Isola #1

Writer: Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl Artist: Karl Kerschl Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: April 4, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 21 User Reviews: 25
8.7Critic Rating
7.7User Rating

Childhood friends BRENDEN FLETCHER (MOTOR CRUSH) and Eisner Award-winning storyteller KARL KERSCHL (Gotham Academy) reunite on the comics page with a breathtaking fantasy adventure two decades in the making! The captain of the Royal Guard has fled the capital city with the Queen of Maar, suffering under the effects of an evil spell. Captain Rook's only hope of returning Queen Olwyn to her throne and saving the kingdom from impending war lies on an island half a world away-a place known in myth as Isola, land of the dead. Featuring lush color work by MSASSYK (Gotham Academy) and letters by ADITYA BIDIKAR (MOTOR CRUSH). Recommended for fans of more

  • 10
    Comicosity - Mexi Gremillion Mar 16, 2018

    Read ISOLA when it comes out. Read it. Its a fantastical world with a tremendous amount of well-done worldbuilding and definitely has several mysteries to solve in the upcoming issues. I highly recommend it. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ComicBook.com - Jenna Anderson Apr 4, 2018

    While there's no telling exactly where the story is headed, readers will hopefully follow the lead of Rook and Olwyn, and hold faith in whatever comes next. Read Full Review

  • 10
    CourtOfNerds - Grant Stoye Apr 7, 2018

    I apologize if this review isnt offering up specific details, but thats solely because this is a book that needs to be seen to be believed; the careful bits of information are released with intention, the small mysteries of reader revelation, and a world so vivid that you can hear the rain falling in the frames. Isola has magic in its pages, and it should be in every set of hands that crave a true departure from our reality. Read Full Review

  • 9.8
    Comicsverse - Molly Barnewitz Mar 12, 2018

    Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl's epic journey begins in ISOLA #1. The Image Comics series features fantastic world building, with mesmerizing landscapes and animals. Kerschl's artwork perfectly captures Fletcher's well crafted characters and their dangerous quest. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    You Don't Read Comics - Kevin A. Kimball Apr 4, 2018

    With that, Isola successfully sets the hook. It should be quite enjoyable to see the events that got Captain Rook and the tiger, Queen Olwyn, to this juncture, as well as to join them as they embark on the road ahead. The richness of the world, the long journey spanning the continent, and the evolution of Rook are set up in such a way that passing on this book simply isnt an option. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Weird Science - Andrew McAvoy Apr 7, 2018

    Bits and Pieces:Not only was this a magnificent book, but it was a work of art. A great start to a series which, if the standard of this opening issue is anything to go by, will be one that collectors will seek out in a future high-quality trade publication to grace their bookshelves and share with their children. It is something special, not often seen. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Spartantown - Enrique Rea Apr 4, 2018

    'Isola' is a sweeping fantasy that immerses the reader immediately with stunning visual storytelling. It's as though each panel is an animation cell all its own. Coupled with a mysterious curse and an intriguing mission, 'Isola' is off to an impressive start. It's a must-have title that's as imaginative and expertly executed as you'll find in comics this year. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Outright Geekery - Aaron Kessel Mar 15, 2018

    Isola is the new Image Comics series by Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl. A fantasy/adventure that features a royal guard and her queen, who has become a tigress, traveling to the lost land of Isola to save the kingdom. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - Matt Funk Apr 4, 2018

    Isola #1 is an incredibly promising debut to a refreshingly smart and stylish fantasy adventure. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bounding Into Comics - John F. Trent Mar 6, 2018

    Isola #1 is a stand-out issue. Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl introduce us to a rich world with interesting characters who have quite a bit of depth to them. There's also quite a bit of mystery to discovery. As the issue comes to a close you are left wondering what happened to Olwyn, who are the hunters, and who is this mysterious shaman like character. It definitely makes me want to pick up the second issue to find out more about these characters and this world. The way the book is written and drawn is almost cinematic. You can almost see the action in motion as you flip through the pages. I definitely recommend you check out Isola #1. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    All-Comic - Jessica Petrecz Mar 12, 2018

    Great comics are hard to find, but this one will jump out at you on the shelves with its mesmerizing art and gripping story. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Black Nerd Problems - Jordan Calhoun Apr 4, 2018

    Until Isola shares more with readers there's little else we can share here, but consider us interested in a visually stunning and imaginative series that, if previous works are any indication, will have also be full of heart. Reading Isola? Stay tuned to our reviews of the series, and an interview with Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl coming soon. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison Apr 3, 2018

    Isola #1 is visually stunning first outing for Brenden Fletcher, Kerschl, and MSASSYK. The story is interesting and leaves just enough clues to leave you wanting more. The art is beautiful and weaves a world both familiar and wildly distinct from our own. The pacing is good, and the world of the book brings the term atmospheric to a new level. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Matthew Sardo Mar 12, 2018

    Overall, Kerschl's art leads the way as Fletcher slowly reveals the world. Issue one is a must read, but issue two really needs to dig its claws into the reader. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    The Brazen Bull - Dave Robbins Apr 2, 2018

    This epic adventure is just beginning, but the characters are appealing enough and there is enough mystery to bring readers back for more. Combined with lush artwork Isola is a treat worth experiencing. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    On Comics Ground - Sadie Kelly Apr 6, 2018

    Although a satisfying read, Issue #1 of Isola left me with several questions. Why were Rook and Queen Olwyn exiled? How did Queen Olwyn become a tiger? What was the giant corpse creature? What is the place known as "Isola", and what is its importance? This first issue did a splendid job of getting me hooked enough to want to read on to find the answers to these questions. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Mark Tweedale Apr 6, 2018

    An elegant opening to the series. "Isola" looks gorgeous, but more importantly, those gorgeous visuals are dense with story and character. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Sam King Apr 4, 2018

    Overall, this is a good start to the series and it does a lot to get progress going. There is plenty of clear conflict for both main characters, there is a lot of wonderful artwork to enjoy, and the story seems to be heading in an enjoyable direction so far. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Doom Rocket - Brendan F. Hodgdon Apr 10, 2018

    The more series like Isola there are out there, the better the medium will ultimately be. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Apr 3, 2018

    So far, Isola feels less like a narrative journey and more of an art exhibition for Kerschl's prodigious skills - and while that'll hook in diehards like me just based on the sheer skill of his artistry, you can bet there will be plenty more who won't take the bait. Read Full Review

  • 3.0
    Comic Book Corps - Michael Jones Apr 4, 2018

    While not the strongest debut for the Fletcher/Kerschl team, they manage to set up just enough that I'm curious to see what the next issue has in store for me. Issue 2 definitely needs to strengthen the hook that Fletcher has set for his readers. When all is said and done with this series, I suspect it will be highly satisfying to consume in trade form, given the slow build. Read Full Review

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