Kang the Conqueror #1

Writer: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artist: Carlos Magno Publisher: Marvel Comics Release Date: August 18, 2021 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 16 User Reviews: 38
8.4Critic Rating
8.2User Rating

THE ORIGIN OF KANG!
The man called Kang the Conqueror has been a pharaoh, a villain, a warlord of the space ways and even, on rare occasions, a hero. Across all timelines, one fact seemed absolute: Time means nothing to Kang the Conqueror.
But the truth is more complex. Kang is caught in an endless cycle of creation and destruction dictated by time and previously unseen by any but the Conqueror himself. A cycle that could finally explain the enigma that is Kang. And a cycle that begins and ends with an old and broken Kang sending his younger self down a dark path...
Rated T+

  • 9.8
    Multiversity Comics - Matthew Blair Aug 20, 2021

    Its a great introduction to a classic Marvel villain for new readers and presents an incredibly powerful villain in a deep and meaningful way. Read Full Review

  • 9.4
    Comic Crusaders - M.R. Jafri Aug 18, 2021

    In the end, Kang cannot stop his own stubborn will, and in this the cycle which creates the flawed villain is renewed. This book is a unique examination of not only what forms Kang, but what prevents humanity from breaking from past mistakes and forming what could be a better version of ourselves. Read Full Review

  • 9.3
    Comic Watch - Bethany W Pope Aug 18, 2021

    Sharp writing and brilliant art make this beginning into a miniseries that you don't want to miss. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    But Why Tho? - Collier "CJ" Jennings Aug 18, 2021

    Kang the Conqueror #1 offers an introspective look at the time-traveling tyrant's life and promises to unravel his complicated history. If you are a fan of character-driven high-concept science fiction, or you want to learn more about Kang following the Season 1 finale of Loki, I'd suggest giving this book a read. With Jonathan Majors set to portray Kang in Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, the timing for this series couldn't be more perfect. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    BGCP - Andy MacGregor Aug 22, 2021

    Kang the Conqueror #1 is a fascinating look back at the early beginnings of Nathaniel Richards in the 31st Century. And given his introduction (in some guise) in the MCU, it's only fitting that Marvel have released this series. The creative pairing of Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing combine to great effect to bring us what is a complex character, with the potential to explore multiple storyline possibilities. This is certainly a book that I can see Marvel fans thoroughly enjoying. And given the success of LOKI, I'm sure some fans will be desperate to read more about the character. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Nerdly - Dean Fuller Aug 26, 2021

    Then again, time means nothing to Kang the Conqueror you Fool! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - Dan Spinelli Aug 16, 2021

    Kang the Conqueror's first ongoing series pairs young Nathaniel Richards with Kang, one of his grizzled alternate selves, on a journey through the character's epic history.It reads like some crazy, cosmic version of "A Christmas Carol." Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    The Comicbook Dispatch - Dispatchdcu Aug 16, 2021

    KANG THE CONQUEROR #1 not only provides some backstory into this intriguing new villain (new to the MCU that is) but procures a deeper dive into the ethical humanity of a young would-be villain who now witnessed and seen the horror and missteps of his future self. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Graphic Policy - Brett Aug 18, 2021

    Kang the Conqueror #1 is a solid debut. It takes a rather complicated history and streamlines it in some ways. Add in some actual emotional ups and downs and you get a comic that's a solid ride and entertaining. Where the series goes will be intriguing but right now even if it's a comic version of “this is your life”, it's a series that'll be worth picking up just to understand Kang's history. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Aug 18, 2021

    If you're ready to know more about Kang (to the degree that anyone can be said to know Kang), this issue is a fine place to start. It is a ripping yarn in the fine tradition of the Mighty Marvel Mythos. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics Bookcase - Zack Quaintance Aug 18, 2021

    Kang The Conqueror #1 delivers reader possibly intrigued by the characters appearance on the Loki TV show a portrait of the conqueror as a young man, who has his first infatuation. Its an odd thematic pairing, but the talented creators behind this book make it work, mostly. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Charles Martin Aug 18, 2021

    Kang The Conqueror #1 is a puzzle box of a comic that balances great intricacy in its words and art with ample servings of plot and character development. It can be read casually and it will not disappoint. All of the good creative work poured into the captions and the panels deserves closer attention, though. This is a comic built to savour. And if future issues continue to show this level of care with the complexities of Kang, this may be the start of something great. Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Sequential Planet - Ethan Maddux Aug 18, 2021

    Kang The Conqueror #1 starts off shaky, but ultimately delivers on it's promise. Kelly and Lanzing show a fundamental understanding of one of my favorite characters and, though it's not perfect, the future of this book appears bright. Carlos Magno shows a side of himself I've never seen before and proves himself to be the right choice for this book. Let's cheers to Immortus, and Nathaniel, and Rama-tut, and whatever other version of Kang lovingly graces our eyeballs. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Bleeding Cool - Hannibal Tabu Aug 29, 2021

    If the last page is to be believed, and this is all set up a tour of various variants, it's less engaging. Likewise, if you're looking for Jonathan Majors, you will be sorely disappointed. However, the central character's struggle is very effective as a character study, which gives you an era-spanning yarn that keeps your attention. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Aug 18, 2021

    Although the story itself reads as equal parts retrospective, summary, and character thesis, it is dramatically more entertaining than the many internet explainers appearing in the wake of Kang's live action adaptation. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Geek'd Out - Nico Sprezzatura Aug 18, 2021

    Despite the potentially confusing nature of this series, I do think it'll make for a pretty sturdy collected edition when it's done, and a good "official" introduction to the character's comicbook counterpart when audiences finally get to meet him on the big screen. Read Full Review

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