Before you embark on reading this comic sit down and prepare yourself for what you're about to behold. This issue might be one of the strongest debuts, with some of the strongest art, that Image has put out yet"and considering just what Image can and does put it, that should say it all right there. Read Full Review

All in all I really like this comic and would wholeheartedly recommend it. The only reason I could see someone not liking this comic is that it starts off a little slow and there isnt a lot of dialogue, so if you want snappy character interaction then this isn't the place for you. But if you want to curl up with a good book this Halloween week and get a little scared and a lot impressed, then I suggest picking up a copy of Rasputin. Read Full Review

A great first issue that begs you to want more by revealing little, but doing it all in a compelling way. Read Full Review

A solid first issue that brings to life a Rasputin never seen on the page or screen. Enough to give a taste of his youth and his future self, theres a lot of intrigue in seeing the transition from the boy to man. Read Full Review

Rasputin #1 did not have a ton of dialogue, but instead, many "snap scenes". Rossmo's art told the story when it came down to it. Normally this would have driven me crazy, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this comic. Grecian seems to be making sure to take the story slow, giving you explicit detail to the life of Rasputin. I didn't find it boring, or dragging, it was a chapter of Rasputin's life, that I am completely excited to continue reading. Read Full Review

The combination of suspenseful, emotionally charged writing combined with detailed, elegant art, and vivid and distinct coloring create a masterful story that could be a prime-time television series. Read Full Review

Rasputin #1 is an awesome issue in the true definition of the word. It attacks big issues with a big historical figure and big talent splashed across the page. This issue will surprise you as much as it did me and you'll probably wind up subscribing to it as well. Challenge a preconception in Rasputin #1. Read Full Review

With intensely interesting subject matter, a strong story, deep and well wrought characters and a fantastically talented team firing on all cylinders, this book is a gem. Overwhelmingly successful and immensely intriguing, the story of one of history's most infamous and mysterious figures is done justice, at every turn. Everything about this book is inspired. Creating a ghastly, ghoulish, gorgeous tale, the team sails into uncharted territory and emerges with the definite and obvious result of having claimed it as their own. I can feel the Russian novelists nodding in recognition of the exquisite melancholy created here, 'yes,' they say, 'you've seen our point.' Frigid and biting as Siberian air, "Rasputin" #1 is an incredibly promising start to a series that is sure to continue to stretch the boundaries of genre, fact and fiction. Read Full Review

This issue felt very brief, but serves to set the tone that will likely go forward in the story- brutality, a haunted feeling lingering under the surface, betrayal and magic. You see that despite appearances Rasputin is a wise man aware of his situation, and from the flashbacks that his early life was harsh. He also appears to have no qualms about facing death, or letting those he assumes deserving of it die. Given what we know about the famous mad monk, his ties to the Romanov dynasty, and his historic fate, it will be interesting to see how this book plays out. Read Full Review

Rasputin #1 is a truly collaborative effort; Grecian's narration reads like poetry, and Rossmo carries the narrative with ease from past to present while Plascencia's colors guide us through the biting cold and brooding darkness. Grecian doesn't throw us into the action right off the bat but instead pulls us in slowly and elegantly into the calm before the storm. It's a powerful beginning and whether you had a prior interest in the subject matter or not, Rasputin #1 is a work of art. Read Full Review

Rasputin is an extremely polished first issue the storytelling feels spot on as we get an insight into the characters past and present. It's visually stunning and should draw you in from the very first panel. This is an easy recommend and a great start to what is looking like a great series. Read Full Review

Rasputin is a ripe subject for a comic ready to have facts poked, prodded and stretched to create a new legend and if this first issue is any indication, Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo are up to the task. Read Full Review

Rasputin #1 offers a very gentle start to this new title — short on words and action, yes, but loaded up with kick-ass art. Read Full Review

Of course, such a monumental idea could have easily fallen apart with the wrong artist, but Rossmo's talents help RASPUTIN move stunningly from page to page. He masterfully blots and scratches the pages with his heavy inks, while still maintaining the proper atmospheres between the present and the past. Even his large splash pages play well; a place where form and atmosphere overrides immediate action as he chooses to use the available pages more for meditative reflection than a panorama of violence… though there is a wicked man vs. bear fight. Read Full Review

All in all, Rasputin #1 is a fun first issue of a series that promises to rejuvenate a well-worn historical story with a dynamic and modern sense of the fantastical. Read Full Review

Rasputin #1 is a very well told single issue. It presents a short and (not so) sweet story about the tragedy and irony of life. Grecian and Rossmo use one of history's most interesting characters to craft a tale that fits perfectly into the Halloween season as well. Whether they can build this story into something larger has yet to be seen. Read Full Review

All in all, this book was a fun read, regardless of being a little fast. At $2.99, I will definitely be back next month for issue two. It looks like I'll be adding yet another Image book long term. Read Full Review

This book felt as if it was over way too fast, and I quite enjoyed it. The various stories that are being told alongside the artwork made this comic a good read, and the author was smart enough to seed a decent cliff hanger to keep out interests for the next issue. Read Full Review

This is a really enjoyable read. It would have been significantly more enjoyable, however, with different lettering choices. Theres text-in-panel narration in a scrawling, difficult-to-read font that Read Full Review

Rasputin is an interesting book, the subject matter will I don't think be for everyone however, Grecian and Rossmo are creating a stunning book and are pulling out all the stops to make probably the definitive fictional work on Rasputin for years to come. Read Full Review

This is how strong an Image first issue should be but, a first issue can only be so strong. This is an example of that. I could've done with more speaking, more characterization, but I was so wrapped up in it that I didn't think about it later. That's enought to keep me on for now. Read Full Review

From the opening scene, you will be captivated by this story and its central character that is one of the most interesting people in all of history. Read Full Review

It's not entirely clear where the series is going, and that's could potentially turn a lot of readers off. That said, there's some lovely art and very cool storytelling at play here. If you're willing to give a well-crafted book with an ambiguous premise a shot, Rasputin is worth a look. Read Full Review

Overall, one must grant a serialized format theopportunity to chart a course and offer surprises. As it stands,Rasputin has the potential to eithercrash on the rocks or steer itself into safeterritory. Maybe the team has already channeled some the clairvoyant powers of its protagonist and know just where they're headed. But so far, the rest of us are in the dark. Read Full Review

Ultimately, I would say Rasputin #1 is worth taking a gamble on if you have room in your comic-buying budget for a wild card. It shows a lot of potential to grow into something great in the next few months, and the artwork alone is almost worth the price of admission. But at the same time, due to its shortcomings Rasputin #1 isn't exactly a must-buy, so if you're cutting back your pull list you could forgive yourself for giving this one a miss. Read Full Review

Rasputin might be a niche character. Perhaps only history buffs would like this kind of story. However, the personality and the intrigue of the character is not explored at all in this comic book. Sure, we get a taste of the fateful night but for the most part we get an origin story that we've seen many times over. As a result, the character doesn't quite stand out the way he should based on the history books. I'm curious about the second issue, but I know the artwork will dazzle my eyes. Read Full Review

With a clearer mission statement "Rasputin" #1 could have been an interesting historical fiction take on a fascinating figure. It's handsomely drawn but at the end feels like it has no purpose or need to continue beyond this point. Here's hoping the rest of the series can find that direction it needs. Read Full Review

This book is exactly why I'm in the Image For Life Club. This team has brought together all the elements making this small window in time a Micro-Golden Age for the independents: simple but elegantly mature art; coloring that is both period-perfect and yet timeless; and the story of innocence attempting to keep itself whole despite being sandwiched between the active evil of Man and the banal evil of Nature. Like the best parts of Manifest Destiny and the high points of anything Kirkman, I'll expect to see that glimmer of Hope burn through the 10 tons of shit that keep falling on it - even though I know the shit (and the shitters) win in the long run. But like Uncle James Morrison said, "I just wanna get my kicks before the shithouse goes up in flames!" more

Was it short? Yeah. Was it any good? Absolutely. Can't wait for more, as this was such a quick read.

Simple first issue. And honestly, I think it helped me take in the world of Rasputin. Some harsh scenes. Some surprising scenes. Overall a decent start to what may be stellar series.

While the artwork is really good as usual from Rossmo, the story has something left to be told for sure. As in the point as there's little story being told. It is enough to keep you interested and like I said, the artwork is superb from Riley Rossmo.

The groundwork is laid for this #1 issue of the Rasputin series, but story driven comic book fans might not pick up #2 because of the meager story. The story is good, but it is like an appetizer to a very hungry large man. Personally I enjoyed it.