MINISERIES PREMIERE
JEFF LEMIRE (GIDEON FALLS, Sweet Tooth) brings you a new tale of small-town surrealist horror in this special extra-length debut issue!
When a brutal and violent crime puts the life of an innocent teenage boy in the balance, it sets off a chain of events in bucolic Bell River, Ontario that will permanently change several residents' lives. And as the manhunt heats up, a lonely girl named Franny Fox will form an unlikely friendship with a fugitive that leads them on an odyssey of discovery and redemption.
Fishflies #1 is a great slow burn of a comic that keeps readers guessing while letting a certain amount of emptiness exist. Read Full Review
Fishflies inhabits a chillingly poetic narrative space. Psychological horror twists into something far more supernatural and deeply unsettling as the story progresses. Above it all, Lemire does a strikingly good job of bringing across the uniquely strange relationship between Franny and the dying man. Their interaction exists mostly in silences and unspoken words. And there is SUCH a profound sense of stillness about the horror right up until that final page. Lemire takes such a hard turn in that final panel of the first issue...it will be interesting to see where he takes it in the final five issues. Read Full Review
It's not really a surprise when Jeff Lemire creates another great story – but it is refreshing. This time, he writes and draws the story of a young girl who shows kindness to a wanted man. It's vintage Lemire – and that is a very good thing for readers. Read Full Review
Jeff Lemire's harrowing tale of a small town infested by fishflies is brilliantly crafted. Giving us relatable characters with unique circumstances. The writing and artwork reflect the author/artist's enjoyment in creating this meticulously crafted universe. Eerie and Creepy till the final page, Fishflies is an absolute must-read for all fans of comics. Read Full Review
This extra size issue is a brisk read with Lemire carefully setting up the story before diving in to any major conflicts or challenges. The issue ends on an intriguing note with Lemire having plenty of options to take the story. Fishflies' debut shows Lemire still has plenty of original ideas left to hook readers. Read Full Review
Fishflies #1 grabs the reader from the start and never lets go, with a great sympathetic character, a creepy atmosphere and a shocking twist at the end. This promises to be another great mini-series from Jeff Lemire. Recommended. Read Full Review
FISHFLIES #1 is a surreal, heartfelt fantasy about a young girl who shows kindness to a robber and the whimsical evolution their eclectic relationship takes. Lemires art conveys just as much meaning as the words on the page, and the cliffhanger brims with uncertain possibilities. Read Full Review
Jeff Lemire lays the foundation for another emotionally captivating story set in a small town that's plagued by bizarre occurrences. With each issue being an extended 64 pages long, "Fishflies" is set to be a unique exploration of Lemire's creative storytelling prowess. Read Full Review
Fishflies #1 keeps readers on edge with strong writing and eye-catching visuals. Lemire combines natural horror themes with a touch of fantasy to present a story that stands on its own at the Local Comic Shop. Keep an eye out for this book on New Comic Book Day. Read Full Review
Equal parts 'Tales from the Crypt' and 'Stand By Me', Fishflies #1 layers young tragedy and gruesome body horror to incredible effect. Read Full Review
Fishflies #1is beautifully illustrated and well-realized, but is better fit for a trade paperback than it is as work of serialized fiction. Those who like Lemire's work will know this and enjoy it for what it is, but many will overlook the genuine craftsmanship on display due to its wonky pacing. Read Full Review
It's a bizarre book but unquestionably memorable. Read Full Review
Awesome first issue
It weaves a solid opening issue. I thought it would have played better without the supernatural twist, but that's the story so we will see where it goes.
Lemire manages to mix two of his favorite topics here, life in a rural town in Canada and surrealist body horror, in what I thought was a very good first issue. I've always been a fan of his scratchy, imperfect watercolor art and I think it's super effective in these type of small town horror stories. Gotta love an oversized first issue at a reasonable price too.
I feel like all of Lemire’s independent work is in the “good” category, but sometimes I wonder if some of the stories have a purpose or are necessary.