Dark Ages #1

8.2

Critic Reviews

18 Reviews
8.5

User Reviews

80 Reviews
Writer Tom Taylor
Artist Iban Coello
Cover Price $4.99

This is what the Watcher has been watching for!
  A danger older than the Earth threatens everything. For once, the heroes who have saved the planet so many times are almost powerless in the face of it.
  X-Men and Avengers assemble. Spider-People and Fantastic Four come together. Heroes for Hire fight alongside Champions.  
  None of it will be enough.
  The lights are about to go out.
  The world outside our window...is about to end.
  An all-new saga of the Marvel Universe as you've never seen it before from Tom Taylor and Iban Coello!

Rated T+

Reviews (18) User Reviews (80) Rate / Write A Review

CRITIC REVIEWS

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  • 10

    But Why Tho? - Collier "CJ" Jennings

    Aug 30, 2021

    Dark Ages #1 launches a new version of the Marvel Universe which subverts the usual dystopia tropes and features top-notch work from its creative team. Fans of Taylor and Coello's previous works will definitely want to add this to their pull list, while fans of books such as The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner will find a comic that hews to their tastes. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

    Aug 31, 2021

    This event has me intrigued to say the least. Without the pressures of what comes next, readers can enjoy the the journey not focus so much on the destination. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison

    Sep 01, 2021

    Based on this first chapter, Dark Ages seems poised to become Marvel Comics' next Age of Apocalypse. Given the talent involved, however, I suspect it will be far better. MCU Fans who have yet to give the source material a try after watching What If"? would do well to check out this series. So would everyone else. Read Full Review

  • 9.2

    Comic Watch - Bethany W Pope

    Aug 30, 2021

    This story is a rollicking adventure, packed with high stakes and heart. Read Full Review

  • 9.1

    The Super Powered Fancast - Timala Elliott

    Sep 02, 2021

    This visually appealing issue perfectly encapsulates the tone of the story. The drawings and bold color palate are breathtaking. And the focus on character expression and form is engrossing. The best part of this edition are the series of action scenes. The attention to detail is impressive. And the illustration is done in such a way to elicit a strong emotional response. I was fully transported with every turn of the page. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    AIPT - Ronnie Gorham

    Aug 30, 2021

    Dark Ages #1 looks to re-shape the landscape of the Marvel Universe in a way that will change the dynamic of its characters forever. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    The Comicbook Dispatch - soycornholio

    Aug 30, 2021

    Dark Ages #1 by Tom Taylor is a solid opening to what is sure to become a classic in Marvel reading. I have not read a Tom Taylor book since X-Men: Red, but he is honestly a solid writer. The overall pacing of this issue was excellent. There was zero tap dancing and explaining who the characters are etc. If you are a fan of ANY of the Marvel characters, pick up this issue. I was politely surprised with the story in general and you will not be disappointed! Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Graphic Policy - Brett

    Sep 01, 2021

    Dark Ages #1 is a solid start. Taylor is delivering yet another spin on classic characters in a new world and setting. The debut sets the bar as what we can expect and the answer is everything. No one is safe and we're being delivered a solid spin and direction it seems like. If you like Taylor past similar work, this is a start that's well worth checking out. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez

    Sep 04, 2021

    Dark Ages #1 is a fantastic example of how you kick off a big event. Tom Taylor and Iban Coello do not waste any time setting up the big conflict and the ramifications of the decisions made by certain heroes. It all works to create a universe that fans will be fully invested in finding out what will happen next. This is a must have comic book for all Marvel fans. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Black Nerd Problems - Chris Aiken

    Sep 05, 2021

    What I like about this first issue is that it's entertaining. There is some solid action and art that draws readers in despite not getting to the meat and potatoes of its initial premise. Of course, the first issue isn't perfect. We don't get as much character work as I would have liked, but it feels like the book will slow down the pace going forward and explore how our heroes have changed after the events of the first issue. I'd call Dark Ages #1 a win and with a great tease at the end, I'm excited to see what's next. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Multiversity Comics - Christopher Egan

    Sep 03, 2021

    An exciting page turner crossover event that puts a new spin on quite a few ideas and plot devices Marvel fans have seen over the years. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Impulse Gamer - Tim Chuma

    Sep 05, 2021

    This does have a lot of different characters from the Marvel universe in it and I would recommend at least having a look at it if you want a different sort of story than usual and not just them fighting the same bad guys as they regularly do. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Nerdly - Phil Wheat

    Sep 07, 2021

    As Simon Cowell would say 'I liked it, but I didn't love it' Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Nerdly - Dean Fuller

    Sep 07, 2021

    As Simon Cowell would say 'I liked it, but I didn't love it' Read Full Review

  • 7.5

    Bleeding Cool - Hannibal Tabu

    Sep 05, 2021

    If there's an issue here, it's one of underlying conception, not execution. We've now seen "What If" scenarios played out with great impact on screen and even seen Stephen Strange's sloppiness leads to problems for everyone around him. This issue slides the perspective but leaves a lot of questions about its origins, and the questions that will nag at you while looking into the fridge are what kept this from greatness. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    Comics Bookcase - Zack Quaintance

    Sep 01, 2021

    Dark Ages #1 is pretty faithful to other entries in the recent boom of stories that ask what if your favorite superheroes but messed up? Its a little short on the charm needed to make it work exceedingly well, but this first issue had A LOT of setup to do, so I get it. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    Comics: The Gathering - Charles Martin

    Sep 01, 2021

    Dark Ages #1 is a strongly-illustrated tale about how the Marvel universe -- or at least one version of it -- ends in apocalyptic chaos. It does an impressive job of establishing a new status quo and lays the groundwork for interesting stories to come. But its matter-of-fact, past-tense tone robs this apocalypse of its full measure of drama. This series may well progress into greatness as it continues, but even if it does, this initial chapter is destined to go down as an awfully dry prologue. Read Full Review

  • 4.0

    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett

    Sep 01, 2021

    It introduces a new threat and a core cast of characters to trace this new status quo, but barely considers the question of why readers should concern themselves with all of it beyond the recognizable faces stuffed inside. Read Full Review

USER REVIEWS

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  • 10

    Rockstarbaby7

    Aug 31, 2021

    Flawless.

  • 10

    Dave

    Aug 31, 2021

    Perfect, Tom Taylor can do no wrong. Read it early (work at a store) Recommend

    + Like Comment
  • 10

    Jmowarp

    Sep 01, 2021

    I always expect a lot from Tom Taylor, and I'm always blown away at how he keeps topping himself. So excited for the rest of this series. The story is so intriguing, and the art compliments it wonderfully.

  • 10

    Toonstrack

    Sep 01, 2021

    THATS how you kick off a new story. This was pure awesomeness and it shows how even the most die hard Tom Taylor haters can't rag on this too much. Its just straight up an awesome epic scaled introduction to a new type of MU. If the writing quality stays like this, we could be seeing our next House of M or Age of Apocalypse type story in the making!

  • 10

    Tarun Joga

    Sep 02, 2021

    Great

  • 10

    cincyfan

    Sep 04, 2021

    What a fantastic start to what looks to be an awesome story. I love how this one was written. I was really invested in the story as we are brought up to speed then it ends with a that's how we got to where we are and here's the problem. Great book I can't wait for the next issue

  • 10

    SurvivorLiv

    Jan 16, 2022

    This is an extremely strong issue to start with. It gives us a good sense of this world and just how far-reaching this comic intends to be. This issue uses the framing device of Spider-Man explaining how this world came to be, and this works brilliantly. This issue shows the X-Men, Avengers, Runaways, Champions, and more. Tom Taylor represents a large swath of the greater Marvel Universe - and no one seems safe from death. The deaths in this initial issue are horrifying as the Unmaker (which has a design I really liked btw), tears apart the Thing and the Scarlet Witch, before stabbing Dr. Strange. The Vision is also presumably dead as he was inside of the Unmaker when the EMP blast went on. This issue shows the darkness of this world and I more

  • 9.0

    daspidaboy

    Sep 01, 2021

    Okay, I admit there's some bias for Tom Taylor but I REALLY like this little event or story. When Marvel really tries in their crossovers it completely blows away the majority of DC Crossover Events. Well, I am actually more excited for this than Fear State can you believe that? This, Devil Reign, and of course X-Men Inferno are my most anticipated stories this year. The art is great, the action is fluid, the dialogue is pretty good. I mean any one can enjoy this and have a fun time. This is giving me Marvel's Version of DCeased and can't wait for the next issue. This is in my pull list now!

  • 9.0

    Afre

    Sep 01, 2021

    Very interesting premise. I liked it a lot. Neither Taylor or Coello disappointed with this one.

    + Like Comment
  • 9.0

    axdn

    Sep 01, 2021

    Amazing! Can't wait for the next issue!

  • 9.0

    Mout

    Sep 01, 2021

    Laughed so hard at that Jessica Jones line on page two (Did not care much about those guys that got killed but Ben 😭)

  • 9.0

    Psycamorean

    Oct 03, 2021

    This is a really good start, and maybe I'm just biased about the Spider-Fam spotlight.

  • 8.5

    DDJamesB

    Sep 01, 2021

    It was pretty darn good. The ending didnt really do much for me or it would have been easily a 9. They did the world ending scenario well and makes me truly feel the horror that happened.

  • 8.5

    Contessa

    Sep 03, 2021

    Tom Taylor's actually a pretty good writer when he's not wasting everyone's time with cheap virtue signaling.

    + Like Comment
  • 8.0

    allenquanobi

    Sep 01, 2021

    Enjoyed it! It's been a couple years since Tom Taylor has written for Marvel, so I was very excited to see him helm this limited series. And I can say it gets off to pretty solid start. A little too similar to DCeased for me in the way that it's a post apocalyptic story that has a lot of the action and plot explained through text boxes that lead to the speaker at the end. Idk if you can call it a cliché, but I've seen it a lot that I've grown a little tired of it. Didn't take away from my enjoyment too much though. Coello's art is really good. Liked the look of Peter and his family, especially May, who was a very cute baby :). I'm excited to keep reading

  • 8.0

    BigCliff

    Sep 03, 2021

    The Smartest people noticed a pattern. The Telepaths felt it. But the SPIDERS sensed it first. Reading that build up within the first few pages really got me on board with whatever Tom Taylor is going to do with this story. I will say that it's very basic set up, but it works. To put the icing on the cake, you have Peter Parker as the narrator so it automatically becomes relatable since he's marvel's most down to earth hero. I loved it My favorite moment is seeing the first team of heroes fight against the "UNMAKER." Scarlet Witch, Sue Storm, Vision, Dr Strange & The Thing...that's a powerhouse! And they get swatted like they're latern flies lol. My only complaint is that the real villain of this story is apocalypse. I'm not that big of more

  • 7.5

    Onomatopoeia

    Sep 02, 2021

    I thought the Unmaker was a little silly and unnecessary, but with that out of the way, I'm interested in where the story will go.

    + Like Comment
  • 7.5

    TSMack

    Sep 10, 2021

    If you like a fast paced, action oriented story involving many of Marvel's premier superheroes then this issue is for you. Personally, I am going to skip the next issue since it is not quite good enough to justify the continued outlay.

  • 7.0

    CrazyforRAMU

    Jan 06, 2022

    This series is headed for Steampunk Marvel, but first Spider-Man has to tell the story of how the heroes shut off electricity to save the world. The whole point is to make this set-up more engaging and dramatic than a mere elevator pitch, but personally, I don't think the creators were entirely successful. The script's good and the art's halfway to fantastic, but I think the author picked the wrong format. Pete's telling us all this in the past tense, and that puts the story past tension. Despite the stakes and all the hero-deaths shown, this comes across as historical and therefore a little too dry.

  • 6.5

    SenpaifenixJäger

    Sep 01, 2021

    At the moment he is not making any character a Disney princess or taking absurd politics. Which is good, a interesting proposal, as it feels a bit lost and doesn't catch you enough, we'll see where it leads in the next issue.

  • 6.5

    Merlyn

    Sep 01, 2021

    Meh, the pacing is pretty off and the fact that Marvel planned this book a looong time ago and released it just now makes me think this won't be anything groundbreaking. So far it's true. But it was a decent, classic by now, apocalyptic Tom Taylor story. Coello is the big sell here for me.

  • 6.5

    Gizmo

    Sep 05, 2021

    I think this would serve well as an issue #0 or a Free Comic Book Day special. It sets the stage for the event quickly and efficiently without a whole lot of time spent to take in events as they happen. I'm hoping that the pace gains some breathing space now that the stage is set.

  • 10

    Geov

    Aug 30, 2021

  • 10

    RJ

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 10

    UxasIs

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 10

    TheFallenKing13

    Sep 02, 2021

  • 10

    Rachit Mittal

    Sep 02, 2021

  • 10

    KalEl93

    Sep 02, 2021

  • 10

    tmartinez

    Sep 03, 2021

  • 10

    Hex

    Sep 05, 2021

  • 10

    Batmanchuria

    Sep 06, 2021

  • 10

    Richard Tompson

    Sep 07, 2021

  • 10

    Lock

    Oct 06, 2021

  • 10

    ZachMerps

    Nov 12, 2022

  • 9.5

    ComicRelief

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 9.5

    maelstron

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 9.5

    Radar

    Sep 07, 2021

  • 9.0

    TheHyruleElf

    Aug 31, 2021

  • 9.0

    Fmernamz0

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 9.0

    Julhin

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 9.0

    tonpas1989

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 9.0

    Prodigalson16

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 9.0

    Captain Krakoa

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 9.0

    Magik

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 9.0

    KittyNone

    Sep 02, 2021

  • 9.0

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    Sep 02, 2021

  • 9.0

    arsenicBR

    Sep 04, 2021

  • 9.0

    Jason The Dude

    Sep 05, 2021

  • 9.0

    Justin Ray

    Sep 07, 2021

  • 9.0

    Watchtower022

    Sep 11, 2021

  • 9.0

    wesshamu

    Sep 30, 2021

  • 9.0

    Ronin

    Jan 25, 2022

  • 9.0

    iPodwithnomusic

    Apr 23, 2022

  • 8.5

    Swanktub

    Sep 04, 2021

  • 8.5

    MarvelGuy

    Sep 04, 2021

    + Like Comment
  • 8.5

    JBL Reviews

    Sep 04, 2021

  • 8.5

    DoorMan

    Sep 07, 2021

  • 8.5

    retcon_D

    Sep 28, 2021

  • 8.0

    WhistleBlower

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 8.0

    Tempra16v2.0Turbo

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 8.0

    ICC

    Nov 01, 2021

  • 8.0

    ComiczLover

    Nov 17, 2021

  • 8.0

    K-23

    Dec 07, 2021

  • 8.0

    Sue_Storm

    Dec 29, 2021

  • 7.5

    Saltyredhoodfans

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 7.5

    heroes dont do that

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 7.5

    Emma

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 7.5

    ds

    Sep 02, 2021

  • 7.0

  • 7.0

    SamComics

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 7.0

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    Sep 01, 2021

  • 7.0

    Silver Rocket

    Sep 02, 2021

  • 6.5

    Nicetrylaoche

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 6.5

    AGJ

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 6.5

    ComicWorm

    Sep 10, 2021

  • 6.0

    JJP500

    Nov 02, 2021

  • 5.5

    pizzamain

    Jan 02, 2022

  • 5.5

    ✨Gledson✨

    Jun 13, 2022

  • 5.0

    Bruno Mael

    Sep 01, 2021

  • 5.0

    fandelabd

    Oct 19, 2022

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