Spread #1
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Spread #1

Writer: Justin Jordan Artist: Kyle Strahm Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: July 9, 2014 Cover Price: $3.5 Critic Reviews: 31 User Reviews: 13
8.3Critic Rating
7.7User Rating

Ten years ago, we dug too deep. We unleashed something ancient that couldn’t be controlled. Something that couldn’t be stopped, twisting everything it touched into more of itself. The Spread. Humanity was nearly destroyed before we found a way to slow the Spread to a crawl. Now, deep inside the quarantined zone, one man has found the key to stopping it forever: a baby girl. And if he can save her, he might save the world.

  • 10
    Comicosity - Nick Couture Jul 11, 2014

    This is a #1 that grabs you and doesn't let go until you've seen everything on these pages. Fans of Justin Jordan jump on board. Fans of horror/post-apocalyptic tales jump on board. If you don't The Spread just might get you….sorry, I had to. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Jul 12, 2014

    Every once in a while a comic book comes along at the right time with the right kind of story that simply connects with an audience. Plenty of horror comics have come out in the past ten years, and many have become hits, but this one is not something that easily fits in with that bunch. Somehow, this comic looks like it will be changing the rules in comic book horror. This is the ground floor. I suggest checking it out. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ScienceFiction.com - Stuart Conover Jul 12, 2014

    This first issue of ‘Spread' has an extremely strong narrative and if the story can continue to draw us into the world that Jordan has created, I believe we're going to be in for a real treat for quite some time to come. If you are a fan of ‘The Walking Dead', ‘The Thing', or ‘Dead Space' you should absolutely be making sure to check this one out as you'll be in for a real treat! Read Full Review

  • 10
    The Kliq Nation - Timdogg Jul 8, 2014

    In interviews Jordan stated that right now, his plans for Spread are to have it go 60 issues. Along with that number would be fill-in issues with guest-artists to help fill out the world that Spread exists in. Basically world-building. Even finding out different variations of the infected spread. We could find out what caused the disease, how No is immune to it, and how Hope is the possible cure. I look forward to following along. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Jen 'Miss J' Aprahamian Jun 14, 2014

    SPREAD is not for the faint of heart, but it's a well-crafted thriller with tons of nightmare-inducing potential. It's utterly creepy, but has strong thematic undertones that elevate it and give the series a clear direction. Bonus points: No has a total Wolverine vibe. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Unleash The Fanboy - John McCubbin Jul 8, 2014

    Spread gets off to a wonderful start being a fresh and unique take on the post-apocalyptic concept. Highly recommended. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geeked Out Nation - Jess Camacho Jun 25, 2014

    Spread #1 is one of the more memorable debuts of this year. It's only going to get better with time. It's a blend of The Walking Dead, The Thing, and Sweet Tooth with artwork that will haunt your dreams. This is not one to be missed. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    ComicBuzz - Ollie Jul 7, 2014

    Jordan is a very prolific writer with a strong body of work but with this being a labour of love, this could be his best work to date. The artist Strahm is a new name to me but his art seems to be perfectly suited to the story giving everything an eerie, menacing look where anything could get you. The creators have big plans for the book and I hope that they get to tell the full story, so I urge people to give the book a try when it comes out soon. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Jul 11, 2014

    There's more to Spread that has yet to be revealed.  The true origin of this epidemic is still somewhat of a mystery.  The press release announcing the comic talks about something ancient being unleashed when humanity dug too deep.  I'm interested to learn how the quarantine zone is set up as well.  Is North America cut off from the rest of the world?  How far did the Spread spread?  Judging from this issue, it's evolving, but so is mankind. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Spectrum - Shawn Hoklas Jul 12, 2014

    Jordan's writing delivers on the suspense and horror making the world feel as terrifying as it looks. This artistic duo of Strahm with Sobreiro on colors will really be a team to watch, I this this is one of Image's best looking books. This is yet another fantastic debut from Image that definitely deserves your attention. I'm on board. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Rhymes With Geek - Michael Hawkins Jul 8, 2014

    I really liked the first issue of The Spread and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes. The visual similarities to The Thing and the mystery behind what the Spread really is has me eagerly awaiting issue number 2. 9 out of 10. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    IGN - Jeff Lake Jun 17, 2014

    Spread is a truly scary book, a less than original premise told in a very original way. Justin Jordan ably sets the stage, coupled by the excellent art and colors from Kyle Strahm and Felipe Sobreiro. For a comic, it's pretty good -- for a debut, it's amazing. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Lost Lighthouse - thelostlighthouse Jul 10, 2014

    So pretty clear this is another new series I really enjoyed, and I think you should pick it up too. If you are a fan of grim horror (and I suspect you are), then you should be into Spread. Check it out at your local comic book shop or digital comics app thingymabob. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Multiversity Comics - Vince Ostrowski Jun 19, 2014

    "Spread" combines the best aspects of Justin Jordan's most previous creator-owned works: the straightforward and taut storytelling skills on display in "Dead Body Road" and the ability to collaborate with a terrific artist to produce over-the-top and violent imagery, as he did on "Luther Strode." Strahm's choreography elevates "Spread" to something greater than pure gore. Forall its blood and horror and desperation, "Spread" #1 is beautifully realized. Read Full Review

  • 8.6
    The MacGuffin - Matt LeMaire Jul 8, 2014

    SPREAD #1 serves as a fun and effective debut issue that more than anything else, leaves the reader intrigued with what's to come. There's some well done world building here, but it's the introduction of our main characters that will keep us hooked from here on out. With a fun cliffhanger to lead us into issue #2, you'll definitely want to stick around to see where Spread leads. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Florida Geek Scene - Brian Reed Jul 16, 2014

    Going into it, I didn't expect to like this, but it very pleasantly surprised me. It looks like a comic should – unrealistic and colorful – and the story held my interest. I was genuinely surprised it all went by so fast, and I always feel that's a good sign. Unless you're overloaded on zombie apocalypse, give this one a try. It's a different take on things and it does it really well. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Coming Up Comics - David Melton Jul 8, 2014

    A new series that will promises to entertain with strong writing and gorgeous artwork, you're not going to want to miss this issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Behind The Panels - Richard Gray Jul 13, 2014

    Spread makes a welcome addition to the horror genre, introducing a badass new hero with a clear goal and end-point. It's a title that could have a long run ahead of it if it maintains this quality and same level of nail-biting cliffhangers for its duration. Come for the story, stay for Strahm's next level art. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Dean Stell Jul 14, 2014

    A very solid first issue. If you're into post-apocalypse fiction, this is worth checking out. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Front Towards Gamer - Lido Jul 7, 2014

    When I first opened up this issue of Spread I had some music on like one does when reading comics, upon reading a page or two I actually had to pause the song I was listening to and put on 'End of All Hope' by Nightwish because the stuff on panel was just that awesome. The artwork is great and works wonders with what could be overcrowded design by simple but effective coloring techniques. Simple but effective sums up Spread as a whole: the story is simple and the panel design is simple but that simplicity affords the creative team the focus and strength of purpose to deliver an awesome comic that works like gangbusters. Between Spread, Southern Bastards, Nailbiter, The Revenge, and Satellite Sam maybe Image needs to stop trying to be like Terrence Malick and start trying to be more like Troma, highly recommended. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Kabooooom - Erik Radvon Jul 11, 2014

    Fans of sci-fi, post-apocalyptic fiction, and scary stories will find a lot to love in Spread #1. Creators Jordan, Strahm, and Sobreiro blend classic genre elements together to produce something new and exciting. It's an unnerving yet entertaining ride. Read this one late at night, and keep a few extra lights on. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Steve Paugh Jul 9, 2014

    So yeah, Spread may have much in common with both The Stuff and my Qubcois lunch (not to mention other stories like The Thing), so it may not be the most original idea, but I'm already engrossed in its world and thanks mostly to the art team, am all-aboard to see where Spread goes next. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton Jul 9, 2014

    "Spread" #1 is a pleasingly good debut, one that should make you want to read more. With a fun twist on why No's mission is so important, there's a lot of potential for where it's going to head next. Once again, a strong new series from Image Comics. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Zac Thompson Jul 9, 2014

    The colouring of this series is going to be a major draw to some. The coldness of the human world, dominated by blues, greys, and most prominently, white, is cut by the heat of the bright red Spread. It makes for an (at one point literally) eye-popping experience. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Edward Kaye Jul 10, 2014

    It's a heck of a fun read, with tons of great action, but the plot is a little clichd and filled with genre tropes. Jordan acknowledges this, though, and pays honor with his homage. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Torin Chambers Feb 18, 2015

    Visually Plunder is a bit inconsistent at time but nothing earth shattering. The awesome moments definitely outshine the discrepancies overall. The maj Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comics Bulletin - Justin Giampaoli Jul 15, 2014

    With the sort of ronin theme underlying things, it's hard not to make the obvious comparison to Lone Wolf & Cub, then just throw in a dash of Saga, since events are narrated from the POV of the infant baby in retrospect. It's one of the (few) things I love about Saga, so it was a welcome hook to see that play out as No meets Hope. I'm on board for this ongoing series. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    All-Comic - Erik Gonzalez Jul 10, 2014

    There's nothing really groundbreaking in The Spread,but it's still an interesting, enjoyable read. If you too are a fan of the influences on this comic, then it will be a real treat. A basic story with some potent imagery is not a bad start, so let's see where it goes. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    AIPT - David Brooke Jul 9, 2014

    There's a lot of great ideas at play in this new series and it may be one hell of a horror/science fiction story once the first story arc wraps up — but there isn't enough in this first issue to like to tell just yet. Though Spread shouldn't go unnoticed, this first issue wasn't a home run; more of a foul tip. Let's wait for the next pitch and see where it's going. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Word Of The Nerd - Lucas Carver Jul 12, 2014

    Post-apocalyptic fiction is gobbled up by the masses and if you enjoy that brand of fiction, then you'll be at home with Spread, but to me it just seems like another book trying to cash in on the genre's recent renaissance. I won't plan on paying much attention to the book unless more liberal changes are made to the story to stand out against the sea of similar titles. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon Jul 8, 2014

    Spread isn't a bad comic, but the writing comes across as purely utilitarian, and it's completely outclassed by the art. The familiarity of the book could work for or against this title, depending on the reader. But if Strahm and Sobreiro continue their strong work, they should be able to buy Jordan enough time to really get this story going. Jordan has put himself in a position to deliver on a book that is much more than the sum of the parts presented here, and that's better than many creator-owned comics can say. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Deckard Jul 11, 2014

    Great opening issue. Can't wait to see where this series leads.

  • 8.0
    Jon-C17 Nov 18, 2014

    I think Spread is something I'm either going to love or hate down the line. First issue has me. Great art and coloring; really into this style. Only problem is the story is pretty standard: mankind is in peril, there is only one person which others will group around who can make a difference, it is a rocky road to save the world. Still, I loved the way this issue was done.

  • 7.0
    GeninBen Jul 12, 2014

    They always tell you not to judge a book by its cover but I don't think that really translates well in the comic book industry. When you browse your local comic shop and you see a insanely well done cover you know you are going to pick it up and flip through it. If the cover is weak you are more likely to pass it over without even batting an eyelash. I think the cover of Spread #1 says it all.



    For a first issue it gives you pretty much everything you need. It sets up the story in a way that you feel like you already know the world and understand its horridness. The writing is strong in the way that it lets the art do half the work. I do have to point out that this book relies heavily on the coloring and Felipe does t more

  • 6.5
    JBL Reviews Jul 19, 2014

    I didn't feel it was special.

  • 6.5
    Gizmo Jul 12, 2014

    I picked this one up based on the strength of the interior artwork. Filipe Sobreiro's colours are excellent, the muted blue tones really pop the red colours of the Spread and the blood. The Spread entity looks really cool and the way it attacks makes it an interesting post apocalyptic critter. So, the art really helps to elevate this book, but it's a cookie cutter story nonetheless. And no matter how good the icing is on a cookie, you can't make it good if it's already stale. As one reviewer commented, naming your main character 'No' is a terrible idea. At least spell it different for clarity's sake, like Kno (an amazing hip-hop producer). No seems to - see what I mean? - he seems to be a stoney-face character who doesn't talk much, so don' more

  • 6.0
    Cosmic Ray Nov 16, 2014

    The Thing.

  • 9.5
    MarkMiller May 25, 2015

  • 9.0
    THA_FUBU Dec 26, 2014

  • 9.0
    Haziord Jul 9, 2014

  • 8.5
    mrDovydas Jul 19, 2014

  • 7.0
    Alex Mackay Aug 16, 2016

  • 7.0
    SwampyCA Oct 12, 2014

  • 6.5
    Sayrus Oct 3, 2015

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