Deathbed #1

Writer: Joshua Williamson Artist: Riley Rossmo Publisher: Vertigo Release Date: February 21, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 19 User Reviews: 13
8.4Critic Rating
7.7User Rating

Myth, hack, sex symbol, stark raving lunatic-all of these words have been used to describe Antonio Luna, the world's greatest living adventurer. Or at least he was until 20 years ago, when he mysteriously vanished from the public eye. Now the ninety-year-old has returned and claims to be on his deathbed. Which is where Valentine Richards, a failed novelist turned reporter, comes in. Val is hired to travel to Luna's remote castle home and uncover where the old star has been all these years, and just how much of what he says is actually true. But once Val starts to hear Luna's tale, she finds herself entering into an insane world of psychedelic more

  • 10
    DC Comics News - Konrad Secord-Reitz Feb 22, 2018

    As a first issue, this hits the ground running like no issue has before. We are subject to super personal and real moments, blood, gore, even some nudity! I can't wait to see how Valentine's book comes as she hears the tales of Antonio Luna. Read Full Review

  • 10
    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman Feb 21, 2018

    Deathbed #1 is a comic book that is unlike any other that I've read; yes, it is weird and yes, it is strange, but Deathbed #1 is an amazing work that stands heads taller than a majority of the books being published today. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comicosity - Kelly Richards Feb 9, 2018

    Deathbed is the sort of book that gets me a little bit excited about comics in general, and with the state of comics at the moment that excitement has been hard to come by. Deathbed is fun and weird and entirely unexpected but still earnest and even though there is violence and swearing and full frontal nudity – don't say I didnt warn you – it still felt a little like 1980s action and adventure comfort food for my weary soul. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Feb 23, 2018

    Deathbed is a fast-moving, gorgeously illustrated tale of supernatural adventure. It has the feel of a grown-up version of Goners, which is another series I love. The interaction between Antonio and Val is already delivering and I'm very interested to see where this unlikely duo could go. If this first issue is any indication, it's going to be completely insane. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    You Don't Read Comics - Jason Dincauze Feb 26, 2018

    Its fantastic to see a book like this coming out from Vertigo, an imprint that, of late, has been a shadow of its former self. Could this book be part of a new wave of modern, mature (did I mention the genitals?) comics from DCs once-legendary line? Heres hoping, because, on its own, Death Bed may not yet be able to accomplish that task, but, accompanied by books of comparable quality, could be part of the vanguard of a new era for Vertigo. Regardless, its a great start, one Williamson, Rossmo and Plascencia should be proud of. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bounding Into Comics - Daniel Mills Feb 21, 2018

    But the pace needs to be a bit quicker. It makes sense for Joshua Williamson to sell readers on Valentine before introducing Antonio, but the transition could have been a bit smoother. But that doesn't matter anymore. What matters is the road ahead. A life of stories lay at the feet of bored writer Valentine Richards. Just what she's going to do about it should make for a fantastic series. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Pop Break - Sheena Fisher Feb 21, 2018

    I feel like Deathbed is shaping up to be one of my favorite comics of 2018, and is one of the more original tales I've had the pleasure of reviewing. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Feb 23, 2018

    The third of three new Vertigo miniseries by prominent DC creators in recent months, Deathbed #1 brings Williamson's unpredictable style and a great artist in Riley Rossmo, and feels like it just might be a breakout hit " a wholly unpredictable tale of what it means to live a full life, what it means to be a writer, and mummy assassins. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    Multiversity Comics - Matt Lune Feb 22, 2018

    A supernatural thrill-ride of a lifetime. Literally. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Graphic Policy - christopher scott author Feb 25, 2018

    The first issue is a fun one delivering lots of mystery and action and does so in a way that is unexpected. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal Feb 28, 2018

    Deathbed is very different from what people expect or think of when they pick up a Vertigo book. It might be a new direction and the current editor leaving their mark on the beloved imprint. I'm not opposed to that in the least bit. Much like something else I reviewed recently, this series will be made or broken with the second issue. This is a strong, unique first issue for sure, but the follow up will determine if it's worth adding to your collection. It might just give you a couple of creators to resume the chase with though, and maybe that's enough. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    GWW - Ray Hancock Feb 21, 2018

    The creative team really knock this one out of the park. I'd recommend giving this a chance, especially if you like beautiful artwork and a well-crafted story. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Brandon Davis Feb 21, 2018

    Poised to meet his maker, Mr. Luna becomes an intriguing protagonist in Joshua Williamson and Riley Rossmo's brash new supernatural series. Read Full Review

  • 7.6
    Impulse Gamer - Andrew Bistak Feb 21, 2018

    Complementing the crazy story, whacky dialogue and over the top moments, artist Riley Rossmo really brings it all together and his style creates an explosive, almost blockbuster comic experience. All in all, it's a great way to start and for one cannot wait to see where Deathbed unfolds. Read Full Review

  • 7.4
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Feb 22, 2018

    Riley Rossmo can always be counted upon to deliver terrific art, even if the story doesn't quite measure up (see Batman: Night of the Monster Men). That's very much the case with this latest addition to the Vertigo line. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Hussein Wasiti Feb 20, 2018

    This is a weird story but it's my kind of thing that might not be for everyone, story-wise as well as artistically. Williamson and Rossmo need to impress with the next issue to really keep me on board, but I think this will be an interesting story that'll bring some people over to Vertigo. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Weird Science - Josh Vermillion Feb 21, 2018

    While Riley Rossmo surprised me with some solid art here, I'm not sure where the tone of the story is headed. I did have some fun with it, but I hope the storytelling becomes more consistent as the series progresses. This book has started off on a decently high note, but the next couple of issues need to up the ante to keep me interested. I could see it going either way, but for right now I'm cautiously optimistic that Joshua Williamson will put together a fun story and keep the Vertigo train rolling. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    AIPT - Matt Funk Feb 12, 2018

    While it looks great, the story's questionable themes hinder the enjoyment of what could have been a fun comic. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick Feb 21, 2018

    Deathbed #1, written by Joshua Williamson with art by Riley Rossmo, has a lot going for it. The biggest plus is the wildly unhinged exuberant tone, a feature of Williamson's script that is matched to perfection by Rossmo's bold, atmospheric and uninhibited art. I love the central idea of a writer teaming with a lifelong secret adventurer to tell his life story too. So why did I find myself struggling to like Deathbed #1? Its clunky narration and a protagonist that is murkily defined held it back for me. Read Full Review

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