Dark Ages #1

Dark Ages #1 launches a new version of the Marvel Universe which subverts the usual dystopia tropes and features top-notch work from its creative team. Fans of Taylor and Coello's previous works will definitely want to add this to their pull list, while fans of books such as The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner will find a comic that hews to their tastes. Read Full Review

This event has me intrigued to say the least. Without the pressures of what comes next, readers can enjoy the the journey not focus so much on the destination. Read Full Review

Based on this first chapter, Dark Ages seems poised to become Marvel Comics' next Age of Apocalypse. Given the talent involved, however, I suspect it will be far better. MCU Fans who have yet to give the source material a try after watching What If"? would do well to check out this series. So would everyone else. Read Full Review

This story is a rollicking adventure, packed with high stakes and heart. Read Full Review

This visually appealing issue perfectly encapsulates the tone of the story. The drawings and bold color palate are breathtaking. And the focus on character expression and form is engrossing. The best part of this edition are the series of action scenes. The attention to detail is impressive. And the illustration is done in such a way to elicit a strong emotional response. I was fully transported with every turn of the page. Read Full Review

Dark Ages #1 looks to re-shape the landscape of the Marvel Universe in a way that will change the dynamic of its characters forever. Read Full Review

Dark Ages #1 by Tom Taylor is a solid opening to what is sure to become a classic in Marvel reading. I have not read a Tom Taylor book since X-Men: Red, but he is honestly a solid writer. The overall pacing of this issue was excellent. There was zero tap dancing and explaining who the characters are etc. If you are a fan of ANY of the Marvel characters, pick up this issue. I was politely surprised with the story in general and you will not be disappointed! Read Full Review

Dark Ages #1 is a solid start. Taylor is delivering yet another spin on classic characters in a new world and setting. The debut sets the bar as what we can expect and the answer is everything. No one is safe and we're being delivered a solid spin and direction it seems like. If you like Taylor past similar work, this is a start that's well worth checking out. Read Full Review

Dark Ages #1 is a fantastic example of how you kick off a big event. Tom Taylor and Iban Coello do not waste any time setting up the big conflict and the ramifications of the decisions made by certain heroes. It all works to create a universe that fans will be fully invested in finding out what will happen next. This is a must have comic book for all Marvel fans. Read Full Review

What I like about this first issue is that it's entertaining. There is some solid action and art that draws readers in despite not getting to the meat and potatoes of its initial premise. Of course, the first issue isn't perfect. We don't get as much character work as I would have liked, but it feels like the book will slow down the pace going forward and explore how our heroes have changed after the events of the first issue. I'd call Dark Ages #1 a win and with a great tease at the end, I'm excited to see what's next. Read Full Review

An exciting page turner crossover event that puts a new spin on quite a few ideas and plot devices Marvel fans have seen over the years. Read Full Review

This does have a lot of different characters from the Marvel universe in it and I would recommend at least having a look at it if you want a different sort of story than usual and not just them fighting the same bad guys as they regularly do. Read Full Review

As Simon Cowell would say ‘I liked it, but I didn't love it' Read Full Review

As Simon Cowell would say ‘I liked it, but I didn't love it' Read Full Review

If there's an issue here, it's one of underlying conception, not execution. We've now seen "What If" scenarios played out with great impact on screen and even seen Stephen Strange's sloppiness leads to problems for everyone around him. This issue slides the perspective but leaves a lot of questions about its origins, and the questions that will nag at you while looking into the fridge are what kept this from greatness. Read Full Review

Dark Ages #1 is pretty faithful to other entries in the recent boom of stories that ask what if your favorite superheroes but messed up? Its a little short on the charm needed to make it work exceedingly well, but this first issue had A LOT of setup to do, so I get it. Read Full Review

Dark Ages #1 is a strongly-illustrated tale about how the Marvel universe -- or at least one version of it -- ends in apocalyptic chaos. It does an impressive job of establishing a new status quo and lays the groundwork for interesting stories to come. But its matter-of-fact, past-tense tone robs this apocalypse of its full measure of drama. This series may well progress into greatness as it continues, but even if it does, this initial chapter is destined to go down as an awfully dry prologue. Read Full Review

It introduces a new threat and a core cast of characters to trace this new status quo, but barely considers the question of why readers should concern themselves with all of it beyond the recognizable faces stuffed inside. Read Full Review

Rockstarbaby7

Aug 31, 2021

Flawless.

Dave

Aug 31, 2021

Perfect, Tom Taylor can do no wrong. Read it early (work at a store) Recommend

Jmowarp

Sep 01, 2021

I always expect a lot from Tom Taylor, and I’m always blown away at how he keeps topping himself. So excited for the rest of this series. The story is so intriguing, and the art compliments it wonderfully.

Toonstrack

Sep 01, 2021

THATS how you kick off a new story. This was pure awesomeness and it shows how even the most die hard Tom Taylor haters can't rag on this too much. Its just straight up an awesome epic scaled introduction to a new type of MU. If the writing quality stays like this, we could be seeing our next House of M or Age of Apocalypse type story in the making!

Tarun Joga

Sep 02, 2021

Great

cincyfan

Sep 04, 2021

What a fantastic start to what looks to be an awesome story. I love how this one was written. I was really invested in the story as we are brought up to speed then it ends with a that's how we got to where we are and here's the problem. Great book I can't wait for the next issue

SurvivorLiv

Jan 16, 2022

This is an extremely strong issue to start with. It gives us a good sense of this world and just how far-reaching this comic intends to be. This issue uses the framing device of Spider-Man explaining how this world came to be, and this works brilliantly. This issue shows the X-Men, Avengers, Runaways, Champions, and more. Tom Taylor represents a large swath of the greater Marvel Universe - and no one seems safe from death. The deaths in this initial issue are horrifying as the Unmaker (which has a design I really liked btw), tears apart the Thing and the Scarlet Witch, before stabbing Dr. Strange. The Vision is also presumably dead as he was inside of the Unmaker when the EMP blast went on. This issue shows the darkness of this world and I am excited to see where Tom Taylor takes it. The page showing Iban Coello's Iron Man design is also really neat - as his art works really well for this book. more

daspidaboy

Sep 01, 2021

Okay, I admit there's some bias for Tom Taylor but I REALLY like this little event or story. When Marvel really tries in their crossovers it completely blows away the majority of DC Crossover Events. Well, I am actually more excited for this than Fear State can you believe that? This, Devil Reign, and of course X-Men Inferno are my most anticipated stories this year. The art is great, the action is fluid, the dialogue is pretty good. I mean any one can enjoy this and have a fun time. This is giving me Marvel's Version of DCeased and can't wait for the next issue. This is in my pull list now!

Afre

Sep 01, 2021

Very interesting premise. I liked it a lot. Neither Taylor or Coello disappointed with this one.

axdn

Sep 01, 2021

Amazing! Can't wait for the next issue!

Mout

Sep 01, 2021

Laughed so hard at that Jessica Jones line on page two (Did not care much about those guys that got killed but Ben 😭)

Psycamorean

Oct 03, 2021

This is a really good start, and maybe I'm just biased about the Spider-Fam spotlight.

DDJamesB

Sep 01, 2021

It was pretty darn good. The ending didnt really do much for me or it would have been easily a 9. They did the world ending scenario well and makes me truly feel the horror that happened.

Contessa

Sep 03, 2021

Tom Taylor’s actually a pretty good writer when he’s not wasting everyone’s time with cheap virtue signaling.

allenquanobi

Sep 01, 2021

Enjoyed it! It's been a couple years since Tom Taylor has written for Marvel, so I was very excited to see him helm this limited series. And I can say it gets off to pretty solid start. A little too similar to DCeased for me in the way that it's a post apocalyptic story that has a lot of the action and plot explained through text boxes that lead to the speaker at the end. Idk if you can call it a cliché, but I've seen it a lot that I've grown a little tired of it. Didn't take away from my enjoyment too much though. Coello's art is really good. Liked the look of Peter and his family, especially May, who was a very cute baby :). I'm excited to keep reading

BigCliff

Sep 03, 2021

The Smartest people noticed a pattern. The Telepaths felt it. But the SPIDERS sensed it first. Reading that build up within the first few pages really got me on board with whatever Tom Taylor is going to do with this story. I will say that it's very basic set up, but it works. To put the icing on the cake, you have Peter Parker as the narrator so it automatically becomes relatable since he's marvel's most down to earth hero. I loved it My favorite moment is seeing the first team of heroes fight against the "UNMAKER." Scarlet Witch, Sue Storm, Vision, Dr Strange & The Thing...that's a powerhouse! And they get swatted like they're latern flies lol. My only complaint is that the real villain of this story is apocalypse. I'm not that big of a fan of him but I'm curious to see how Taylor uses him in a world where electricity is no longer a thing. How does the world's oldest mutant rise to power in this kind of environment. Also, who are his horsemen of the apocalypse? I see beast in the final panel but I also think the red & black spiderman could be miles? Anyway, fun set up. I hope the story is good. more

Onomatopoeia

Sep 02, 2021

I thought the Unmaker was a little silly and unnecessary, but with that out of the way, I'm interested in where the story will go.

TSMack

Sep 10, 2021

If you like a fast paced, action oriented story involving many of Marvel's premier superheroes then this issue is for you. Personally, I am going to skip the next issue since it is not quite good enough to justify the continued outlay.

CrazyforRAMU

Jan 06, 2022

This series is headed for Steampunk Marvel, but first Spider-Man has to tell the story of how the heroes shut off electricity to save the world. The whole point is to make this set-up more engaging and dramatic than a mere elevator pitch, but personally, I don't think the creators were entirely successful. The script's good and the art's halfway to fantastic, but I think the author picked the wrong format. Pete's telling us all this in the past tense, and that puts the story past tension. Despite the stakes and all the hero-deaths shown, this comes across as historical and therefore a little too dry.

SenpaifenixJäger

Sep 01, 2021

At the moment he is not making any character a Disney princess or taking absurd politics. Which is good, a interesting proposal, as it feels a bit lost and doesn't catch you enough, we'll see where it leads in the next issue.

Merlyn

Sep 01, 2021

Meh, the pacing is pretty off and the fact that Marvel planned this book a looong time ago and released it just now makes me think this won't be anything groundbreaking. So far it's true. But it was a decent, classic by now, apocalyptic Tom Taylor story. Coello is the big sell here for me.

Gizmo

Sep 05, 2021

I think this would serve well as an issue #0 or a Free Comic Book Day special. It sets the stage for the event quickly and efficiently without a whole lot of time spent to take in events as they happen. I'm hoping that the pace gains some breathing space now that the stage is set.