“I don’t know…I’m ok with that…with “I don’t know” for a little while longer. Until we get more answers.”
– Kyle Barnes

The very much anticipated new comic book series, Outcast, from Robert Kirkman is finally here after months of build-up and advertising. I have read the book three times already and can say I have already fell in love with this creepy, horror comic for many reasons. The first issue promises many terrifying stories ahead for the lead character Kyle Barnes and the supporting cast that combine characters that loathe Kyle and some that genuinely want to help him. Either way, Kirkman has set-up a rich and deep story that should have interesting story arcs and issues for years to come.

I noticed right away that the issue reads a lot like a TV show would play out, which I found helped the story move along very well. I have often said that Kirkman has tweaked his writing style to mimic the way The Walking Dead TV series tells weekly stories since that show started its first season. You can see this influence, of course, in his monthly The Walking Dead comic book. I like how I typed that sentence as if no one has ever heard of The Walking Dead. With Outcast, Kirkman has started off with a double-size first issue that shows off this unique style of writing and it makes for an amazing read. Kirkman has become a master storyteller and it is no wonder that Outcast #1 has surpassed The Walking Dead in sales.

Paul Azaceta is the artist on the book and his style is like nothing I have seen in comics before and I read a lot of comics. The facial expressions of Kyle make you really feel for his character and understand what he is going through. My favorite is Azaceta’s use of, what I like to call, Picture-in-Picture illustrations. Between panels he draws smaller ones showcasing a look here or a smile there that adds so much to the story that you feel like you’re a part of the action. It definitely gives off that TV series vibe. Add to Azaceta’s drawings Elizabeth Breitweiser‘s amazing use of colors and this book is a must for any Pull List. Rus Wooton outdoes himself on letters; an element of comic books that gets overlooked all too often.

Outcast is a comic book that shows us there are no boundaries for this medium. It is eerie and frightening and some of the panels I just could not stare at for too long. Seeing Joshua smile was illustrated perfectly and I’m sure will give some readers nightmares. All of these components come together to create a wonderfully imagined horror comic book that will have fans wanting more immediately after each issue. Don’t get me wrong, there are quite a few great series that operate on all cylinders and Outcast is definitely one of them. The anticipation and build-up to Outcast #1 was well worth the wait…and now I can’t wait for issue #2.

Story: Robert Kirkman – Art: Paul Azaceta – Cover: Paul Azaceta/Elizabeth Breitweiser – Color: Elizabeth Breitweiser – Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy