The Unwritten #1
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The Unwritten #1

Writer: Mike Carey Artist: Peter Gross Publisher: Vertigo Release Date: May 13, 2009 Cover Price: $1 Critic Reviews: 9
8.8Critic Rating
N/AUser Rating

Everyone's read the Tommy Taylor books, the popular series of novels turned pop culture phenomenon about a boy wizard's adventures. And everyone knows about Tom Taylor, the boy the novels were based on, whose life was so overshadowed by his Dad's fictional epic that Tom's become a lame Z-level celebrity at best and a human viral marketing tool at worst.But what if the resemblance goes even deeper? What if Tom is the boy-wizard of the books made flesh? And if that sounds crazy, why is it bringing him into the crosshairs of an ancient faction that has never been named in any book or text? To discover the truth about himself, Tom must search thr more

  • 10
    Comics Bulletin - Matt Sargeson and Jason Cohen May 17, 2009

    Pick this issue up. It's $1, its a great read and youll more than enjoy it. I have a feeling this title is going to explode so it's better to get it now while it's cheap and you can say you loved it before everyone else and their mother loved it. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Bin - Herv St-Louis Jun 17, 2009

    Veteran artist Peter Gross lends a hand with the series casing the story in a realistic but clear style that forces the reader to focus on the story and no other artefacts that would deter attention from the story. His loose inks are a good match for the narrative and do not give a noirish or any other slant to the story. For those familiar with the premise of the series, such a neutral art style is necessary and I hope will be adapted for particular tales. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Alex Evans May 18, 2009

    The Not So Good: This is an amazing book and there's really nothing lackluster here at all. If I really, really tried to find something to whine about, I suppose three or four of the smaller panels looked a little rushed.: A concept like no other, solid artwork, and writing that is intelligent idea-wise and impressive in technical execution, this is a comic not to be missed and this is a perfect first issue. It is just astonishingly good. Vertigo potentially has a big hit on its hands here. It's also only $1.00 for this double-sized issue, so you really have absolutely no excuse not to give it a shot. One issue in and for me, this is already the best new series of 2009. Buy this book! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Eye On Comics - Don MacPherson May 13, 2009

    Thematically, The Unwritten has a lot in common with Bill Willingham's Fables, and fans of that title will no doubt appreciate what writer Mike Carey offers up in this comic. Ultimately, The Unwritten is about the power of stories and how they can evolve into something much more than a piece of fiction designed to entertain. Of course, the metaphor of the literal power of stories is nothing new for DC's vertigo imprint. Its flagship title, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, explored the same theme as well. Fortunately, while the same theme keeps popping up in this corner of comics publishing, the various creators aren't just reiterating what's come before. The Unwritten feels fresh and doesn't disappoint. This book has the potential to be Vertigo's Next Big Thing, and with two of the imprints stalwarts coming to an end in the past year (Y: The Last Man and 100 Bullets), it's about time for another strong series. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Comic Addiction - Antony Ellis May 16, 2009

    One issue has me eagerly awaiting the next, so it seems that Carey has done it again, but I’m very aware that this could be a case of a fantastic premise that doesn’t really go anywhere! However, with Vertigo offering the first issue for $1.00 with 40 pages of story – where is the harm in taking a chance? The X-Addiction mantra comes to mind – “in Mike Carey we trust!” Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Resources - Chad Nevett May 13, 2009

    It's often frustrating when a company spends so much money and effort into promoting a substandard book, so it's refreshing that "The Unwritten" is a fantastic read. At only one dollar, there's no excuse not to give it a look -- except facing the burden of another book on your pull list. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen May 19, 2009

    Vertigo took a huge gamble by putting out an extended issue at such a low price. It shows the publisher has great faith in Carey's newest series, and I can already see why. Unless you end up blowing every last dollar on superhero books this week (in which case - shame on you), there is absolutely no reason to not give The Unwritten a fair shot. I'm already hooked. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck May 19, 2009

    I'd recommend giving this series a try - especially since the first issue is only a dollar. Your level of outrage may vary. (I'd give this book an "A" if not for the swipes.) Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Comic Book Revolution - Rokk Krinn May 20, 2009

    The Unwritten #1 was a fantastic read. Carey has created a title that has tremendous potential. This is an intelligent and well written comic book. No, this issue will not appeal to action fans, but I think that it would appeal to most other readers. And the best part of The Unwritten #1 is the price $1.00. Seriously? A $1.00 comic book is a rare find. And add on top of that the fact that this is such a good read. Read Full Review

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