Penny Dreadful #1

CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top

• 10

  Big Comic Page - John Wallace

  May 11, 2016

  This isn't just 20 pages of sequential art. This is 20 pages of cinematic pre-visualisation done by superb scriptwriters, aided by a magnificent concept artist. If you have any love for the T.V. show, then you must buy this comic. If you have any love for Gothic horror, then you must buy this comic, and frankly, if you have any love for well-written excellently illustrated comics, then you really should buy this comic. Do you see where I'm going with this? Read Full Review

• 10

  Graphic Policy - pharoahmiles

  May 14, 2016

  Overall, a strong first issue, which has taken its cues not only from the TV show, but also what Archie Horror has brilliantly done with their books. The story by Kristy Wilson-Cairns, Andrew Hinderaker and Chris King, is enough to satisfy any horror fan. The art by Louie De Martinis, is gloomy haunting and beautiful, and exactly what this story needed. Altogether, a brilliant first issue, which more than promises that this book will be sensation all its own. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  ComicWow!TV - Bhavna Bakshi

  Apr 26, 2016

  If the rest of this series is anything like this first issue, I’m already hooked. For horror fans, atmospheric comic book fans, and especially fans of Penny Dreadful, this issue is not one you want to miss. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Newsarama - Justin Partridge

  May 10, 2016

  Though clearly marketed toward diehard fans of the television show with its teasing glimpses of the story within the story of season one, there is a lot to love about Penny Dreadful #1 for fans and non-fans alike. Krysty Wilson-Cairns and Louie De Martinis use the solid base of the show's established characters and narrative to deliver an adaptation and side story that isn't afraid to stand on its own as a single story, instead of using the show as a crutch to be relied on throughout. And it does so confidentially thanks to the attention from the writers, blood soaked visuals, and an imprint that goes out of its way to deliver unto fans exactly what they love about the show, just in a different medium. While Penny Dreadful became an unlikely hit for Showtime, there is nothing unexpected about the quality of this debut issue from Titan Comics. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck

  May 16, 2016

  It's not a story for kids - lots of blood, demons and dismemberment here - but for adult fans of horror, it's a strong start for the series. Read Full Review

• 8.7

  Project Fandom - Sarah D Powers

  May 16, 2016

  Art-wise, the cover by Guillem March is absolutely stunning. Inside, the illustration style changed several times throughout the book. My favorite sequences were the dreamy ocean scene, the blues of the forest, the modern Harker estate panels with blood streaked through the darkness, and the colonial preacher-style depicting Jonathan. I was excited to realize that the comics, written by Krysty Wilson-Cairns and illustrated by Louie De Martinis, would be filling in missing events from the series, so I am very much looking forward to seeing what stories unfold throughout this run. Read Full Review

• 8.6

  Word Of The Nerd - Kevin Given

  Apr 27, 2016

  If I have any criticism at all it's that the cover could give us a bit more action. Still, this is a good introduction to a satisfying gothic horror issue and a compliment to Showtime's television series. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Comic Crusaders - Dawn of Comics

  May 05, 2016

  If you're a fan of the show you will love this book, if you're a fan of dark horror books this is one for you. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Outright Geekery - Lem Absher

  May 06, 2016

  I know PENNY DREADFUL is based on a SHOWTIME program but I haven't watched it, which is good because I don't want to compare the two. I learned my lesson after watching TRUE BLOOD and then reading the juvenile tomes upon which that show was based. I am not much on heaping praise but this one is worth grabbing up! The characters are instantly compelling but not necessarily likeable which is great because I have a feeling it's going to take awhile for the villains to show themselves. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Nerdly - Dean Fuller

  May 10, 2016

  A very promising start for this book. It has style in abundance, my only concern would be the substance part. Sometimes screenwriters struggle to adapt their technique to the monthly comic book, so a good story can be undone by uneven pacing. One issue can be overloaded with plot and action, another can just feel like filler, so I hope this book avoids those potential pitfalls. The best thing it has going for it? It captures the spirit and essence of the show perfectly. It just feels 'right'. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Flickering Myth - Kat Kourbeti

  May 12, 2016

  Louie De Martinis' beautiful art is a perfect match for the story's Gothic influences: he captures the expressions of the characters (or, I should say, the actors, namely Eva Green and Timothy Dalton) in a uniquely stylised way which allows room for creative flourishes while staying true to the aesthetic of the TV series. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Flickering Myth - Calum Petrie

  Mar 28, 2017

  With the number of TV show adaptations to comic stories that are around today, it could be forgiven to write this comic off as a cash in on a big budget TV show. However, it earns its place on the shelf with the TV series, and delivers a profound and unique looks into the origins of a mystery that has brought three seasonsof TV to the small screen.Not quite a must read, but it is probably of most interest to people who are fans of Penny Dreadful;it complimentsthe TV series and shouldn't be thought of as a stand alone tale within the universe of the show. Read Full Review

• 7.5

  AIPT - Alexis Simonetta

  May 10, 2016

  Overall the story makes sense with the series and the writing is pretty easy to follow. The narrative explains enough, but doesn't get so wordy that it stops being interesting. There's discussion of a few characters we haven't met yet, but the ones we do meet can hold their own. Plus, if you know anything about the Harker's, you should be ok ("Dracula" if you're lost"). Read Full Review

• 7.0

  Comic Book Resources - Marykate Jasper

  May 13, 2016

  As a whole, "Penny Dreadful" #1 is a snazzily executed prequel. If some more character development is performed on-page, it will become a truly memorable series. Read Full Review

• 7.0

  AVN Today - Tamala

  May 16, 2016

  Twist on the Mina Harker tale with not enough explanation. Read Full Review

• 6.5

  Outright Geekery - Eli Funaro

  Apr 27, 2016

  Overall, Penny Dreadful is a slick-looking book. The art is the strong point as it is very abstract and gives the comic a surreal mysterious quality. The story line didn't do much for developing the characters but it was very fast paced and action packed. It definitely represents the nature of the TV series and may garner some new viewers. Fans of the show may appreciate this comic more as they are familiar with this world and may understand who the characters are. Fresh meat readers who never seen an episode of Penny Dreadful might have to wait for Issue #2 to find out more about these monster slayers. It was a bloody good start, now lets see some guts. Read Full Review

• 6.5

  Comic Plug - Tanya Ruiter

  May 11, 2016

  I found the story a little lacking in explanations, but it has potential to grow with further issues and longer stories. The art is different than anything I have seen, giving a creepy and eerie feel. Read Full Review

• 6.0

  Nerdist - Eric Diaz

  May 03, 2016

  So do I recommend Titan's Penny Dreadful? Well, if you're a hardcore fan of the series I say pick it up for sure; it adds enough new elements to the story that are interesting and sure to excite fans of the source material. But temper your expectations, because it doesn't have anywhere near the layers found in John Logan's excellent scripts for the TV series" at least not yet. But it's all interesting enough that all the "Dreadfuls" out there will be very entertained by this issue, and probably want to come back for more. Read Full Review

• 4.0

  Following The Nerd - Shane Michael

  May 23, 2016

  Overall I don't see this issue as a must read or buy even if you're a fan of the series. I will admit though that subsequent issues may get better as we move along and the last page cliffhanger here does offer something to get excited by but is it too little too late? Read Full Review

• 4.0

  Following The Nerd - Irwin Fletcher

  May 23, 2016

  I hold out hope that I'm surprised. For now, I give this issue… Read Full Review