John Wick #1

Overall. This is a very entertaining first issue, which lays some solid foundations for what is to come, which will likely be Wick being hunted by the Guild for his freelancing ways. Read Full Review

Since the first John Wick, I had hoped for more way to delve into the world created in the film. Whether it was in the form of a TV series, comic book, graphic novel, more films, etc. With this comic book series, we get to dive deeper into John Wicks world. Perhaps we will see the job that made him famous? Who knows. I do know that this is an excellent debut issue that sets the stage for a bloody path. Read Full Review

If you are a fan of the movies, and I sure was, this might just make your pull list. Read Full Review

Hearing about John Wick turn into a comic book, I thought would be a bad idea. How can you bring all that cinema action and yet capture the tormented soul onto the pages of a comic book? Rest assured, the pages hold up to John Wick persona. I hope that both the writing and the drawing continue to follow the character and his bullet-filled escapades. Read Full Review

Greg Pak and Giovanni Valletta have come together to give fans of this popular action franchise a fascinating first look into the past of John Wick. Read Full Review

The issue is a good one that makes me want to come back for the second. I love the two films and to see more of Wick in a different way where different aspects can be explored is appreciated. Pak has the voice of it down, there just needs to be some work when it comes to more striking visuals. Read Full Review

John Wick only one issue in, but I think fans of the films will enjoy the comic and the exploration of the universe. Read Full Review

This first entry moves lightning-fast, just like the films it emulates. I was surprised to find the last page so soon, but it does manage to pack a lot in. Pak handles the character with finesse, keeping him from being interchangeable with other one-man-army types. The art team has some highs and lows, but overall it was an enjoyable read. I especially enjoyed the catalyst that sets Wick off; mistreatment of animals is not advised in this mans vicinity! Read Full Review

All that being said, its not fair to judge a comic on what it isnt or what it could be. John Wick #1 IS a slick and action-packed opening chapter to the titular super-assassin's illustrious career. Fans of the film should definitely dig it, especially if Pak and Valletta get an opportunity in later issues to explore the seedy and provocative Underworld established in the movies. But if the premise didn't grab you on the screen, it's unlikely to grab you on the page. 3.5 / 5 Read Full Review

If you love John Wick, then you'll want to find out more about who this character is, and why everyone is out to kill him. Read Full Review

I'm not sure how successful the comic will be, but writer Greg Pak and artist Giovanni do a fairly good job in bringing the character to life on the printed page. And the action isn't half-bad either. Worth a look. Read Full Review

Even with the so-so beginning I have high hopes for this series. There is enough here for a good story, hopefully Pak and Co. will flesh out this story enough so we can see what made John Wick who is he now. Read Full Review

It's well written, but do we really need a John Wick origin story? Read Full Review

John Wick #1 isn't likely to blow you away, but it is an interesting start to this origin story. Showing the famous assassin prior to his life as a hired killer, the narrative quickly stands out from the movies. It still manages to retain the same tone and violent nature, and despite the plot being a little mundane there is enough to leave readers itching for more. Lets just hope things pick up soon! Read Full Review

Putting the questions about whether we necessarily needed a John Wick comic in the first place to one side, what we have here at the end of the day is a fairly enjoyable action thriller with a solid, if slightly unremarkable storyline. If youre a fan of the movies then youll definitely get a kick out the extra content here, but if you arent already familiar with Keanus critically-acclaimed big screen bad-ass, then this new series is probably worth skipping. Read Full Review

Though hampered by some thin flashbacks, John Wick #1 is still a fun time, though not nearly as fun as it should be. Greg Pak, Giovanni Valletta, David Curiel and Inlight Studios really get the tone, visual language, and action beats that make this franchise but their execution could use a bit of work in future issues. Here is hoping that the next time we see John Wick on shelves, he’s back the way he was during the first movie. Read Full Review

'John Wick' #1 is an origin story that has the movie's DNA but not quite the polish yet. That's understandable as we learn more about John's background. Pak understands what the fans want and he delivers some bone-breaking, face-smashing, gunplay that has defined the character. He also sets in motion some exciting new dangers that make the next issue a must-buy. Read Full Review

While I'm looking forward to seeing John kill more people while I wait for Chapter 3 to hit theaters, I'm afraid that his comic is off to a really rocky start. Read Full Review

It's disappointing to see such a promising prequel comic stumble so hard in its debut. In some ways, John Wick #1 succeeds in capturing the tone and voice of the films. However, as a result, there's little sense of this version of Mr. Wick being fundamentally different or less experienced than his movie self. Even a "by the books" John Wick adventure would be fine so long as it replicated the stylish appeal of the films, but the loose, poorly defined artwork in this issue can't manage that feat. Read Full Review

Greg Pak (Mech Cadet Yu, Kingsway West) has plenty of good titles and I would be willing to give this series a second chance based on his name alone. While Dynamite's synopsis presents this issue as an introduction to the world of John Wick, I was disappointed by its vague start. Read Full Review

If you don't know John Wick you'll get a lot more for your money by just picking up the movies, and you'll get a much better feel for the character. If you are a John Wick fan, I really think this will only disappoint you. Go rewatch the movies. This has a long way to go before it does the source material justice. Read Full Review

TheImageIsStrong

Dec 02, 2017

Enjoyed John Wick 1 and 2. After issue 1 it was good. Gonna stick around for a few more and see where it goes.

The Villain

Nov 30, 2017

This feels almost like a pilot episode for a TV show in some ways. It may move a little too quickly but the art does a good job of crating a version of John Wick that definitely resembles Keanu Reeves. I hope that they slow the pace down a little bit in the coming issues. I'm not certain if I will continue with this book or not.

DDJamesB

Dec 01, 2017

I could see why some of the bad grades. If you've never seen the movie you might not be able to enjoy the charm of the book. I for one love the movie and found this very interesting. The art is great, awesome action and a pretty accurate character to the film. It will need a few more issues to set the bases of where it's going, but if you like the movie you should like this book.

Ultimate Goblin

Mar 28, 2023

It's... okay. Almost like the movie. Almost the same. But the movie at least was... a movie. As a comic it doesn't look that much interesting and spectacular. Didn't expect much from that and don't expect much from the next issues. If all of them are on the same level - okay. But Greg Pak could do better. This story as much not promising as it could be. Like I already saw this in the movie: John vs some generic evil villains who want to kill him. The art is also lazy... It's not bad, but the quality goes up and down.