Featured Review @ImageComics Rasputin #1 @alexgrecian @rileyrossmo1

Rasputin #1

DRACULA AT DOWNTON ABBEY! In one night Rasputin was poisoned, beaten, stabbed, shot in the head, drowned, then tied up and thrown in a frozen river. It was really bad timing. His beard was just coming in nicely. New York Times bestselling author ALEX GRECIAN and fan favorite artist RILEY ROSSMO reunite for the first time since their critically acclaimed series PROOF!

Preview

Review

See the Review Rating Overview page for more information on how I rate each comic

Cover & Solicit 3/5

• Cover A: Riley Rossmo
• Cover B: Ryan Stegman

Art, Colors & Inking 4/5

This series is drawn by Riley Rossmo (Proof, Drumhellar, Green Wake). I really liked Rossmo's art style in this book. I also appreciated the subtle changes he implemented during the flashback scenes. The primary driving factor of this issue is Rossmo's art, as there is very little in the way of dialogue or monologue.

Layout & Flow 5/5

For a first issue they did a good job with pacing. It was easy to follow and Rossmo's art flows nicely from panel to panel. Even with little in the way of written story the issue is very readable and things are clearly what they are and don't need the additional wording some comics throw.

Story 4/5

The series is written by Alex Grecian (Proof, The Devil's Workshop). I haven't read anything by him but was excited from the solicit and preview art to check this book out. The issue stars with Rasputin explaining how there is always somebody who wants to kill you, and he is surrounded by them at the dinner table. Alex then has us bounce back and forth as Rasputin explains the days of his youth and the torment he lived under by his father. We also get to see that Rasputin has an unusual ability, one to bring things back to life. Rasputin knows the dinner is a trap, and his wine is probably poisoned, but he drinks it anyways.

Verdict - 4 (8/10) - (Buy Rasputin) SAVE 10%

I love what Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo did with this first issue. Grecian even though being a New York Times Bestseller showed he can build a story and get the reader involved without page after page of monologue, dialogue, or written word. Instead he allows Rossmo to demonstrate his talent and let the beautiful art lead us. I am really looking forward to issue #2, and is another Image title to be on the lookout for.