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 psychedelicmore
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
A supernatural thrill-ride of a lifetime. Literally. Read Full Review
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
While it looks great, the story's questionable themes hinder the enjoyment of what could have been a fun comic. Read Full Review
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
Dang I was not expecting this!? I love it this is a Vertigo comic right here. Joshua Williamson and Riley Rossmo are a great team! I wish this was more than 6 issues, and toward the end I did not expect what I was reading!
"Deathbed" #1 was a fun and unexpected debut issue. I found the story interesting for sure, and the protagonist was a lot of fun. I thought the monster/zombie faces framing a lot of the panels were building on the introduction to build atmosphere, but things certainly take a turn. Riley Rossmo's art has always been hit or miss with me, and this one falls in as a hit...he's got a very moody, dark style. I'm excited to see how this adventure develops with issue #2.
Kinda a slow start but it's okay since it's setting up the story. The Hilarious twist is what saved it though! Was not expecting it. Enjoyable read over all.
An intriguing first issue with a fun premise. I couldn’t help but think of Antonio Luna as the Most Interesting Man in the World from Dos Equis Fame. The art is fantastic, Riley Rossmo has created a weird and creepy atmosphere to the story. The intro to Val was great, but later panels of her weren’t nearly as detailed as the first (in a lot of panels it looks like she has an old lady bun). Get ready for some full frontal flopping action later in the book (a utility belt, but no underwear?). I haven't read any of Joshua Williamson's work outside of Flash so I didn't know how out there this book would be. Will be picking up #2
Bold, loose, exciting illustrations match a story that wants to draw you in to Luna's tale of adventure. And while the story needs a level of roughness and violence, it's often over the top and distracting from the narrative.