Plunge #1
| Writer | Joe Hill |
| Artist | Stuart Immonen |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
In the aftermath of a devastating tsunami, an exploration vessel known as the Derleth begins sending an automated distress signal from a remote atoll in the Bering Strait. The only problem is that the Derleth has been missing for 40 years. Marine biologist Moriah Lamb joins the Carpenter Salvage team to recover the Derleth's dead...only to find that in this remote part of the Arctic Circle the dead have plenty to say to the living...Joe Hill and Stuart Immonen's Plunge into terror begins here!
CRITIC REVIEWS
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9.5
Weird Science - Joey Casco CSW/CSS
Feb 19, 2020This first issue is excellently written all across the board from story, to dialogue, to character development, and with excellent art. You end the issue not only wanting to find out what's happening with this boat but giving a damn about the characters and wanting to see more of them. Unlike the other Hill House comics, it has more of a horror movie feel to it than an indie horror comic feel, too. So if the other Hill House books aren't your thing for whatever reason but you still want some horror, you should give this one a try. It's a near-perfect first issue. Read Full Review
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9.5
Graphic Policy - Brett
Feb 19, 2020Plunge #1 is a fantastic debut. It's a must for horror fans and especially for those who like films like the Abyss, Jaws, and Leviathan. We're just in the setup phase but the mix of characters and missions creates a start that's beyond engaging and a hell of a beginning. Read Full Review
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9.0
Big Comic Page - Mark Scott
Feb 19, 2020It should come as no surprise then that I am recommending any horror fan to go out and pick up this series. There are a lot of very familiar themes here that, along with the combined skills of the creative team, results in what could end up becoming a truly great horror story. Read Full Review
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9.0
Word Of The Nerd - Brent Jackson
Feb 19, 2020I was not expecting to like Plunge #1 as much as I did. I mean I knew the visuals would be spectacular with Stewart Immonen and Dave Stewart but I am not a big "horror" person and as most people know hate being scared. Plunge #1 just had a wonderfully creepy, ominous vibe to it that just sucked me right in. The story and characters were all engaging and really just captured me throughout the issue. After the last page, I immediately wanted more. It is not gory scary or visually scary. It just has a delightful ominous dreadful tone to it that engulfs you. Read Full Review
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8.5
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Feb 19, 2020The Plunge #1, Joe Hill's second book for the Hill House line and Stuart Immonen's return to monthly comics is also the most traditional horror book in the line, but that's not a criticism. The Plunge is a highly effective thriller that plumbs the depths of the most eldritch location we know " the ocean. Read Full Review
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8.5
AIPT - Arbaz M. Khan
Feb 19, 2020While it's not common for first issues to display this much of a "slow burn", DC gives faith in Hill and Immonen to deliver a fine level of horror in the sea. This is genuinely a good book, that really lets us see how characters are important for the comics medium. Sadly, I fear what horrors Hill and Immonen have in store for them. Read Full Review
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8.3
Geek'd Out - Michael Thao
Feb 19, 2020This issue could very well just be suffering from first issue-itis, and I think Hill is an experienced enough writer that we can expect to see some more interesting character beats as issues come out. But for now, the art and the continuing mystery of the Dereleth is what is propelling this story forward. Read Full Review
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8.0
But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford
Feb 19, 2020I enjoyed my time reading Plunge #1. And with all the introductions of both cast and situation out of the way, I feel ready for Hill and company to really pick things up with the next issue. The last page serves up a cliffhanger that I'm intrigued to find out more about. I'm definitely ready to take the plunge again when issue two drops. Read Full Review
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8.0
ComicBook.com - Patrick Cavanaugh
Feb 19, 2020Given the experience of Hill and Immonen, however, we won't be surprised if Plunge sets the standard for horror comics that explore the darkest parts of the planet, both literally and figuratively. Read Full Review
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6.0
Newsarama - Scott Cederlund
Feb 24, 2020As a first issue, Plunge #1 is a solid read, but it’s also weirdly weighed down by exposition and set-up. It’s structured to get us from Point A to Point B in this issue where Point B is the cliffhanger to get us back for Point C. It’s episodic television structure that prompts you to tune in next month for the next exciting issue of this basic cable thriller, but it's more exciting because of Immonen and Stewart’s work than for Hill’s writing. As a set-up to the rest of the series, this issue establishes everything it needs to before its second issue, even if it don't necessarily create a lot of excitement for it. Read Full Review
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3.0
Newsarama - Pierce Lydon
Feb 20, 2020No need to take the plunge with this one in floppies, this is likely trade-waiting bait all the way. Read Full Review
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N/A
GWW - Brian Villar
Feb 19, 2020The art is great. Immonen being a well-rounded artist is able to showcase his skill outside of the superhero groups he is known for. The design for the characters is unique along with the surroundings. The task of drawing boats and the ocean is no easy task and executing it the way that he did is commendable. Rereading the book, you do notice a lot of that characters tend to have developed a bit of superhero physics. This isn't bad as it wasn't noticeable on the first read. Plunge is full of potential and so far, everything is looking great. This was teased at the NYCC retailer summit and I was highly excited about it. It did live up to my expectations and hopefully, Hill and Immonen continue delivering a well-developed mystery that explores the dangers of the deep and how truly scary it really is. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS
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10
Another win for Hill House Comics! There's truly nobody out there like Joe Hill who can introduce a whole cast of characters, make you like all of them, set up the basic premise, and then start the ball rolling in the most interesting way possible. Immonen, obviously, is a master, and I hope he sticks around to do more Hill House books. As I only read DC I've never read any of Immonen's Marvel books, but his reputation preceeds him and it could not be more right. Read Plunge if you dare (and you SHOULD dare.)
+ Like • Comment• Likes (1) -
10
Really enjoyed #1. Off to read the rest.
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9.5
This was an amazing first issue and I'd put it with Dollhouse as the best of the Hill House comics. The story is very mysterious and it keeps you engaged. You are dragged with curiosity to see what is happening with the sunken ship. Highly recommend and it's Joe Hill at his best!
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9.0
The characters are set up pretty good and the premise is very interesting. All in all a good foundation for a tense situation is done adequately. The only thing that makes me a bit dubious in the very last page with the talking microbes.
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8.5
Interesting Storyline with captivating artwork. Looking forward to see where the story is going? I am glad I had the opportunity read it.
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8.0
I like the premise of the story and am looking forward to seeing where it goes. There's a lot of exposition but the characters are introduced very well. It felt like a little too much of characters talking to each other but it is only the first issue. The art is great.
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8.0
Really good set up issue. The last page makes me worry because it was becoming quite the mystery I just feel like it might be too over the top. I enjoyed ot though. Lets see where it goes.
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7.5
Interesting set up. Well written. Not much here otherwise. Looking forward to issues 2.
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7.5
Average, no more.
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7.5
I picked up Plunge because of the concept, which after reading issue 1, spot on, good intro. But......DILDOS? Really?? Come on, was that just because it's "Black Label"? So edgy. If you remove that scene and the following jokes, it wouldn't be missed. Unneccessary.
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7.5
a lot of dick jokes
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7.0
So I think there's a lot here to like, or at least appreciate. I didn't feel completely disconnected from the people-although I also wasn't hugely connected to them, I think this was an issue of tone and consistency-I think there's something to be said for fear of the deep, I think some of the ideas are evocative. But I'm wary of anything that's dropping references to the Cthulhu Mythos, I don't love the characters as discussed, and I don't know that I'm scared for them yet. But I will read it.
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6.5
This was fine. Just a ton of set up and not incredibly endearing characters. I assume, like Basketful of Heads, it'll get better.
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