Overall, Blackbird #1 is a gorgeous debut that will appeal to fans of fabulous supernatural elements and grounded, emotional realism. Now that the premise and characters have been introduced, I can't wait to see where Nina's journey into magic will take her. Read Full Review

I really do recommend this book. It's down to earth, but with magical themes. The characters are just so believable, and it really makes you feel for Nina. Buy this book if you see it, you won't be sorry. Read Full Review

While one of the main characters could have done with some more characterization and the plot does fast-forward through some important information, BLACKBIRD #1 is a nearly perfect debut. With an interesting take on the urban fantasy genre, this book is a must read for fans of magical storytelling! Read Full Review

Image Comics has another mega-hit with Blackbird. Well written and beautifully illustrated, this is one comic you do not want to miss. Read Full Review

Although Blackbird is more in the fantasy aisle than horror, there are a number of spooky and unsettling elements to the story that make it worth checking out. Nina's life is at times unbelievable and frightening as she struggles to deal with the terrors of what is lurking beneath the surface of our world. The idea that something sinister is happening right under our noses is a chilling one. Read Full Review

Overall Blackbird is a beautiful and without a doubt a magical success. An impressive team was put together and as a result equally impressive work was produced. Readers will eagerly look forward to the future issues of Blackbird and the world that the creative team has brought to life. Read Full Review

A gorgeous urban fantasy that contrasts forlorn subject matter with clean and bright linework. Much intriguing track has been laid in this first issue, wherein Humphries and Bartel also show themselves to be a perfectly complementary team with a grandiose vision. A great debut that I enthusiastically recommend. Read Full Review

I didn't know a single thing about Blackbird #1 before picking it up, but buy the end I was hungry for more. The world that Humphries and Bartel have crafted is fascinating and full of so much untapped potential. Not since the debut of Saga has a new Image title made me eagerly await the second issue's release. Blackbird #1 certainly looks to be the start of something special or, dare I say, magical. Read Full Review

Blackbird #1 will bewitch the mind as the reader is drawn into Sam Humphries mystical world of Magic. This issue sets up an excellent background story, while creating room for the story to grow within the next issue. Jen Bartel ties the whole issue together, as her depictions of the supernatural are out of this world in all their neon glory. Read Full Review

Opening acts are difficult because being thrown into a new world with new rules can be disoriented. It helps that Nina herself is still quiet disoriented in this strange variant of Los Angeles and there is something relatable about her struggles to self-affirm and discover purpose in a midst of a chaotic, seemingly random world. Humphries and Bartel play brilliantly off each other. I'm excited to see the world through Nina's eyes going forward in this imaginative playground the two have built. Read Full Review

Blackbird #1 won't be for everyone, but for those that dream of our world having just a little magic, there is so much to love. It certainly isn't flawless, but Humphries and Bartel have successfully built a fantastical world for readers to fall into. Read Full Review

A world of magic just ever so slightly out of step with everyone in LA has great potential. The urban fantasy genre has been covered by so many others so many times before, and in so many other ways, so the series DOES run the risk of potentially veering off into clichd territory. Nina comes across as a very subtly unique character with the potential to transcend the genre. If Humphries remain true to those narrative elements that make Nina unique, he might just have something special here. Read Full Review

This is one to add to the pull list if you like serious subjects with a whimsical flair. Read Full Review

I recommend this series for anyone who enjoys Gillen and McKelvie's The Wicked and the Divine. Both the writing and the art are reminiscent of the impossibly beautiful and cool supernatural beings from Wic+Div as they enter our ordinary world. I look forward to following Nina as she finds the magic she knows to exist. Read Full Review

This is not a book for younger readers. There is alcohol use and drug abuse present in the book as well, consider this a content warning. The glow effects that colorists Nayoung and Jen manage to put on the magic and the Paragons never ceases to impress. This is one of those series that surprised me, and because this review is based on an advance copy, I'm going to have a hard time waiting for issue 2! Read Full Review

Overall, I thought that this was a solid introduction to Blackbird. I like this take on a modern fantasy and believe that the leading character is a complex and interesting one. The art is stunning and absolutely magical and yep, I'm on board and keen to see where this tale is headed. Read Full Review

Humphries, Bartel, and Nayoung Wilson waste no time in enveloping readers into the world of Nina Rodriguez. A childhood of magic and trauma, she sees things others don't while managing her addiction and wishing for vindication. When vindication comes it's at a great cost and now Nina must deal with this mystical world head-on. Humphries creates an empathetic and complex character in Nina who's ready to embrace magic completely but having trouble growing up. The world around her is a neon-infused version of L.A. that sparkles and hums with hidden mystical powers thanks to the wonderful work of artists Bartel and Wilson. 'Blackbird' is an irresistible fantasy that is just getting started. It's totally worth the ride.   Read Full Review

An intriguing first issue, Blackbird has the potential to be a fresh new fantasy, as I said above. I will be watching out for the next installments. Read Full Review

"Blackbird" has all the ingredients that would make for a good story, they just aren't as cohesive to make for great in this first issue. Read Full Review

From a strict comic book buying standpoint, does this issue interest me enough to read the next one? The answer is, unfortunately and frustratingly, no. I'm probably not going to read the next issue. The storytelling could use some work and more care needed to be given to the main character to get me to care about her. Read Full Review

from a base of 6, this gets a rating of: 8.
+2 because: interesting!

Loving the clean illustrations and inking tones in what is a pretty gritty urban, magic story. The back story of the main character is swiftly dealt with adding an instant depth and perspective of empathy which provides the hook.

It's a timely choice to make the heroine an opioid addict. The issue is a very quick read, we're getting to know the characters but I have no idea what the plot is going to be when it kicks in. An oversized first issue might have helped with this. I am quite smitten by pretty magical chicks lately, so I'll probably come back for seconds.

I really wanted to like this, but it is goes so hardcore into anything-goes type fantasy, I'm out. Nice artwork.

This first issue doesn't live up to the hype around the title. I'm hoping that future issues justify so many glowing reviews. It isn't terrible, but the comic is a little slow to get going. While I liked the opening pages, I felt that we were taking a very long time to get to the actual story, without any real character development either. If Nina's (or anyone else's) character had been developed over the pages beyond the opening few, then this wouldn't be so bad, but I felt that I knew her character as well at the end of the issue as I did in the first half dozen pages.

It's a slow start, and yet the story is interesting, so I hope that future issues pick the pace up.

Want to like it, but I don't.

Wow that was such a poorly written book i have no interest in ever reading issue 2. How the hell does this book have such great reviews? It was terrible and i was excited for this too.