A GREAT creator-owned comic that I'm not sure why you haven't picked it up yet, Deadly Class #1 looks outstanding and sets up a potentially phenomenal series! Read Full Review

Even considering the impressive titles previously written by Rick Remender, Deadly Class #1 was a big surprise. This was a first issue that didnt feel like a first issue, and it worked spectacularly. Heavy exposition and tedious background information is cast off in favor of an engaging, exciting, and wildly intriguing story that works on every level. The characters are interesting, the plot is amazing, and the artwork is a new favorite. Theres something here that fans of any genre can enjoy! Read Full Review

All in all, this is a book (and likely, a series) that shouldn't be missed. This does everything that a first issue should do, and more. It's a really fun, enjoyable read, definitely worth revisiting if you've already read it. It's probably Remender's most realistic series yet, but at the same time, there are some interesting concepts coming into play, especially with the way the book ends. The characters, world, and plot are all worthy of being invested in, partially because of the writing, but partially because of the artwork that Wes Craig does. Both members of the creative team bring their a-game in this issue, and it's probably career defining work for both of them. Read Full Review

I've found a new favorite Image Comic in Deadly Class. The story is so simple, yet complex. How will Marcus adjust to this new life? Where did this school come from? Why are they recruiting Marcus in the first place? Read Full Review

I believe Remender has another hit with this series. It is off to a great start with Marcus's character development and plot. I look forward to finding out more about the other characters. They all have a little something to them and is hard to pick a favorite since they all sound cool. The art team own this book. The art is full of action packed scenes and a subtle 80′s feel. I highly recommend this series! It is only the first issue but it is already fast, crazy and full of nostalgia! My pick of the week! Read Full Review

I like this story because it has a little bit of a Wanted feel to it. A boy who feels invisible is drawn into a world that values his talents and shows him that he can be more. The addition of other students and the relationships and conflicts between them can make this much more than just some stupid Avenger's Arena or Runaways type book. Wes Craig has a great sense of simplicity and can still put in the detail even with a minimal use of color in a lot of frames. I will keep getting this and see where the ride takes me. Read Full Review

Deadly Class has opened with a bang and I for one can't wait to see what happens next, and how Marcus will handle the change from homelessness to student of deadly arts. Highly recommended. Read Full Review

Remender and Craig create an engaging world that stuns on every level. Read Full Review

It's not often that you see an action sequence commandeer a book for 11 pages (out of 36). It's not often that a writer will have enough faith in their abilities, in the skill of their collaborators, and in their reader's ability to keep up, but once again faith is rewarded and the reader is left thrilled and off-balance in the best possible way. Read Full Review

Deadly Class #1may not have been exactly what I expected the first issue to be when originally reading the premise of the series, but I feel it turned out even better than I could have imagined. This book had it all from social commentary on mental illness to some jaw dropping action scenes and was just perfectly stylized with all around beautiful art. On top of it all Remender managed to somehow ignore the hook of the series until the very last page of the issue, introduce some very compelling characters and give us just enough information about said characters to make us want to find out what lies behind the mysteries. Deadly Class is on its way to being another Rick Remender special, and that my friends is good for comic books. Read Full Review

Deadly Class is one kick ass comic book. Amazing art, lettering, coloring and story. This is the whole package, folks. Read Full Review

Deadly Class is a great way to kick off 2014. Remender and Craig immediately separate this story from the pack, making it both thrilling and real. This is the start of a very promising series. Read Full Review

Rick Remender's Marvel work is more miss than hit for me, but he fires on all cylinders with this issue, heavy on the mystery, intrigue, and action. If only the X-Men could recruit their members this way. Read Full Review

Being a sucker for any works of fiction involving elaborate 'Extranormal Institutes' of learning " whether good or evil " my inclination to read Remender's take on a similar trope had been remarkably strong. And with very little still known about the assassin training academy, my interest is only heightened to an embarrassing degree. There's something to be said for the author's ability to keep the mystery alive, while solidifying reader interest for the next issue. Read Full Review

As a package, Deadly Class is a big idea with a filthy starting point, setting us up to wonder whether Marcus will escape the grimy streets and his own "bad voice", or be snapped back just before some kind of ascension. What will make or break this book will be Remender's ability to avoid glibness, especially as his young protagonists get more and more blood on their hands. This book is already one of the coolest on the racks, but it could be resonant too, a comic book Breaking Bad of sorts for a younger, differently disenfranchised audience. As a lapsed Remender fan, who'd been disappointed by Uncanny Avengers and Captain America, Deadly Class read like the Remender comic I'd been waiting for. Read Full Review

First issues, much like pilot episodes, are riddled with obstacles for creative teams to overcome. Deadly Class jumps every hurdle, and clocking in at 36 pages, is a lengthy introduction to what promises to be an brilliant and engaging story. Read Full Review

Insightful, brooding, and beautiful, DEADLY CLASS reinforces Remenders reputation as a master of the trade. Please do yourself a favor and pick up the wickedly dark first issue this week! Read Full Review

While not established per se, we can assure ourselves that we'll know more about Deadly Class in the next issues, provided the fact that it centers on a school of budding assassins. It shows promise and a refreshing take on the 80"s era rarely seen in other works. Image has definitely scored a budding hit with this one. Read Full Review

The story within is basically the tale of homeless teenager Marcus Arguella who is struggling to stay alive while living on the streets. The story is told from his point of view, and we're able to witness his tragic and sad story throughout multiple months in the year 1987. Remender makes you feel for this new character, while also adding some mystery and intrigue to his “origin”. Although a major sequence of the story feels a bit dramatic and exaggerated, Im hoping the cause of that exaggeration is tied to the mystery. Remender and team give you your money's worth in this issue with over thirty pages, ending in a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. As Remender fleshes out the supporting cast, this series should start to get even stronger. Remender rarely disappoints, and combined with the work of Craig and Loughridge, I can only see this book getting better and better as months go by. Read Full Review

Deadly Classis yet another Image #1 that delivers in a big way, which should be no surprise by now. Remender and Craig deliver a story that's a bit personal while it plays with some previously visited concepts but makes them feel fresh and fun. This a definite must-read from Image. Read Full Review

This is an intricate, dynamic first issue, never quite following the expected trajectory but getting us home in the end. The premise isn't quite cooked yet, but the mood is definitely established, and we've got every reason to want to know what happens to Marcus next. Between the surprising story and the lively art, this is one class you won't want to skip. Read Full Review

With its gorgeous art and striking story, Deadly Class is brimming with life. Read Full Review

All in all, Deadly Class #1 is a solid first issue that promises to build on its mysteries and entertaining personalities. Read Full Review

While the presentation of its characters, themes and setting is very well done, it's really the art and colorization that makes this issue a very worthwhile read. A thoroughly great issue, yet as a presentation of its concepts, it could have done a bit more. Read Full Review

Deadly Class #1 might not be perfect but it does show that it has the potential to be something very special. Remender is making a real strong case for himself as one of the go to writers for unique and interesting stories. His writing here for the most part really paints a picture in your mind almost like watching a movie in your head. Sure at the beginning the story was a bit jumbled and hard to follow but once it picks up and Remender gets his footing it's something special. I highly recommend picking up Deadly Class #1 if anything I stated above seems to grab your interest. Read Full Review

Deadly Class is a great place to start if you want to jump onto some creator-owned work from Image. The style is very similar to superhero books like Daredevil or Captain America, and Remender's writing is very strong. Deadly Class is a strong buy. Read Full Review

Deadly Class offers up an issue that is mostly origin story but it helps to fully introduce the lead character. The comic book has a lot of background so that the reader gets a good idea what the lead character is all about. The book has some action and advances the overall story to the next phase very nicely. This book is one to pick up without a doubt. Read Full Review

"Deadly Class" #1 is just another awesome book in Image's long list of great titles. Remender and Craig leave a lot to be mined with their newest pseudo-realistic thriller. This is a read that won't disappoint. Read Full Review

I can't say I recommend the comic as a “buy” but it is worth reading. I have a feeling the series will get better as the next feel issues come out, but this first one's story is a bit strange for me to totally get behind it. Read Full Review

Deadly Class #1 is a solid introduction for the series, though it doesn't feel like the series has really started yet. It's all mostly setup for the main character, and for a book called “Class” there's no real sign of the school until the end. It boasts some solid artwork, some great action, and decent writing; but it isn't there yet. The next issue though should provide us with the “school” aspect. Read Full Review

There's no question, though, that Craig's fantastically laid-out work is going to make at least this first issue worth a trial purchase. Artists who are equally good at providing realistically sketched environments, innovative perspectives, and deliriously entertaining action sequences, are few and far between; Craig is right up there with David Aja and Matt Kindt in blending all those characteristics: this is the kind of visual storytelling that can lay a fresh coat of paint on what seems, so far, to be a rather derivative story. Read Full Review

If you're a fan of Remender's work then I do suggest picking up this book. It is a nice read, and although it was lacking a bit, It was enjoyable from start to finish. I think that a great story can be told as more issues become released, and I hope that my expectations can be met. Read Full Review

While the art is clear and stylistic, Im just not sold on the story. I just dont care about Marcus, and even though its an old story of unrealized potential, I just dont see it in the character. Perhaps when this comic collects a few issues Ill be interested, but for now Ill stick with Point of No Return and Remo Williams. Read Full Review

Wes Craig’s art is the best thing about Deadly Class. It’s a visceral style, one that captures movement in every panel. The line work is thin, but Craig’s pencils bring it all together into something consistently interesting. He also varies his approach depending on the scene. The way he illustrates the death of Arguello’s parents is like a children’s book turned into a horror film, which is very different than his straight pencils. Lee Loughridge is there for the assist with really great color work. Urban sprawl can tend to look drab, but Loughride manages to keep the melancholy aspect of it, without losing a solid palette. Read Full Review

All in all, this should be a fun ride but it feels pretty similar to the last bunch so far. You never know, it might be different this time. Read Full Review

Decent set up

With so much good storytelling coming out of Image these days, this one did not stand out as particularly noteworthy. I was looking forward to the 80's setting. Luckily, "1987" was stamped on the cover since otherwise, I might not have pegged it as a period piece at all. Whereas Rocket Girl really succeeds in evoking the 80's for me, this did not. The 720 arcade game was a nice prop, but that was about it. Part of it may be the monochromatic coloring that is so in vogue at present. The choice to use this trendy coloring technique has made it hard to feel that 80's vibe. I also found the back-matter a little, I don't know...unnecessary. I don't really need for an author to present a personal back-story in an attempt to validate the particular story he or she is telling. A good story is a good story, regardless of the author's life experience. And humble-bragging about witnessing someone being shot in the head just seems distasteful to me. That's a story you relate to your therapist, not to your comic book audience to prove that you're keepin' it real. more

Art: 3/5
Story: 3.5/5
Total: 6.5/10

Looks like a textbook for the next Colombine or Sandy Hook, no thanks.