Deconnick sets up mysteries but keeps it all together with the help of Rios' realistic depictions. Using varied panel shapes and structures, Rios, a la Paul Pope, helps make this a comic that should be at the top of your pull list. Read Full Review

PRETTY DEADLY is a pretty sure bet as far as new series go. It's inventive in narrative and layout, the world is robust and hints at layers of story waiting to burst out and make themselves known, and it's sweetly compelling even amidst dour settings and pointed violence. DeConnick is a master of allegory, and the first issue prompts an immediate need to read the next, just to watch things unfold and reveal themselves. Every glimpse of a character, hint at an event, and passing reference is perfectly crafted, so the narrative moves forward atop frequent, small moments that beg further exploration. I don't want the next issue; I want the next twelve issues. Read Full Review

Pretty Deadly #1 is a fantastic debut issue by creators who are working in perfect tandem to tell one of the tightest stories I have seen in a #1 issue in a long time. The world of Pretty Deadly is dark and filled with ominous tones, but also a bizarre beauty and grace that was not expected. This is, by no means, your typical Western and DeConnick and Rios have a winner on their hands. Get your hands on a copy of this as fast as you can, I have absolutely no doubt this comic will sell out (if it hasn't already). This is one you'll want to be in on the ground floor for, as Pretty Deadly #1 sets up all the pieces for this series to be something really special. Read Full Review

I would say this book has the potential to become a "water cooler comic," but that term short changes "Pretty Deadly" considerably. This creative team is playing with heavy concepts, not just thematically but artistically and functionally as well. There's a surprising amount of content densely packed within these 24 pages that will demand several re-reads and any number of high-brow discussions, preferably deep into the night. Read Full Review

There's a lot going on, plot-wise, and the issue might have benefitted from the jumbo-size treatment. Or maybe that's just greed talking. Pretty Deadly #1 is a thoroughly original concept with ambitious execution to back it up. If you're not adding it to your pull list, you're missing out on something truly exciting. Read Full Review

Pretty Deadly has the epic and emotional sweep of a book like Saga, but with the mystery and intrigue of East of West, that willingness to engage readers to work for clues in a post-apocalyptic setting that leverages more dusty dirty western elements than sci-fi infusion. Read Full Review

After reading "Pretty Deadly" #1 through a second time, the revelation occurred to me that this series is a Vertigo book that quit school early and moved out on its own. DeConnick and Rios fill this comic with mystery, adventure and uncertainty. What could be a straight-laced Western is instead unorthodox and surprisingly unexpected in content, but adventurously so, challenging and inviting readers along the way. Read Full Review

Pretty Deadly is an intense book that manages to introduce a lot of moods, feelings, and story ideas into its debut. Its unquestionably high quality work, and I like that the story tries to do interesting things structurally and narratively, even if the sum doesnt quite measure up. It shows ambition and love, and I cant wait to read the next issue. Read Full Review

So, I can now say I'm a fan of Deconnick's creator-owned Pretty Deadly. I'm on board for this series and I look forward to future creator-owned project from her. Emma Rios has always been on my "happy" list. Her art just makes me smile even when she's illustrating something pretty grim (or, dare I say, pretty deadly). Her storytelling, page designs, and panel layouts are always a pleasure to experience, and it's no different here. This series is highly recommended, it could very easily become Image's next runaway hit. Check it out! Read Full Review

This issue is really good, the story is great and the premise is unique. We are for sure going to follow this series and we hope you do to. If you're on the fence then give it a shot because it us a solid issue. Read Full Review

Pretty Deadly #1 is a promising start. It's mostly setup, but the kind of setup that really makes you want to know more. Things are yet to be fully developed, but you want to sit around to find out more about the characters and the world itself. It wasn't the best first issue I read this year from Image Comics, but it's the probably the most promising one I've read in months. Definitely worth a look. Read Full Review

The overall effect the book has on me can be summed up as Sandman of the west. Between strange animal naming conventions, grim characters, strange magical properties, and high concept character designs, I found myself enjoying this book with the same enchantment and wild curiosity I had with Neil Gaimans Sandman. I felt as if I had been challenged to decipher the book on its various levels, and the book delivered quality content on every level. Is isn't lazy storytelling, or edited to a wild Bare-bones reduction of a story. It is a fully realized tale that will challenge a reader. Its a refreshing change. Read Full Review

There's not a lot we know at the end of this chapter, but we definitely have hints about what this next story arc is going to do. The story is probably not something that will unveil itself for months to come, but the tone and beat of the book remain exciting and endearing. Kelly Sue DeConnick and Emma Ros want to deliver an engrossing read, and they've set up this world and its atmosphere so well that even a transitory issue succeeds. Read Full Review

Welcome to the West. Its dirty, violent, sexy, and can be Pretty Deadly. There is folklore about Deaths daughter, and travelers would be wise to take heed. Still, youll want to come back quite often to visit. Read Full Review

So, as it turns out, Pretty Deadly #1 has quite a lot to digest. In truth, I feel like Ive barely scratched the surface in this review, you really ought to just go read the thing and make up your own mind. This is a thorny, difficult book, and its not for everyone, but I think if you engage with it, youll find a whole lot to admire, including career-best work from both Kelly Sue DeConnick and Emma Rios. Read Full Review

While both script and art occasionally veer into chaotic territory"I'm not clear on who these guys who are shooting at Fox and Sissy one moment and riding alongside them the next are supposed to be"it's an effectively hypnotic and compelling tale, suitable for reading round a campfire in any era. Read Full Review

There's a whole lot to take in here and you can tell there's going to be a lot more coming up. Some things feel clearer by the end, but clearly some things are left unanswered for now.It should be an enjoyable ride if this creative teamcan maintain this level of energy and quality. Read Full Review

Pretty Deadly isn't Jonah Hex or Dark Tower or Conan or Red Sonja and yet it's all of them. The comic book takes some tiny elements from stories such as those but puts its own spin on them to create a unique genre and what looks to be a great story. I urge you to pick this comic book up but it's something to study and not simply read. Either way I am fairly certain you'll be entertained. Read Full Review

This was a poetic first issue that perfectly balanced both light and dark vibes that is Pretty Deadly. Too often people assume that you can't find beauty in harsh times and situations but this book throws those thoughts out the window. As a reader you want to immediately read it twice, once for the story and a second time just to take in all of the art. This is a great start to a series that looks to be a true tour de force with three creators working at their best and as a reader you can't help but love it for what it is but also pine for more. This is just the tip of the iceberg so it will be exciting to see where it goes from here because the possibilities are endless. Read Full Review

Pretty Deadly is pretty damn unique. It is bold, dark, and engaging storytelling with a surrealistic flavor. The engaging characters and rich sense of history give the feeling of the gigantic sprawling narrative ahead. Its been entirely too long since we have had a book like this. While it certainly is in a league of its own, if you are a fan of good, dark, dream like storytelling than this is for you. Read Full Review

A slow start that doesn't thoroughly convince you that you have a winner in your hands, but does get you invested in its self-assured uniqueness. Read Full Review

So while PRETTY DEADLY #1 is not perfect, it accomplishes one of the most important things that a debut issue should do: it makes me intrigued to read more. DeConnick and Rios have set up an interesting world here, filled with some shady characters and a unique setup, and I'm excited to see where this all leads. Read Full Review

This is the first issue so its a set up piece to introduce all the characters and what the story is about and what kind of world they live in. However we don't see Ginny in action or just in this issue except in flashbacks and a picture of her at the end of the comic. The comic is easy to get into, although for me I find that the first two pages of the dead rabbit and the butterfly to be odd and really doesn't need to be in the comic. Maybe if I read the next few issues, the narrators would make much more sense to me cause this is part 1 of a 5 part story arc. If your a Captain Marvel fan or just like western stories who doesn't mind a little fantasy every now and then this is the comic for you. Read Full Review

Though a bit heavy to swallow story-wise, Im really intrigued where Pretty Deadly is heading. I love the beautiful artwork, interesting use of panels and ominous tone. Im looking forward to the next issue! Read Full Review

The team of DeConnick, Rios and Bellaire work together on a dream-like narrative, one that is almost too dense in some ways. Like Hickman's East of West, DeConnick's Pretty Deadly is full of hidden meaning and concurrent stories, and while we're sure that they will gradually reveal themselves over time, DeConnick seems keen to share a whole bunch of them which the reader at once. Read Full Review

The amount of thought and care that DeConnick and Rios have poured into Pretty Deadly could fill a library, making this story worthy of many re-reads. While it may be plenty worthy of the effort, it also requires it. In doing so in the first issue, Pretty Deadly #1 runs the risk of being suffocated by the weight of its own gravitas and complexity. But like a swift drop of a spur to a skull, I suspect the story will crack open and pour out when the reaper of vengeance arrives. Just give it a little more time. Read Full Review

DeConnick has created an interesting world, and she's found the perfect art team to bring that world to life. And, as I say above, the art team manages to create a lot of character through visual cues, which is both difficult and rewarding " it's not like there are no recognizable characters here. But in the long run I think we'll need a little more than that. Still, for a debut, DeConnick's grim Western fairy tail offers readers a lyrical, memorable introduction to what looks like a fascinating world. Read Full Review

Issue #1 blends excitement with sheer creepiness as the story is narrating by a conversation between a butterfly and a poor little bunny rabbit who's had half his face blown away. Read Full Review

I've had the chance to sit on this issue for a few weeks before writing this review, and even now, I can see the art in both the writing and visuals, but I can't help but feel like I'm peering through the space between two iron gates slowly opening. Read Full Review

For more information about Pretty Deadly, check out my news story Death's Daughter Rides this October: Pretty Deadly Announced. Read Full Review

Overall I have some trouble recommending this book. The art might be worth it for those who really value style over substance, but for those looking for a satisfying read this is just a let down. For those who are really hurting for another western series, and have already exhausted all there is to offer, might consider sticking it out on this to see if things pay off down the line. Over all I'd suggest waiting for the trade so as to get a more complete story experience. Read Full Review

It was an okay first issue. A sort of East of West vibe minus the technological aspect. The story could be a bit confusing at times, but I thought the idea was interesting.

Yeah, hated it. Panel to panel flow was too confusing and story was more like new wave poetry than a narrative.

Utterly boring. The dullest book I have read in a long time.