It's gorgeous to look at and has great action. It sure was short, but with all the splash pages, they did made the most of it. It's a real treat to look at and this new DC initiative with the 2.99 monthly issues is great to explore new things. Talents are there to back it up too. Sure, you could stop to comparison with the Hulk and with the not so original story, but honestly, is there so much original characters and storyline in the comic book world nowaday? Just enjoy and don't overthink it, it really fun and that's what comics should be about sometimes.

  • 8.0
    Face Puller Jan 17, 2018

    DAMAGE,
    is an overall acceptable story. It does suffer from many genre cliches (a jealous ex-partner, the obvious, villainous government amidst others) and an undeniable familiarity with THE HULK so while I am hopeful for The New Age of DC Heroes this is, an underwhelming start for the new line of DC heroes.
    Rating out of 100%
    :78%

    1-Art: 20
    2-Story: 10
    3-Design(Style): 10
    4-Colors: 20
    5-Lettering: 18

  • 7.5
    TheImageIsStrong Jan 20, 2018

    Solid art, and yeah definitely I think of Hulk etcetera but it was still a fun read. I look forward to see the other new DC New Age Super Heroes.

  • 7.5
    Nickweiser Jan 19, 2018

    Hi

  • 7.5
    HOSHWE Jan 17, 2018

    Its Alright. Nothing new story-wise, the art looks amazing, otherwise its nothing out of the ordinary. will see if it gets better in the future.
    7.5

  • 7.0
    Supes' soups Jan 17, 2018

    Very subpar, mediocre, lackluster, and uninspired first issue for all the hype and delays. The art is only decent (not Daniel's best work by a long shot). I realize it's only a first issue but it was such a quick five minute read with only chaotic action and barely any plot and character introduction, I couldn't even tell what the first name of the title character was until I read a blurb online. And how is this supposed to relate to Metal? Is this one of the messed up earths of the dark multiverse? Then is that the earth prime Amanda Waller or some other one? Not too impressed with this new age of heroes schtick...

  • 7.0
    Haand Jan 17, 2018

    This has potential, but this first issue seemed more like a preview than a full issue. An ending that has me wondering what will happen next, although I feel like something should have been resolved. Nice art, but I hope the story can advance more than this.

  • 6.5
    Maria17♥ Jan 18, 2018

    A rip off of the Hulk, a Rip Off of nick fury (in the form of a woman) in a Hulk cliche story of a man running away from the government
    great art, unoriginal script

  • 6.0
    Briton Jan 21, 2018

    Hulk rip-off.

  • 6.0
    SloboSOY Jan 18, 2018

    So what we have. Well for now we know not much and I wanted to smash the Ligget. He was really dumb to mock Ethan, then beg him to let him leave, for mock him once more. Very dumb. I don't see how it's related to metal for now. But I not like this Damage.
    Some sort of Abomination created by the army & who want to be free ... Smell hulk !
    The fact that the suicide squad appear at the end not make me happy too. I don't like them.

    Cover - Well I didn't understand why we have some part of the immortal men cover inside. That said not bad & well related to what I read 2/2
    Writing - Tony Daniel loose his the Pitt touch. Doomed was more interesting after his first issue. Not a good sign. 1/3
    Arts - Yeah he can draw sc more

  • 5.5
    Nihilist Jan 17, 2018

    Damage looks, feels and reads like Hulk, since to a degree, he's Hulk. Sure, super soldier motif is very (probably too much for its own good) popular in comics, and classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde trope was used on more than one occasion to depict hidden goodness in certain characters, most notably Hulk, but the general feel of the book reminds me of Hulk, and to put it simply, Damage could be a comic adaptation of Hulk movie with Edward Norton as Bruce Banner.

    Usage of Suicide Squad, strangely featuring Solomon Grundy (who Hulk ripped off, and now Damage ripped off him to close the circle), may be logical, since rogue weapons of mass destruction are something they could be deployed to deal with, but I think it's pretty clear the more

  • 4.5
    MKW69 Jan 17, 2018

    Most Decompressed Comic I've read. Bendis can Learn, from this. It took me less than a minute to read it. It's also Hulk Rip off. Mixed with Venom (ugh), and Super Soldier motive.

  • 4.0
    Steve C Jan 23, 2018

    Plllllppppp [wet fart sound]. After reading this, I'm bummed that I asked my comic shop to pull each of the "New Age of Heroes" titles.

    The art is cool, but the story just seems so one-dimensional and hackneyed.

  • 4.0
    ak94 Jan 19, 2018

    terrible, all the bad of 90's comics in a single issue.

  • 3.0
    danielannam Jan 24, 2018

    I personally didn't like it. It reminded me too much of the mean, green, wrecking machine (I mean The Hulk, incase you're an uncultured swine lol) to really take him serious. The writers should've know that it would be impossible to avoid comparisons between Damage and The Hulk, and should've given him a fresher, more compelling story. Everything I saw in the comic felt worn out and recycled.
    I don't even see why he was introduced to the DC landscape, he's really not needed; unless they're saving up new characters (like Sideways and Brimstone) for a future event. Either way, it didn't work.

    DID NOT ENJOY.

  • 3.0
    Afre Jan 17, 2018

    So we have this big strong guy who can't talk and is angry and his human self cannot control his monster self and he is facing army. WHERE HAVE WE SEEN THIS BEFORE?


    Awful comic. The writing is so predictable (we don't have to be their monster) or whatever and the artwork is mediocre at best.


    I don't mind DC and Marvel borrowing each other's ideas as long as they can make it interesting and have new dynamics. Marvel's Hyperion is a "pastiche" (nice word for rip-off) of Superman but seeing him work with Avengers/Ultimates especially Thor is interesting. But this? This is just forgettable version of Hulk's backstory.


    +Damage looks pretty cool
    +"Hulk" joining Suicide Squad is interesting more

  • 10
    Sarp onut Jan 22, 2019

  • 10
    Charles Apr 19, 2018

  • 10
    Mark Apr 19, 2018

  • 10
    Inknight033 Mar 16, 2018

  • 9.0
    Dispatchdcu Jan 18, 2018

  • 9.0
    KFuqua Jan 17, 2018

  • 9.0
    Navy Blue Robin Jan 17, 2018

  • 8.5
    that dude Jan 18, 2018

  • 7.0
    Sherman The Wonder Dog May 22, 2018

  • 7.0
    GL Mike Feb 6, 2018

  • 7.0
    Tior Jan 26, 2018

  • 7.0
    egonnn244 Jan 22, 2018

  • 7.0
    FrenchLover Jan 16, 2018

  • 6.5
    ZachPort123 Mar 29, 2023

  • 6.5
    TheFallenKing13 Jan 17, 2018

  • 6.0
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  • 6.0
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  • 4.5
    Rotivv Feb 23, 2018

  • 4.5
    darkfire369 Jan 23, 2018

  • 4.5
    JCP Jan 20, 2018

  • 4.0
    EDiakota Jan 24, 2018

  • 1.0
    dude Aug 30, 2018

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