Overall, it's the start I wanted to see, even if others maybe didn't. Building toward a better ending is better than having six awesome, spine-tingling cliffhangers, only to be let down by the seventh. Read Full Review

This first issue, however, shows that the fear is less embodied in the foes and much more present in the world around the heroes of this story. The world around these heroes is starting to lose its tenuous grip on sanity, which is how this issue opens. Immonen and Fraction wasted no time getting this story set in motion, and, if this first offering is any indication, the next six issues ought to be stunning. Read Full Review

Fans have been burned on the hype and failed promises of event comics in the past. Luckily, all signs point to Fear Itself bucking that trend. Issue #1 lays the foundation for an event that's epic in scope but intimate in in focus. For once, comic readers can take enjoyment from the fear of others. Read Full Review

Matt Fraction has an actual story to tell, which means this is a hell of a lot better than Siege #1. Read Full Review

At the risk of making a Gene Shalit-ism, don't be afraid to get Fear Itself. Read Full Review

Colorist Laura Martin, thankfully, knows who shes working with, and she keeps the earth tones to a minimum. She renders some amazing blues and greens, and handles the otherworldly Asgardian colors (previously seen in Fractions Thor care of Matt Hollingsworth) beautifully. I could just stare at these pages all day. In fact, I just might. Read Full Review

Besides, Fraction also gets the voices of these characters (makes you wonder what the hell happened on X-Men!). You dont get the off-quirky, wisecrack vibe of the heroes that Bendis is so renowned for--which, in a serious event such as Fear Itself, where anything can go to shit at any time, is a plus. Read Full Review

Nothing really memorable happened here, and for a huge event issue, I kind of expected to read something that would have me frothing at the mouth anticipating the next issue. While I'm excited to see where things go next issue, I have to admit, my excitement for this event has diminished slightly after reading this one. Read Full Review

Regardless of who it is exactly that Skadi has released and called father, he has control of the Midgard Serpent, and thus (once again) Ragnark looms. Read Full Review

After reading this issue, I'm not excited nor highly anticipating the next issue, instead cautiously awaiting for the flood of tie-ins and mini-series, and hoping that they'll be good with more personal takes on particular characters throughout the course of the event. The art was quite good, but not enough to save the overall issue from being more than average at best. Read Full Review

While the premise of Fear Itself is good, the execution needs work. Rather than centering solely on Cap, Iron Man, and Thor, more words and actions should have been spread throughout the cast. The behavior of Odin should have definitely been rethought. Characterization of this kind works for a first draft, but not a final one. Read Full Review

Fear Itself #1 features four dragons, four blows to the head, three cows, Thor ignoring the first rule of the Ghostbusters ("When someone asks you if you're a god, you say yes"), an interview with a VERY smirky Bendis and Odin chokeslamming Thor. It also majorly skimps on sound effects, providing only one (albeit very poignant) tch-chk. Read Full Review

I liked this first issue more than I thought it would, especially the Sin storyline, but I'm far from convinced this isn't going to get worse before it gets better. Hit-and-Miss. Read Full Review

The question is: are you ready for another event? If you are then this one seems to be taking things in a different direction than Secret Invasion or Civil War and it seems to have a solid handle on the story elements. If you are lukewarm to the idea then I am not sure this issue will be enough to ramp you up. I didn't come away sold on the Thor mythos and since this story is heavy on this arena I am thinking this just isn't the "event" for me. I do give Marvel props for making this issue oversized and not padding it with reprints. I would think if you are a fan of Thor or the Avengers then you will be thrilled with this issue. Read Full Review

The saving grace of this book is the artwork. While the plot (especially the unexplained and ugly explosion of anger on Odin's part) is disappointing, the same can't be said of the strong linework and colors provided by Stuart Immonen, Wade von Grawbadger and Laura Martin. It's a lovely book. I was particularly impressed with how Immonen distinguishes the Norse Gods from the regular super-heroes. He brings such stature and presence to Thor and Odin that really sets them apart. There are quite a few characters running around in this comic book, but Immonen and von Grawbadger never take any shortcuts. Every figure - be it a major player or a bystander in a single panel - is crisply rendered. The only visual element in the book that left me cold was the poorly designed regular cover, with its static artwork by Steve McNiven. Read Full Review

Fraction's Odin is certainly something

The fact that this is the highest rated issue concerns me, because it wasn’t particularly impressive. The main reason Fear Itself fails is because it doesn’t fit the tone set by other current Comics. The Heroic Age had a main focus on happy and uplifting comics, highlighted by the Avengers titles of Avengers, New Avengers, and Avengers Academy. Those are all generally “happy” books and Fear Itself is the exact opposite of that, hence the name. I’m glad Matt Fraction is writing because I’ve loved what he’s been doing with Invincible Iron Man. Unfortunately, Fraction excels at writing happy and goofy Comics instead of dark Comics like Fear Itself, and it’s pretty obvious. Look at what Fraction has done with Immortal Iron Fist, Sex Criminals, Invincible Iron Man, and Hawkeye and compare those to Fear Itself and you’ll see. The part with the Broxton neighbors saying goodbye to each other was pretty teaching and the parts with Red Skull’s daughter are particularly intriguing. The worst parts are the terrible writing of Odin, as he just acts so out of character the whole time. Usually with event comics the start is great with a disappointing ending but with a start as bad a this I can’t help but “fear” the next few issues. See what I did there more