Review: SPREAD #1

Script By:  Justin Jordan
Art By:  Kyle Strahm
Color By:  Felipe Sobreiro
Letters By:  Crank!

Justin Jordan has been on a nice role over at Image Comics.  First he put out his collection of Luther Strode volumes, with the third and last being worked on now.  Then Jordan put out Dead Body Road.  His next project sees him tackling the horror genre with Spread, which is a mixture of The Walking Dead and John Wayne as the star.  We’re taken to an Earth overrun by a deadly disease that turns humans into these rabid creatures.  We meet No, who appears to be immune to the virus.  No is a man of few words, but he knows how to protect himself.

Spread is about what happens when a man who is used to being a loner, is charged with protecting an innocent girl named Hope who may be the key to ending the spread of the virus.

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What I Liked

I may have missed the boat on The Walking Dead, but I feel Spread is a series I can keep up with.  I liked the fact that we are joining the action in the middle.  The disease has already taken over the planet.  The opening scene also starts with the aftermath of what appears to be a plane crash.  Something tells me this could be important to the larger story.  For one, Hope was on that plane.  What was it’s destination?

Even though No is not a talker, he does make complete sentences.  He’s not incapable of speech, which is a good thing.

I also like having Hope as our narrator.  It appears she’s speaking from the future.  So perhaps she’s retelling the story to someone else.

Kyle Strahm’s artistic style is a perfect fit.  He makes the spread look creepy.  I couldn’t help but think No had a few similarities to Wolverine.  At least in the face.  Strahm mixes in gore, but keeps it from becoming cartoony.

What I Didn’t Like

This was a fine introductory issue, it’s hard for me to find a negative with the book.  The story was easy to follow and the art was strong.  We were even given a glimpse of what makes Hope special.  This is more than some comics give us in 4-5 issues.

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Summary

In interviews Jordan stated that right now, his plans for Spread are to have it go 60 issues.  Along with that number would be fill-in issues with guest-artists to help fill out the world that Spread exists in.  Basically world-building.  Even finding out different variations of the infected spread.  We could find out what caused the disease, how No is immune to it, and how Hope is the possible cure.

I look forward to following along.

Rating:  5 out of 5

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE