Overall, I give this book the highest mark I'm allowed, 5 out of 5. Why? Because after reading this, you get the feel that this issue is just the first step in a long and rewarding journey. Read Full Review

God Country has the makings of an epic story at a deeply personal scale.  It teases just enough to hook you, leaving you begging for more.  Roy's life is very real and one that you can instantly connect with.  This makes the events of the book all the more dramatic and powerful.  This is a stunning debut issue. Read Full Review

If this book was a gymnast it wouldn't just stick the landing, it'd throw in a couple of extra flips and fucking shatter the Earth as it landed. That was terrible, but I did say 'try'" If I could give God Country #1 six out of five stars I would. Unfortunately, I cannot, but what I'm trying to get at is that it's definitely a book that you need to read, so make sure you get your LCS to order it for you, you would be a fool not to. Read Full Review

God Country #1 is a breathtaking first issue of a comic that is sure to stay in my pull list. Unlike other number one issues and restarts coming out, this is a fresh idea with amazing talent behind it, and that has a concept to it that can lead it in a hundred different directions. There are other new series coming out from Image as well. Im not sure how many others Ill be reading, but do not pass by the opportunity to read this book. Read Full Review

'God Country' arrives like a wrecking ball to your pull list. It demands to be read and once you read it you'll wonder why this title wasn't in your life sooner. Cates and Shaw lull you into a false sense of security before propelling your eyeballs out of your head. All hyperbole aside, this is how you make a first issue memorable and instantly addictive. Read Full Review

Although it has the makings of a horrible science fiction/fantasy movie, God Country #1 is one of the most oddly satisfying action/adventure that I have ever read. It was breathtaking in a way that is impossible to explain, because it involves so much more than words. I highly suggest reading it, especially for people who like storylines with strong beginnings. If the momentum lasts, God Country should be considered a classic. Read Full Review

Cates, Shaw and Wordie create a book with heart, with soul, and with some modern mythology mixed in for good measure. I literally cant wait to get the second issue to see what happens to Emmet, Roy and the human race as a whole. God Country isnt going to be for everyone, especially with the strong language, but choice words aside, Image Comics has a massive hit on their hands with this debut. Read Full Review

God Country #1 will be hitting comic shops in January 2017, but you can pre-order it now. Without a doubt, this will be one of next year's big times. It'll be the book that makes everyone say, "Whoa, where dd this come from?!" It's a truly stunning debut and we can't wait to read more. Read Full Review

Like all of Cates and Shaws collaborative efforts, this series is worth keeping on your radar, and shows tremendous promise of what is to come. Even though weve just met, I can tell already that the comics world has never seen a god quite like Emmett Quinlan. So buckle up, folks; sounds like were in for a helluva ride…a ride…into GOD COUNTRY. Read Full Review

Hopefully Emmet's condition will be a recurring issue through out this series. This take on Emmet covers new ground as a spin on the hero's journey, as well as highlighting how Alzheimer's affects not only the character but those around him. Read Full Review

VERDICTIt would have been difficult to live up to the advance hype that God Country received, but Cates and company delivered in spades. The opening chapter is a perfectly paced blend of poignant character moments and explosive story beats. The creative team is in near-perfect sync, turning in stellar work. This book is incredibly ambitious, and if its only fault is attempting to reach the scope of a Jack Kirby Fourth World story without QUITE nailing the landing. That said, if it keeps up its pace, then God Country is an early front-runner for the 2018 Eisner Awards in several categories. As such, I feel no compunctions about giving this issue an almost-perfect 9.5/10. Read Full Review

What else can I say, God Country was really good. Being that I am behind on this one I still have #2 and #3 to go and I couldn't be happier about that. Today has been cleared, it's time to read some more God Country, I suggest you do the same. Read Full Review

God Country is a gorgeously illustrated modern tall tale, blending elements of sweeping science fiction with smaller scale family drama in this week's captivating first issue. Read Full Review

I cannot recommend God Country #1 enough. I know this review is coming out a bit late, but seriously: go back to your comic book store and get this book. Cates, Shaw, Wordie, and Hill have crafted something special here. It would be a shame for your dollars to be wasted elsewhere. Read Full Review

God Country #1 is a strong first issue, one replete with genuine dialogue, impressive characterization and plenty of emotional resonance. Writer Donny Cate's pacing, which simmers at the perfect temperature only to boil over admirably by issue's end is also to be lauded. Read Full Review

This is one of the most exciting and captivating first issues of an Image Comics series that Ive read for quite some time, which is definitely saying something. Cates and Shaw are working in perfect harmony here, creating an intense, grounded world thats about to be blown apart in the most gloriously celestial fashion imaginable. Highly, highly recommended. Read Full Review

With the cohesiveness and promise of this first issue, I, for one, am along for the ride. Read Full Review

It is a slow start and there's a lot more exposition than some people may find enjoyable, but I think this is a story that warrants it. I'd say this should be given a real chance. The Image team may be on to something with this, and I wouldn't recommend missing it! Read Full Review

God Country #1 is a fantastic first issue, the creative team puts together a fantastic story with a great hook to it. Personally, I really like that it's tackling the issue of Alzheimer's/dementia and the strain it not only places on the person afflicted with that disease but also the strain it puts on their family members as well. It's something you do not see talked about very often and rarely in the comic book medium and it's good to have stories like this out there that shine some light on it. The set up of the issue being told as a story passed down from generations is great and give it a feel of an old west folk tale that makes the book that more enjoyable. Read Full Review

Criticism aside, I look forward to learning more about the mythos of this comic, because it has already started in a grandiose way. Image may have another Goliath-level series on its hands because GOD COUNTRY is off to a phenomenal start. Read Full Review

There is no calm before the storm. Not in this book. We get the storm, but no calm. I am very excited to see where this series goes, and will be reading this going forward. I would recommend that everyone give this book a try, and I hope you feel as intrigued as I do to find out more about this man, his sword, and more of this awesome mystery. This was a good first issue, and I have a feeling it is going to get crazier from here. It isn't easy to be original, especially with so many good stories out there, but God Country #1 does a good job showing us a few things we've seen before, a few things we haven't, and it does it with some beautiful art. Read Full Review

"God Country" has the potential to be truly great. This story will be special. Read Full Review

As much as it succeeds in giving a weight and context to these events, it tends to be too little heavy-handed for its own good. Read Full Review

First, let's begin by saying it's rare that a colorist steals the show. Yet, that is absolutely the case with Jason Wordie. Wordie's colors avoid the drab temptation of the story's Texas prairie setting and instead engages the reader's eye. Warm and cool tones provide a visually interesting storytelling experience. The pages slide green to red, coloring monsters in purples and tan in ways that not only defy the use of words but capture the sense of the fantastic hidden within an otherwise dreary world. Read Full Review

I liked the story just fine, sure, but I absolutely loved the artwork " and so will you. By the time this issue was over, I found myself more than happy to add this title to my already-frighteningly-large pull list. Read Full Review

God Country #1 is a surprise. Not so much for its quality, but for the focus on family and all the challenges that come with it. Image has been touting the series as Southern Bastards meets American Gods, and while that's certainly apt, the first issue's choice to wade in the dirtier end of the pool as opposed to science fiction theatrics (though there's some rewarding venturing there too) adds gravitas to the mythological. It's about a god wandering the American plains, sure, but it's largely about second chances and fighting to keep the world from crushing down on you. Read Full Review

I didn't know what to expect when coming into this comic,but I can tell you I wasn't expecting this. This art is the kind of art thatgrows on you, because it started off as a pain point in the book when I startedbut by the end I was liking it. My favorite part about first issues of a comicis the end, was the story strong enough to pull you in, was the ending enoughto leave you wanting more? With this story the answer all the way around is yes! Read Full Review

God Country is without a doubt one of the best books on the stands this week. Read Full Review

Every comic should aspire to be this clever and intriguing.

Wow great debut. Story sucks you in. I personally relate to the story because of the dementia theme. The artwork is unbelievably detailed. Can't wait to see where the Quinlan story goes

This is a great introductory issue. The story starts as a riveting personal drama, a son torn between his responsibilities to his family and his ailing father, turning towards the supernatural at the end. I'm intrigued by the possibilities of watching Emmett confront his Alzheimer's in his fleeting moments of escape. The narration gives a biblical, large feel to the narrative. The writing and art are superb. I'm not sure exactly what this is going to turn into, but I thoroughly enjoyed this issue in itself.

The first issue of "God Country" was a breath of fresh air for me. I was just looking for a well-written, crazy comic and it looks like I found it. I do not know Donny Cates and that excites me more about the series as I have little to no idea where he will take me. For now his ability to switch from a family drama to a bombastic fantasy was incredible and his dialogues (and narrator!) were really enjoyable. I dig the art as well, it's the sketchy kind without the need to exaggerate it like many other artists do, practically drawing badly and in an unintelligible way. Beautiful last page and landscapes in particular.

That's how you nail an opening issue!!

Finally picked up this issue and was impressed with the writing, artwork and the eye-catching cover. It also has an intriguing set up which leaves me wanting to know more. Let's see where this goes.

Very sad beginning, but the ending sets up what I feel will be a very intense and exciting comic. Not much really happened with this issue, so it is hard to judge what type of comic it will be, but I have enjoyed the way it is written and the odd gods elements added to it.

This first issue doesn't tell much, I will have to wait for the following issues to make an appropriate review. The drawings can be improved.

The art is terrific, and the story has strong potential, but everything about this issue seemed dragged out so that it could end on its frustratingly vague "TBC". Not off to a terrific start.

Hmmm.... so this comic happened. I haven''t read a first issue like this in a while. So little is given or explained to the reader that it's hard to even assign a rating. I feel it deserves an 'N/A' for a rating. Very decompressed and if this will be pace of series going forward this may be better as a trade. That being said; last page was pretty cool and I will at least be back for issue 2.

+ Like • Comments (2)

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JBL Reviews - Jan 12, 2017

I felt like a ton was explained. Roy and his family came to take care of his dad with Alzheimer's. It's taking a toll on everyone. An odd, fanatical storm came and gave the father a sword which helps him remember. Amazing stuff.

READ RUMBLE - Jan 12, 2017

I get the family dynamic part, but the whole storm and sword thing was kinda random and I know it's a first issue and will be explained, but to me it was tough judging this comic with some random storn showing up and giving the dad a sword. I just didn't know what to make of it. It will obviously be explained in later issues and then I'll be able to judge this better. Arr was great and last page was cool, so I'll get issue 2 for sure.

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