The Silencer #1

Writer: Dan Abnett Artist: John Romita Jr. Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: January 31, 2018 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 31 User Reviews: 37
7.7Critic Rating
8.0User Rating

"CODE OF HONOR" part one! She's one of the DC Universe's deadliest assassins...and you've never heard of her. Super-strong, highly trained, armed with devastating and stealthy meta-human abilities, the Silencer is virtually invincible. Or at least she was. After decades as Leviathan's chief assassin, Honor Guest put in her time and managed to get out with her skin intact. Now she lives a normal life with a normal family in a normal house on a normal street. But the past has come back to haunt her in the form of her old employer and a deadly new mission...and Talia Al Ghul won't take no for an answer.
RATED T+

  • 9.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Jan 31, 2018

    DC is smartly incorporating these New Age of Heroes into the main universe with connections to long time characters. This allows Abnett an opportunity to link Honor with an unexpected Batman character. That connection and the backstory behind it seems very interesting. The Silencer has an engaging premise and strong creative team so Im expecting big things from it and this will be one I keep a close eye on in 2018. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Crusaders - Andy Hall Jan 31, 2018

    This is a gripping title launch and I'd be interested in seeing where this goes. I can't think of many comics that have been headlined by a woman killer who becomes determined to take the fight to her enemies, while trying to be a good mom. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Graphic Policy - Jon Carroll Jan 31, 2018

    If I have one criticism it's this: TheSilencer is heavily tiedinto the end of Grant Morrisons Batman run (I cant really reveal how without spoilers). While it's not hard for longtime DC readers to follow (even those like me who havent read many of issues in question), I dont think that brand new readers are well served by the level of name dropping, especially in a first issue. It's particularly annoying given that this a brand new character. Depending on how the story develops and how the creators handle the exposition in issues to come it might not be a long term problem but as things stand now I would hesitate to recommend this to anyone without at least passing familiarity with recent Bat-history. For everyone else it gets a hearty thumbs up. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Outright Geekery - Jacob Lucas Feb 3, 2018

    The art of John Romita Jr. is on point and the story doesn't miss a beat. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Jan 31, 2018

    A strong first issue featuring a new and interesting character. Read Full Review

  • 8.6
    Outright Geekery - Brian A. Madrid Feb 10, 2018

    This is a hit. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    IGN - Blair Marnell Feb 1, 2018

    For a new series, this is off to a very promising start. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick Jan 31, 2018

    DC's New Age of Heroes Initiative delivers a winner with The Silencer #1. Creators John Romita Jr and Dan Abnett deliver a brand-new character that is immediately engaging and cool, using a strong if familiar central concept that effectively ties her in to the DC Universe in a believable and exciting way. The trickiest thing in super-hero comics is trying to make a new character captivating to a fan base that really truthfully usually prefers the same characters they've been reading for decades, so you've got to admire how Honor Guest already feels like a character I can see popping up and integrating into the DCU proper. It's a bit odd that an initiative entitled "The New Age of Heroes" should so far center around concepts in which we're all so well-versed. But unlike "Damage" The Silencer #1 feels like DC's take on a classic, and it's a eminently readable one buoyed by top notch work form creators who know what they want to deliver and how to make it feel fresh. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Batman-News - Joshua McDonald Feb 1, 2018

    The Silencer isn't perfect, but it's damn close. The simplification of the presentation, combined with the relatability of the characters, scores this title some major points. Abnett and Romita do an outstanding job of delivering their concept, which is already a step up from Damage. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Black Nerd Problems - Omar Holmon Jan 31, 2018

    If TheSilencer #1 is running the first lap for DC Comics' The New Age of Heroes team, then we're off to a great start. This book is a fun look at the new stories and characters being rolled out. The Silencer is back for the first time and got people out here shook. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Weird Science - Hussein Wasiti Jan 31, 2018

    I was quite honestly taken aback by how much I enjoyed this issue. While it's not like we haven't seen this kind of story before, I think that the creators have infused just enough to keep it fresh and exciting, especially since its portrayal of Honor's family feels very genuine. Romita's art has improved over the past couple of years, and I think that this series is definitely worth checking out. Read Full Review

  • 8.1
    On Comics Ground - Christina Williams Feb 2, 2018

    The Silencer #1 is the origin story of one of DC's deadliest assassins, and what's that? You don't know her? The Silencer is more than just a formidable assassin. She's a mother and a wife. The duality of her life catches up to her quickly. Just why is Leviathan rearing back up? Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Michael D Jan 31, 2018

    The book might not have the most original premise but it provided plenty of fun and some great art from JRJR. Silencer makes for a fine addition to the DC Universe. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comicosity - Chris Campbell Jan 31, 2018

    Overall The Silencer is a lot of fun to read and is the perfect introduction to Honors world. The reader should be hooked to come back more with this issue and hopefully it keeps up the pace it starts with. There is enough here to build up and on to in order to really flesh out this character and keep it from becoming too trope-y. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Richard Gray Feb 2, 2018

    Storytellers John Romita, Jr. and Dan Abnett come swinging out of the gate with the tale of the past catching up with ex-Leviathan assassin turned suburban mom. The character comes equipped with an inventive set of powers, in which the Talia Al-Ghul trained fighter encases her foe in a field devoid of sound. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Jan 30, 2018

    The series may have limited appeal to those who don't like high-octane action series or stories focused on assassin protagonists. Personally, I think those who enjoy series like John Ostrander's Suicide Squad will find a lot to like about The Silencer. I know I can't stay quiet about how good I think it is. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    GWW - Deron Generally Jan 30, 2018

    A good first issue that establishes the core conflicts well with some great art. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Geekery Magazine - Lucas Fashina Jan 31, 2018

    This being a first appearance of Honor Guest, It does have legs and I can envision the character having a pretty good run but I would wait a little bit before speculating on this book, either way it is a good read. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison Jan 9, 2018

    All considered, Silencer was a genuinely enjoyable and interesting read. It has its flaws, and theyre not miniscule. However, the good does outweigh the bad, and I came out the other side of the comic pleased with the experience. I think you will too, so give it a try when it comes out. I recommend it. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jan 31, 2018

    There's promise here, but it's not a home run yet. Read Full Review

  • 7.2
    Nerds On The Rocks - Earl Rufus Feb 18, 2018

    The Silencer adds a new flavor of comics to DC's stable of books, but the first issue isn't without its problems. That said, it's a fun start with a lot of interesting strings to pull at in future issues. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Feb 5, 2018

    The Silencer is the kind of book that’s tough to judge on a first read, or even a second or third. As a standalone piece of storytelling, it’s solid and capable - but it feels a little too familiar to be memorable on its own merits. That said, John Romita, Jr. and Dan Abnett are certainly two talented creators in their own rights, and their overall execution is a sterling reminder of that - when you have Romita on a book, it’s often an event in its own right, given his track record. But a book can only survive on its good looks for so long, before it’s only preaching to an ever-diminishing choir. Here’s hoping that now that she’s back in action, The Silencer will make a louder statement for herself moving forward. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    411Mania - RobF Feb 8, 2018

    I have to say I have more faith in The Silencer than I did in Damage. In my opinion DC should have lead with this issue because it has the potential to be good. I am curious to see where Romita and Abnett take this and I want to know more about Honor. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    You Don't Read Comics - Jeremy Joanes Jan 31, 2018

    Despite being a rather unoriginal jumping off point, Silencer has the potential to show an interesting side to the DC Universe. If you love action movies, or are just curious about the world of assassins, this is a comic you should check out. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    DC Comics News - Danny Saab Feb 3, 2018

    Despite the lackluster artwork, the story was solid and worth a read. I'm not sure where the writers will take this character in upcoming issues,butisn't thatthe best part abouthaving brand new original characters? Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Pop Break - Andrew Fontana Feb 3, 2018

    Romita and White bring a bright, highly stylized tone to the artwork. Romita's pencils are more cartoonish than most of his peers, but they fit the book's more outlandish elements. His work is a bit more stiff in the quiter scenes, however, and the anatomy of his figures can be odd for people used to more realistic styles. His longtime collaborator Dean White enlivens each panel with his bright hues. Taken together they are one of the strongest art teams working in comics, but its questionable whether such colorful art is a good fit for a book as dark as this. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Multiversity Comics - Gustavo S. Lodi Feb 5, 2018

    "The Silencer" #1 is a good first issue, providing enough context to keeps readers invested, but without relying on an overabundance of plot elements. John Romita Jr's art is dynamic as ever, but detractors of his work won't find much here to change their minds. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Cat Wyatt Jan 31, 2018

    As far as first issues go, this one was neither here nor there. It certainly has potential, but it also tried to cram way too much into a single issue. Introducing the character, her backstory, her family, and her abilities is a tall order, and I would have preferred to see them dished out a bit slower. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    CourtOfNerds - Grant Stoye Jan 31, 2018

    All in all, I was pretty satisfied when I finished the issue. I would like to know how this all ties back to the opening scene in the book, and Id LOVE to see Honors power used in more combat situations. Id recommend this to someone looking for a fun new book. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Feb 3, 2018

    The new series is of to an OK start, resting more on premise than on character. But it's got good characters, too. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    The Beat - Kyle Pinion Jan 31, 2018

    Still, there might be something fun here regarding the future of Leviathan and Honor's role within it, but Abnett and Romita need a gel a little more as a team, otherwise, this is going to be one of the first entries in the New Age to come to an early conclusion. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Superheroes for Hire Feb 23, 2018

    I had no idea what to expect from this series, except for the fact that it was going to be John Romita, Jr. on art. The cover implies some sort of vengeful assassin plot, which is surprisingly not what happens in the story at all. Instead we are treated to a frenetic day in the life of Honor Guest, as she fights to keep her family safe from her hidden past. I went from skeptical to firmly on board for wherever this story takes me as a reader. I actually loved the John Romita, Jr. art here, as the story is very fitting to his action-packed style. His collaboration with Dan Abnett has resulted in a surprisingly fun story with some great art. Sssshhhhh...

  • 8.5
    Supershamu Feb 5, 2018

    I decided to check this out at the recommendation of some comic reviewers I really like and let me tell you, both the description and the cover art do not do the comic justice. The story actually really hooked me and has me wishing this series was at least bi-montly. While the story is just getting started, it holds great promise and has so many set ups for completely heart breaking moments.

    For those weary of this series due to SJW elements I say fear not! I found the main character to actually be extremely likable and mortal suffering broken ribs, cuts and bruses at the hands of larger foes. Her first fight she nearly blacks out due to her injuries. She is also a woman who holds nothing else above her family and being a mother, more

  • 8.5
    HOSHWE Feb 1, 2018

    Pretty Good

    Story is surprisingly really good, makes me want to continue reading the series. JRjr and the colorist needs to step up their game though, especially since this comic is an artist driven comic.

    Overall: 86/100

  • 8.5
    Comicman Jan 31, 2018

    Really great issue.For one the writing reminds me a lot of Chuck Dixon's Robin,Nightwing and Detective comics runs,were the main character monologs,while fighting making the fight more engaging if you ask me.The characters seem pretty likeable.Honor seems like an interesting character and we learn a lot,about her,like how his powers work,how experienced she is in his old job.Just to name a few,although we don't know all the things,about her.His family seems to be a pretty good family.Romita's art except for one thing is really good.The book has some problems like the world building is a bit slow.And Romita isn't great at drawing faces he tries,but it's still not good,although to give him credit he does a great job drawing the bodies.Which m more

    + LikeComments (1)
  • 8.0

    This was more interesting than I had expected. I wasn't expecting her to have powers or ties to Talia al Ghul. Interested to see where this goes.

  • 7.5
    RaisingBlack Feb 14, 2018

    It is ok. Nothing revolutionary happened in this book. We introduce an interesting character that shows some promise but nothing much after that. I am keeping it in my pull list but I would like to see some improvement going forward. I am not a huge Romita fan but the art holds up ok along with the story, but I have read many one woman army books in other places that started off stronger.

  • 7.5
    egonnn244 Feb 11, 2018

    Pretty good start. I'm looking forward for next issue.

  • 7.5
    Rick Jonez Feb 5, 2018

    Solid premiere. Room for improvement.

  • 7.5
    The bad who Feb 2, 2018

    A interesting first issue overall, with a good balance of action and context. The story is not the most original as a LOT a movies and comics have treaded the ground of the retired assassin turned family woman/man whose past comes back to haunt her/him. Its connection to the events in Metal are literally non existing so it's a warning for those expecting it as shown on the cover. Honor's metahuman power is cool, but I doubt it can be sustainable in the long run and looks like an idea that is great in a production meeting, but not for an ongoing series on the long run. Luckily, her overall assassin's skills amd badassness more than compensate for the gimmicky power. I'm curious about what's next for the upcoming issues and this first one doe more

  • 7.0
    MKW69 Feb 9, 2018

    Early Image in 2010's. But not very good.

  • 7.0
    Nihilist Feb 1, 2018

    The New Age of Heroes started pretty badly, with the first issue of Damage, very underwhelming and offering not much aside from decent art. Silencer seems to be the exact opposite - having a pretty interesting, mysterious backstory of our new heroine, and offering insight into her normal life, but all of that being drawn a bit inconsistently, with some awkward angles here and there, lack of dynamism, and simply oddly looking face expressions (just look at the first page, taking place in the bar).
    After Damage's issue #1 I haven't got expectations for Silencer, but overall, I was pretty positively surprised. It felt a bit like Kill Bill, set in the universe of DC, with some scenes reminding me of soap operas like Desperate Housewives, a more

  • 5.0
    ak94 Jan 31, 2018

    not bad as damage, but not a good comic. Seems the same plot of the new kick-ass series. jrjr goes bad.

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