Bitter Root #1

Writer: David Walker, Chuck Brown Artist: Sanford Greene Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: November 14, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 26 User Reviews: 20
9.1Critic Rating
7.8User Rating

In the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance is in full swing, and only the Sangerye Family can save New York-and the world-from the supernatural forces threatening to destroy humanity. But the once-great family of monster hunters has been torn apart by tragedies and conflicting moral codes. The Sangerye Family must heal the wounds of the past and move beyond their differences... or sit back and watch a force of unimaginable evil ravage the human race.

DAVID F. WALKER and SANFORD GREENE, the creative team of Power Man and Iron Fist, along with indie veteran CHUCK BROWN (Trench Coats, Cigarettes and Shotguns) bring you 24 action-packed pages more

  • 10
    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith Nov 18, 2018

    If you are looking for a fresh new series to try, I cannot recommend Bitter Root enough. Fans of Supernatural and Grimm, this is the book you should be reading. I am officially on board for the long haul, Bitter Roots debut is that good. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ComicBook.com - Christian Hoffer Nov 14, 2018

    Bitter Root isn't afraid to tackle weighty issues while still having some fun, giving us some new heroes that are much needed in today's world. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ComicBuzz - Tee LaFrance Todd Nov 14, 2018

    You can probably tell from my raving that I enjoyed this book, but even that would be an understatement. Its the best read of the month, with layer upon layer of goodness. I urge you to read and think deeply on the essays at the back of the book as well. They contain a wise and important message for everyone. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Major Spoilers - Ingrid Lind-Jahn Nov 14, 2018

    Bitter Root #1 is action packed and really neat to look at. The story is up front about racism " and the associated hatred and fear that are behind it " which the monsters represent literally as well as figuratively. It is a fascinating touch to have the monster hunters not just killing the monsters, but releasing the humans from having become monsters, which is also strongly symbolic. This is a book that has something to say, is set in an interesting time period, and is told from a point of view we don't see enough of. I highly recommend this one. Read Full Review

  • 10
    GWW - D. Ivester Nov 13, 2018

    Bitter Roots starts off very strong with a great set of characters while mildly introducing a villain. It comes off as very fun, hits on how society expects you to be due to your gender well enough, and reading about a family that hunts monsters of all shapes and sizes will lead readers into a heck of a good time. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Black Nerd Problems - Morgan Hampton Nov 14, 2018

    Bitter Root #1 sinks a hook so deep that you can't help but look up everything about the Harlem Renaissance until the next issue comes out. The characters are distinct. The art is striking. And most importantly, the renaissance feels authentic. If you've been looking forward to this series, it doesn't disappoint. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comicsverse - Ronnie Gorham Nov 15, 2018

    A family of monster hunters must stop monsters called Jinoo from taking over the world in this jaw-dropping stunning new series. Read Full Review

  • 10
    On Comics Ground - James Portis Nov 15, 2018

    Like previously stated, Bitter Root #1 is a book African Americans need right now. It's also a book everyone needs right now. In a world full of hatred and judgement and corruption this book shows you what happens when it becomes too much, but also shows you that hard-working folks will stand up to that evil. I highly recommend this issue to anyone wanting a good read, but...not everyone will see it my way, and that's fine. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Big Comic Page - Adam Brown Oct 23, 2018

    This opening issue strikes up the beat, hits all the right notes, and plonks you right in the middle of the story unfurling around you. Walker and Brown bring to the table a heady mix of action and mystery, sugar-coated with supernatural beasties and potions, all with a fervour that you cant help but enjoy. What really elevates this though is Greenes artwork throughout. Im not overly familiar with their work, but this issue has so many fantastic panels. From the opening splash to character expression, never mind the action and monsters, theres so much in here that makes this a pleasure. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comicosity - Tevin Murphy Nov 14, 2018

    Creators David F. Walker, Chuck Brown, and Sanford Greene have crafted somethingextremely special and I am interested in seeing the direction that they take the series and what mysteries unfold for the Sangerye family. Overall the series has immense potential and is off to a fantastic start. It grips you from the very first page to the final scene which adds yet another mystery to the ever growing list of inquiries about the series. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Nov 27, 2018

    Bitter Root brings something new to the idea of a monster hunter. While we've seen things like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural, this is an entirely unique spin. It's filled with fleshed-out characters, gorgeous artwork, and an incredible mythos. The creators are building towards something big, moving multiple pieces onto the board at once. We're just getting started too as we've barely scratched the surface as to the overall story just yet. Read Full Review

  • 9.8
    Graphic Policy - pharoahmiles Nov 4, 2018

    Overall, the first issue is an excellent debut that unfolds like Dirty Dozen meets the Italian Job where one badass family is about to save the world. The story by David F. Walker and Chuck Brown is action packed, epic, smart, funny and challenges just about every supernatural trope. The art bySanford Greene is stunning and luminous. Altogether, one of the best books to come from Image in a while, one that already has changed the game. Read Full Review

  • 9.7
    The Brazen Bull - Jaimee Nadzan Nov 13, 2018

    Bitter Root #1 explores the nature of fear and monsters in the debut issue. Chuck Brown and David F. Walker introduce the Sangerye Family in terms of their profession, setting up the good vs. evil dynamic alongside the other plot line. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Comics Bookcase - Zack Quaintance Nov 13, 2018

    There have been plenty of monster hunting comics launched this year, but none have been as confident as Bitter Root #1. This story is complex and fearless, steeped in fantastical monster hunting, family dynamics, and systemic injustices. Combine that with the stylishly singular aesthetic of the artwork, and this book is a must-read. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Sequential Planet - Victor Benito Nov 12, 2018

    A stellar setup for a series; expecting great things from this book. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon Nov 16, 2018

    Bitter Root is more than worthy of a place on your pull list. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Word Of The Nerd - Brent Jackson Nov 13, 2018

    Bitter Root #1 is a solid piece of work. You can feel the creators passion for the project throughout the pages. If the story didn't switch up too often it would almost be a perfect book. I love the characters, the story concept and the art is absolutely incredible. Do yourself a favor and pick up Bitter Root #1 this week. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Doom Rocket - Rachel Acheampong Oct 26, 2018

    The overarching element of the Harlem Renaissance was a devotion to creating work that would be reflective of the realities of African-American life. It wasn't about transcending the bitter conditions in which it was forced to exist, but facing them directly. Many of today's black artists are inspired by the literary aspects of this movement. With this latest bit of literary expression, amid all the supernatural things that go bump in the night, Bitter Rootpays tribute to that culture for its humanity, dignity and creativity. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Multiversity Comics - Reed Hinckley-Barnes Nov 15, 2018

    "Bitter Root" #1 is a great first issue, tackling racism and the supernatural, and looking fantastic while doing it. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Corps - Pierre Arnette Nov 14, 2018

    The Harlem Renaissance is the perfect setting for this book. It was thriving time for the arts in Harlem, but racism was still very much alive. It's the racism and cruelty that give life to the Jinoo in this series, and it was on full display in this first issue. Whether it be two white cops or KKK members in the south, this series will be filled with plenty of enemies for the Sangeyre family to battle with. Cullen and Berg got a taste of what's to come, and it will certainly not be pretty. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Nov 14, 2018

    There is a lot going on in this first issue and Walker and Brown do a great job of creating the atmosphere and world these characters inhabit. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Pop Culture Uncovered - soshillinois Nov 14, 2018

    So while I was expecting to enjoy Bitter Root, I did not expect it to hit this hard from the first issue on. The team behind it did an excellent job and Im frankly looking forward to many more issues. If you enjoy a heavy dose of the supernatural (or more appropriately Ethno-Gothic) intermixed with a relevant take on America via its past, youd be hard-pressed to find a comic more compelling than Bitter Root. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - David DeCorte Nov 14, 2018

    BITTER ROOT #1 is a solid contender for best new comic of the year. Incredible characters and supernatural storytelling fill-out this poignant allegory of race in America, with beautiful art to illustrate the story. An amazing debut issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    AIPT - Alex Curtis Nov 13, 2018

    Those who enjoyed the racist-busting shenanigans of BlacKkKlansman and Sorry to Bother You will get a kick out of this messy yet exciting inaugural issue that has no shortage of ambition and heart. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Epicstream - Brian McCormick Nov 16, 2018

    This series reminds me a lot of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and is off to a promising start. Read Full Review

  • 3.8
    Geekery Magazine - Lucas Fashina Nov 14, 2018

    Ultimately, Bitter Root has an opportunity to be important and has all the elements in place to be successful. I am not ready to crown it script ready just yet I have added it issue #2 to my pull list. Bitter Root #1 comes with 5 different covers: Cover A Regular Sanford Greene Cover; Cover B Variant Mike Mignola Cover; Cover B Variant Mike Mignola ; Cover C Variant Denys Cowan Cover; Cover D Variant Brittney Williams Cover; Cover E Variant Sanford Greene Virgin Cover (Not pictured). Read Full Review

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