Black Badge #1

Its probably no secret that I was going to love this one, but seeing Kindt and Jenkins tackling a whole new subject matter in a whole new genre is truly delicious. Theres also an enjoyable blend of humour, drama and high-concept espionage here that makes this an extremely easy series to recommend. With this new series, Tyler Jenkins and Matt Kinds have earned their making another fantastic comic badge with style. Read Full Review

There isn't a lot of action in this issue but there is potential for some really interesting action beats to come. Read Full Review

An engaging stand-alone story for anyone interesting in trying out this new series, the series concept promises to ask a lot of interesting questions while presenting us with an emotionally complex cast. Read Full Review

Black Badge #1 seems to be the start of another great series by Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins. This first issue has all the exposition we need plus some intriguing hints into its thematic interests, yet it never feels like an info dump. This is a confident and polished debut issue, one that hints at big things in store. Read Full Review

I enjoyed the hell out of Black Badge #1, but here's a few things to keep in mind before you pick this up. If you like your comics wall to wall action with widescreen Jim Lee style art and lots of kick-splodey special effects, this is not your comic. Kindt is a novelist at heart and he lays out his plot to slowly unspool each character in their own time. Reading Matt Kindt is an investment in time and patience that always pays off in the end. Accordingly, Black Badge is an indie art film. It's based on a solidly interesting premise with deep, highly realistic characters. It is not, however, an action movie. It's a drama. Treat it as such and you'll come out loving it. Read Full Review

Black Badge #1 has peaked my interest. The concept of Scouts being used as special military agents is a novel idea and the characters introduced in this first issue seem like they have a lot going for them. I am excited to see what this creative team does with this story. It is hard to tell exactly were Black Badge is going after this first issue but it makes me want to find out! Read Full Review

21 Jump Street meets realpolitik as a lost Scout troop take on Little Rocket Man! Read Full Review

As solidly executed as the book is, though, there's not quite enough here to suggest the book will live up to the "a haunting look at foreign policy, culture wars and isolationism" its synopsis promises, at least in a way that necessitated kids equipped to kill for the state. Read Full Review

Black Badge is unique in the settings and idea of the story and if they can overcome the hackneyed character personalities then this could be a potential hit for Kindt and Jenkins. Read Full Review

Black Badge #1 asks us to trust in it the same way adults ask children to trust in their ability to raise them. At heart, this story is about a fragile world, full of dangers no child should ever encounter but here we are the thrill is in the contrasts and in the suspension of your disbelief. This story is about the panic that shoots through your mind as you swim through the pitch-black cave, hoping this isn't all some terrible trick, hoping there is fresh air just beyond your reach, and that this test will be over soon. I trust we will not be disappointed. Read Full Review

Black Badge is an example of a comic where the elevator pitch holds more promise than the executed premise. Read Full Review

While the water color style artwork is beautiful, the plot of "Black Badge" #1 has too many holes and not enough character work to fill them. Read Full Review

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Even with all its flaws, there is promise in the premise of Black Badge. There are so many directions one could take a concept like this and create an immersive, rich world. The last page is not exactly a cliffhanger, but it will leave the audience having their minds wander and imagine the possibilities this series can offer. Hopefully, the execution will improve and not dash expectations. Badge is worth checking out. It's not a perfect nor groundbreaking comic, but it will warrant multiple reads to fully appreciate what it's trying to convey. Read Full Review

Superheroes for Hire

Aug 15, 2018

I knew the premise of this series going in, but I was honestly surprised at the very serious and literal approach the first issue took. Literally, this series is about a group of "Scouts" on special government assignment to to carry out covert missions. The danger is palpable, even though the mood is carefree. The real drama will come in later issues as the Black Badges come to terms with their actions and cast a light on real world decisions made by "adults." It's too early to say whether the author will cast judgement on or choose sides in the game of nations, or whether the judgement will be on the game being played. Tyler Jenkins' art, as always, is so unique and well suited for this type of series. If you're curious, read this is sue and I think you'll know pretty quick whether the series is for you. more

DVE

Aug 19, 2018

Clunky start, strong finish. Grass Kings was an amazing story so this team has a lot of goodwill from me to be patient while they get this very stylistically different book going.

Deadlybeavis

Aug 14, 2018

Idea is a lot cooler than than the execution. I'll pass.

+ Like • Comments (2)

Superheroes for Hire - Aug 15, 2018

I'm giving a few more issues, personally, but I'm fully in agreement about the idea vs execution. I expected the "teens take on the world" approach to be more tongue in cheek to contrast with the complexity of world politics. Instead, the creative team has decided to literally put the teens in our real world, but implausible situations. Definitely a tighter rope to walk.

Deadlybeavis - Aug 15, 2018

I totally agree and you put it in better words than I could. If you want to continue the series, more power to you. You're a braver soul than me. If it gets better, let me know, I'll give the trade a try.