Graham ends the issue, in the same way he started, with him contemplating story structure and the path of characters. The contributions by all prove that there is no rhyme or reason or prevailing theme, just pure thought and creativity. This is what makes this magazine already a sight unseen and personifies the spirit of this company and why so many luminaries find solace at Image. Overall, a fun ride and something that I can only question why Image has not put something like this out before now. Read Full Review

It's hard to see where the stories in Island connect thematically but that may be because the first two stories haven't really developed their themes yet.All of the stories are written and drawn by the same person but other than that I don't know if they necessarily belong together. However, overall, I'm happy this kind of comics is coming to America. Anthologies aren't very common and certainly none this size and caliber. For roughly two and a half times the price of a standard comic you get over a hundred pages of interesting art. And for once it seems like we are getting a real comic book, with a bound back and no adds. Yet it still doesn't feel like a graphic novel as well. Whatever it is, it's something that could sit in your bookshelf and make you damn happy you picked it up. Read Full Review

If you keep hearing about how this is a new golden age for comics, particularly of the creator-owned variety, and wonder where an ideal jumping-in point might be, look no further than Island #1 for a diverse sampling of talented creators with unique voices. Read Full Review

Overall, The Island, like many anthologies, is likely to offer something to most readers. Using the creators involved as a guide, this publication is unlikely to disappoint. Graham's idea for this type of book, the talent he has employed for it, and the structure offer some promise for exciting and intriguing ideas on a monthly basis. The fragmented narrative that can be problematic for some readers when trying to follow ongoing tales in such a publication may take some adjusting. Still, The Island is likely to offer some great bits of uninhibited creativity on a monthly basis. Read Full Review

All in all, “Island” #1 is an anthology issue packed full of content. It's not the kind of issue that skimps a couple of ten-page comic stories in order to pack in some interviews or advertisements. No, for $7.99 “Island” #1 offers three, 30 page comic stories from three fantastic artists as well as a heartfelt and personal prose piece from one of the best writers in current comics. That is definitely value for money, I'd say, so all that comes down to it is whether you are a fan of the unconventional styles that these artists work in. This isn't a house style kind of book and leans more towards experimental storytelling. For those of you who are into that kind of style, you'll eat this up. For the rest of you, comic books are a vast ocean with plenty of fish and this one might not be for you. It certainly was for me, though. Read Full Review

At $7.99, the price unfortunately isn't friendly to impulse purchasing, but readers who are existing fans of DeConnick, Graham, Ros or Ludroe will not be disappointed. I'm a fan of the big page count that allows for longer chunks of interrupted story. Each piece in "Island" #1 has a satisfying length and impact. Read Full Review

Ultimately, my experience of Island was a rather alienating one. I picked up the book based on effusive reception from peers and other critics, without realizing that there was assigned reading. It turns out I might have realized Emma Rios piece was one of at least two parts, if Id read interviews. Or I perhaps should have known that Grahams work would be pulling on previous material based on related press releases. But, coming into it as a completely fresh reader, Ive found that Island #1 has left me at sea. Read Full Review

"Island" provides great value for your money. Over 100 pages of material for $8 is a great deal. The comic provides three full-length stories in it, two short stories and a tribute to a friend by DeConnick. Fans of the creators involved must pick this comic book up. Other readers may want to look under the covers to determine if the art styles match with their taste. If so, then they might find this to be a hidden treasure. I only found one of the stories to be something memorable but the entire comic is gorgeous to look at. Take a look at this one. Read Full Review