The Squidder #1
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The Squidder #1

Writer: Ben Templesmith Artist: Ben Templesmith Publisher: IDW Publishing Release Date: July 16, 2014 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 23 User Reviews: 6
8.0Critic Rating
7.4User Rating

This all-new four-issue series finds an old soldier from a forgotten war in a post-apocalyptic world that has left him behind. He was one of the last of the legendary Squidder Legions. Can a discarded relic with a death wish and a rebellious Squid priestess overthrow humanity's tentacled alien overlords? Ben Templesmith returns to his roots to finally do the tentacle/Cthulhu-orientated book he's always promised! The Squidder mixes action, horror, science fiction, and fantasy elements with a touch of Squidly destruction.

  • 10
    Big Comic Page - Craig Neilson Jul 15, 2014

    The Squidder is a perfect example of a creator being able to tell the story they always wanted to, without limits or restrictions, and Templesmiths passion for the subject matter shines through on pretty much every single page. Gorgeous to look at, unnerving in places yet always utterly compelling, you owe it to yourself to pick this comic up. Hail to the squid! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Jul 27, 2014

    The Squidder is Ben Templesmith at his best.  This is what he can do when he's given free rein to create whatever he wants.  He's created a world that has lost all hope and doesn't even realize it anymore.  It's one that is ruled over by a group of squids, worshipped by some, hated by others, and ignored by everyone else. Read Full Review

  • 10
    SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes Jul 17, 2014

    An amazing world with amazing characters and creatures. Not to be missed. Highest possible recommendation. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    AIPT - Sean M. Thompson Jul 16, 2014

    Very much an intro issue, and yet it drips with atmosphere and foreboding in the way the best of post-apocalyptic fiction can when it's executed right. This is Templesmith firing on all fucking cylinders baby, and he's only just cocked back the hammer with this firstie. If there is any problem with this first issue, it's that it's over in the blink of an eye. It moves at the speed of a blood-thirsty squid demon from space. Bottom line, if you are a Ben Templesmith fan, read this book right now. Go. Go purchase this, right fucking now. If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic action shiz, you'll probably dig this too. And hell, if you like monsters and BAMFs in dystopian futures, you should give this a gander. Excited to get my tentacles on the next chapter. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Zac Thompson Jul 16, 2014

    “The Squidder”#1 is an action-packed romp that never slows down. I definitely want to see happens next issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Project-Nerd - Shawn Vogt Jan 28, 2015

    When it comes down to it, this is one of my favorite reads of the new year. Story and art are perfectly suited to one another, and the reading experience has been absolutely sublime–this is a totally immersive experience and an absolute pleasure to read. Here, we have a thrilling new universe that draws from many different sources.The Squidderis an excellent release. Hopefully, we'll get more stories set in this world. This is highly recommended reading. Enjoy! Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Rhymes With Geek - J. Reifler Jul 15, 2014

    You get what you pay for when you pick up a Ben Templesmith series. The Squidder #1 is scary and gory and full of monsters. While a bit more thematic than a simple monster movie the series promises to be an epic battle between the last gasps of humanity and a nameless alien race. There's a bit of sci-fi mystery injected into the horror which promises to tease out more over future issues. It's just an intense book with art and a story that might turn the stomach of more casual readers. But for those ready to take on a heavy story you will get exactly that. Fans of Templesmith should pick it up for the art alone. Prepare yourself " the Squidder is coming! Read Full Review

  • 8.6
    IGN - Mike Logsdon Jul 16, 2014

    While some scenes are overstuffed with exposition, the world and characters are set up quite strikingly that it's easily forgiven. This is due in large part to Templesmith's artistic contributions that drip with his trademark style and add many layers to the horrific world depicted here. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Coming Up Comics - David Melton Jul 15, 2014

    Try this series out. It's a perfect blend of sci-fi, mystery, fantasy, action, and horror. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Michelle White Jul 18, 2014

    It's not quite a noir comic, and it's not quite a tale of Cthulhu; I'm not even sure you could call it "supernatural noir", since so much emphasis is placed on the human element. But whatever you want to call it, "The Squidder" definitely impresses. Fans of Ben Templesmith's work will find the art as eye-blistering as ever; fans of Lovecraft's work will find this angle on the material refreshing. Tough-guy comics are a dime a dozen, but there's enough story-level complexity and visual appeal in this one to warrant a minor cult of its own. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Geeked Out Nation - Steven Merced Jul 19, 2014

    So all things considered The Squidder #1 is a good start to a brand new series that transports us into a great Sci-Fi world with a protagonist that fits the role of anti-hero well. It is a story that appears to be filled with great characters, an interesting concept and tremendous possibilities. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    8CN - Matt Overstreet Jul 16, 2014

    What the hell is The Squidder about? I read the thing and I'm still not sure. Does it really matter? Probably not. If you're a fan of Templesmith's previous work, like me, expect more of the same and you'll be pleased. If you don't like his previous work, don't expect anything to sway you towards liking him. If you've never read any of Templesmith's work, go pick up Fell. It's really good. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Outright Geekery - Adam Jul 17, 2014

    If you like amazing art depicting incredibly dark and grisly images of awesome battles and monsters, or just have a passing interest in Lovecraftian tales then you should pick this up. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it sure as hell makes it look really pretty. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Jul 16, 2014

    "The Squidder" #1 swings between red-hot flames and moldy greens that speckle the landscape seen around and behind fires of sacrifice and battle. Templesmith uses splotches and spatters to cover up gore, sully the world and add atmosphere to the post-squid environment. The overall appearance comes up as bleak and worn-out, much like Squidder himself, who continues on because he chooses to. This world is soaked in death, deception and despair, with humanity clinging to the fringe, so very close to giving up. By handling the complete visuals for this story, Templesmith produces only his vision for "The Squidder"#1 and it is a most unsettling vision indeed. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics Bulletin - Travis Moody Jul 22, 2014

    If you're sick of all the dark and dreary, too bad. This comic is on par with stellar sushi grade calamari. Enjoy the silence. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Fangoria - Svetlana Fedotov Jul 16, 2014

    it's also worth noting that there is a good possibility 44 Flood can only work because of the current comic boom and the growing interest in all things four-paneled that, ironically enough, are spearheaded by the very companies that 44 Flood is providing an alternative to. Let's not forget, Squidder is being distributed by IDW, perhaps not one of the top three, but still one of the better-established businesses out there. It seems that despite the effort toward alternative comic representation, it's the nuts and bolts of the comic world, mainly publishing and distribution, that could really hold back the development of the small press industry. 44 Flood has still a long way to go before it can truly walk on its own (and even then, will owe its success partly to its early partner distributors), but with such reputable work and talented contributors, perhaps the world of creator-owned/fan-funded comics isn't as far as it seems. Read Full Review

  • 7.2
    Nerds On The Rocks - Frank Lanza Jul 16, 2014

    As far as action horror goes in comics, it's hard to find anything better than Squidder right now. American Vampire is obviously king and is head and shoulders above everybody, but this book deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. I really hope it continues down a dark path and that we see more of the Squid and why there here. If you like your books graphic and with nary a hint of hope for us Earthlings to be found, this one is definitely for you. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Unleash The Fanboy - Eric Bridges Jul 15, 2014

    The Squidder is a story with potential but lacks in several areas. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Therapy - Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell Jul 16, 2014

    The Squidder gets off to an intriguing start, though there are some familiar parts. Templesmith is a good artist and storyteller, so it's definitely worth returning to see just how far and how big things get. With the introduction out of the way it seems like we're going straight to the good stuff. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Lindsey Morris Jul 21, 2014

    This is not a comic for the faint of heart. There are many loud noises followed by red liquid. Some of the character designs could be described as grotesque at best. The main character is almost certainly a psychopath. Even so, the reader is left wanting more. Squidder #1 is a winner, it looks damnation straight in the eye and gives it the finger. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Capeless Crusader - Cody Mudge Jul 16, 2014

    The Squidder #1 will definitely find an audience. Templesmith certainly has a following for his mostly stellar artwork and his strong showing here will move some copies without a doubt. Ultimately though, this series is far from his best work and would have benefited from a bit more polish. The weak story may struggle to keep readers engaged as they fail to find much of anything to connect to or sympathetic qualities within the characters. Is it enough that this comic simply has a cool premise or does there need to be substantially more meat on the bone? Id suggest the latter. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    All-Comic - Dan Pennacchia Jul 17, 2014

    Mr. Hitchins is not necessarily a protagonist, though he will be the central character to this tale. More of an anti-hero, Hitchins appears to function as a man with little purpose. When he is approached by a group of individuals hiring him for a gig, he does accept, though he demonstrates his reluctance to be very agreeable. In just a few short scenes, readers get a sense not just of the world and Hitchins, but the story that lies ahead. These new beings have some hold over the society as Earth plays host to them. Some individuals have transitioned to becoming servants to these new beings, while others find ways to get by. Squidder #1 is mostly an introduction, but it is a successful one. For individuals accustomed to Templesmith's style, the promise of a book that is entirely his creation should be a selling point on its own as this first issue does not disappoint. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Comic Bastards - Carl Boehm Jul 16, 2014

    The kernels of some interesting story elements appear in the comic: elder gods, scientifically enhanced soldiers, and futuristic mob gang bosses just to name a few. The creative team behind this book throws way too much at the audience from the onset, resulting in a lot of confusing elements to be deciphered before a true enjoyment of the book could be achieved. Read Full Review

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