Blackbird #1

Writer: Sam Humphries Artist: Jen Bartel Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: October 3, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 21 User Reviews: 29
8.4Critic Rating
7.4User Rating

An all-new ongoing series from fan-favorite writer SAM HUMPHRIES (Harley Quinn, Nightwing) and red-hot artist JEN BARTEL!

In this neo-noir fantasy, Nina Rodriguez is positive that a secret magic world ruled by ruthless cabals is hiding just beneath the veneer of Los Angeles. The problem: everyone thinks she's crazy. The bigger problem: she's not crazy - she's right. Can she unravel the mystery before the Great Beast catches up with her?

  • 10
    ComicBook.com - Jenna Anderson Oct 3, 2018

    This issue might just scratch the surface of Blackbird's magical world, but it's clear that Humphries and Bartel have created a fantasy story that's pretty fully realized. Read Full Review

  • 9.7
    AIPT - Trevor Richardson Aug 28, 2018

    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

  • 9.6
    The Fandom Post - Alex Henning Oct 25, 2018

    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

  • 9.4
    Comicsverse - AJ Zender Sep 10, 2018

    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

  • 9.0
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Manny Gomez Oct 2, 2018

    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

  • 9.0
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Oct 27, 2018

    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

  • 9.0
    Comicosity - Chris C. Hernandez Oct 3, 2018

    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

  • 9.0
    Comics Bookcase - Zack Quaintance Sep 10, 2018

    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

  • 9.0
    Comics Bulletin - Daniel Gehen Oct 4, 2018

    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

  • 8.9
    The Brazen Bull - Jaimee Nadzan Oct 2, 2018

    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

  • 8.6
    Black Nerd Problems - Mikkel Snyder Sep 9, 2018

    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

  • 8.5
    Sequential Planet - Marcus Orchard Oct 3, 2018

    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

  • 8.4
    You Don't Read Comics - Russ Bickerstaff Oct 13, 2018

    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

  • 8.0
    We The Nerdy - Jacqueline Juretus Oct 3, 2018

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

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Corps - Sophie Buijsen Oct 3, 2018

    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

  • 8.0
    On Comics Ground - Kai Kiriyama Sep 25, 2018

    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

  • 8.0
    Impulse Gamer - Dana Folkard Sep 5, 2018

    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

  • 8.0
    Spartantown - Enrique Rea Oct 5, 2018

    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

  • 7.5
    ComicBuzz - Tee LaFrance Todd Oct 23, 2018

    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

  • 6.5
    Multiversity Comics - Michael Mazzacane Oct 4, 2018

    "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

  • 5.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Hussein Wasiti Oct 3, 2018

    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

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