Ivar, Timewalker #1

Writer: Fred Van Lente Artist: Clayton Henry Publisher: Valiant Comics Release Date: January 21, 2015 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 25 User Reviews: 6
8.3Critic Rating
8.4User Rating

Prehistoric empires! Dystopian futures! And everywhere in between!

From the New York Times best-selling team of Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry comes a centuries-spanning race against the clock, straight out of the pages of ARCHER & ARMSTRONG! The past, present, and future of our universe are about to meet an untimely end, and only the mysterious Ivar Anni-Padda can prevent all three from collapsing in on themselves. Unstuck in time, and pursued by enemies simultaneously across every moment of his time-lost life, can the man called Timewalker save everything that ever was, is, and will be? Get ready for a clock-stopping odyssey more

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - David Craig Jan 21, 2015

    I usually like to find at least one criticism about a comic when writing a review, but with this issue I really can't do that. Van Lente had a lot of balls to juggle in this first issue, but somehow did it perfectly not only setting up a story with limitless potential, but also setting up two characters that I already adore. His witty dialogue kept things light, but there was still a great sense of tension that the next threat was right around the corner. Meanwhile the art team of Clayton Henry and Brian Reber work brilliantly together, meaning this book not only reads well, but looks great too. Plus, with no knowledge of any continuity required, this is also the perfect book for new readers " so if you're new to comics or just to the Valiant Universe I implore you to check this book out. I really don't have a bad thing to say about it, and I hope that it gets the success that it deserves. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Bin - Andy Frisk Jan 21, 2015

    Between The Valiant and the first issue of Ivar, Timewalker, Valiant Comics have finally, and truly, mined the worth out of the Anni-Padda family of characters. These are books that shouldn't be missed, and must be read. They are that good. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Spectrum - Bob Bretall Jan 29, 2015

    Ivar, Timewalker is the second title in Valiant's “Valiant Next” rebranding. Not any kind of a reboot, just moving their storytelling to the next level with new series, new concepts, and new characters. If what I'm seeing here is any indication we're in for a hell of a ride. Maybe they should just call it “Valiant Best”. I have been a fan of Timewalker since the first go-round of Valiant back in the 1990s, and think this was the best Timewalker story I've ever read. But there is zero need to have any history with the character beyond what is presented right here in this issue. Read the preview, if you like it pick up #1 in stores now, and you're ready to roll! I'm looking forward to more of Ivar and Neela's adventures in issue 2! Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    The Fandom Post - Josh Begley Jan 30, 2015

    Fred Van Lente may be the best thing to ever happen to Valiant. He already scored a hit with Archer & Armstrong, and Ivar, Timewalker promises to be just as fun and exciting, but in its own way. This is an solid first issue that hooked me from the start and I'm going to be back for issue two. Check it out. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    We The Nerdy - Alexander Handziuk Jan 26, 2015

    But words are only half of the equation of a successful comic book, and thankfully Clayton Henry delivers the other half with some gorgeous, lifelike art. He gives the book a real cinematic feel, and the explosions and character emotions look especially lifelike. I will say that my one quip with his work is the design for the villain on the last page, but seeing as this is just the first glimpse of her, I am hoping her design matures. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Geeked Out Nation - Kate Coenen Jan 21, 2015

    With Ivar, Timewalker #1, Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry have hit a home run. The issue hooks readers in with thrilling sci-fi adventure, compelling characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing. There's no telling where the story's going to go next, but one thing's for sure"Ivar, Timewalker is a book you cannot miss. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Your Friendly Neighborhood Brady Jan 21, 2015

    This creative teams enthusiasm radiates from each panel and word balloon. The hooks are aplenty to be found throughout this first chapter. I was looking forward to the next issue by page five. The last page (no spoilers here) absolutely sealed the deal for me to Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geekality - Warren Fitzpatrick Jan 21, 2015

    Im beginning to wonder if Valiant puts anything else out! With only a few hiccups, their offerings remain strong and this initial issue is a good sign that theyve added another to many pull files around the country. It has much of what Ive come to love from Valiant, and Im willing to bet itll have what youll love as well. Of course Im saying this without seeing the future. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Nerds Unchained - Nate Tieman Jan 21, 2015

    I have high hopes for this book. While there are definitely a lot of derivative ideas at play here (there's even a reference to The Terminator in this issue), Van Lente seems to have enough original ideas flying around this issue that this title could take off in amazing directions. If you'd have told me 20 years ago that I'd not only read a Valiant title, but thoroughly enjoy it, I'd have called you crazy. Congratulations, Ivar, Timewalker. You just made my pull list. Here's hoping you stay there for quite some time. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Hulking Reviewer - Kareem Ali Jan 23, 2015

    Ivar, Timewalker #1 is a great start to the series building up an intriguing story complete with entertaining characters whose motives are more than one-dimensional. The use of time travel only enhanced the series of events and didn't feel gimmicky at any point. Instead it increases the potential in the story while introducing the tantalizing idea of various forms of time travel. The interactions between Ivar and Neela felt slightly flighty at times with Neela storming off in different time periods. However, the big revelation at the end made everything more interesting as the possibilities all suggest exciting events ahead. And I'm all for that. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Aaron Long Jan 17, 2015

    Ivar, Timewalker #1 is a strong debut issue featuring entertaining characters executed by a skilled writer and great artist. Van Lente and Henry are an all-star team that Valiant can't miss with, and pitting them against this Anni-Padda brother is a stroke of genius. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Coming Up Comics - Timothy Merritt Jan 21, 2015

    Ivar, Timewalker is an exciting ride through time and paradoxical possibilities, off to a great start in this strong first issue. It's a book you'll want to pick up. I know I will be. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Jan 21, 2015

    Ivar's definitely got potential here and the team working on it have definitely got the talent to exploit it. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Feb 3, 2015

    It's a promising (and mysterious) beginning to the series, which any fan of time-travel tales will enjoy. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Flip Geeks - Drew Bagay Jan 20, 2015

    Ivar, Timewalker #1 is a strong debut issue from the successful creative team of Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry. It delivers a right balance of a good story, fun characters, and the right amount of humor. There's no better team to be attached to the title than these guys. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics Bulletin - Daniel Gehen Jan 26, 2015

    Van Lente is unafraid of the confusion that time travel can add to any story. Rather, he revels in it, calling out variousgenre tropes and poking fun at pop culture's "understanding" of the concept. It's a wonder we place so many rules on time travel. Will meeting ourselves in another part of the timeline really rip apart the universe? Could even the most insignificant change cause a devastating "butterfly effect"? Maybe" but maybe not. By hitting the reset button on time travel, Van Lente hooks readers in with a story that promises a different look a long-loved concept. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Rhymes With Geek - J. Reifler Jan 20, 2015

    If you are already reading the Valiant universe books then Ivar, Timewalker will definitely be another hitto add to your pulllist. While it's not the next breakout book of the yearI have a feeling it will contain a lot of twists and turns and bring Ivar and Neela into conflict with many other Valiant heroesacross the line of titles. Personally, I'm curious to see if they will meet up with Rai considering his small cameo. I was a bit nervous the Valiant books would start to collapse as they grew in scope and complexity, but after reading Ivar, Timewalker I'm more convinced the publisher has a solid plan forentering 2015. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Therapy - Kevin Finnigan Jan 20, 2015

    Another great addition to the Valiant line of books. Ivar, Timewalker is a lot of fun that makes sure the focus is on fun. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Jan 20, 2015

    Ivar, Timewalker #1 is another very enjoyable debut from Valiant Entertainment. Van Lente and Henrys first series for the publisher, Archer & Armstrong, continues to be one of the funniest and most endearing there. Ivar, Timewalker contains the same blend of charm and wit that could easily launch it to similar heights. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Outright Geekery - Adam Normal Jan 20, 2015

    If you are looking for a fun little time travel romp and Dr. Who isn't doing it for you, then tryIvar, Timewalker #1. It has some pretty funny dialogue and some great potential. I'm going to keep my eye on this series and you should too. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    TheCultDen - Reece Morris-Jones Feb 3, 2015

    Still, it's certainly an enjoyable enough romp through a few time periods, even if it's probably not one that will hold up to long term introspection. If you're waiting for the new series of Doctor Who to start and want something that has the essence of that, whilst having a recognisable American tinge, check it out. Those who don't know their Doctor Who from their Doctor Phil, well do you like tricksters and time travel japery? If you do, pick this up! Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Resources - Jim Johnson Jan 21, 2015

    There are other nods to classic time-travel stories; for instance, Raul Allen's cover, with its circular rings of images from different eras, evokes the opening credits of the nigh-forgotten 1980 TV series "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" while retaining a unique look by way of its two-tone colors. At the other end of the issue, Van Lente delivers a genuine surprise as the story closes, which opens up questions that will cement readers' decisions to pick up the next issue. "Ivar, Timewalker" #1 isn't a groundbreaking time-travel story, as few are anymore, but all the creators involved add enough touches to make this well-trodden road seem a little less traveled. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Booked - Magen Cubed Jan 21, 2015

    Overall, Ivar, Timewalker #1 is a solid opening issue with a lot going for it. Its entertaining premise opens the door to many storytelling possibilities, and its sense of humor puts a nice spin on things. If you're looking for a fun sci-fi/fantasy title, this book is worth picking up. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Comic Crusaders - Adam Cadmon Jan 21, 2015

    That said, unless you were a fan of the original, or just crave continuity in the Anni-Padda family, you may want to steer clear of Ivar. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Geeks Unleashed - Chris Romero Jan 23, 2015

    We don't know much about the characters, so I don't want to rush to judgment on the series itself, but for a debut book, I'm not sold on its longevity. Aside from Ivar and Neela tossing around some one-liners, they're a little dull. The villains lack any serious threat factor, and the writer Fred Van Lente's cliffhanger made me yawn. Read Full Review

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