Released on July 15 Rivers Of London #1, written by Ben Aaronovitch (Remembrance Of The Darleks) and Doctor Who show runner Andrew Cartmel with art by Lee Sullivan (Doctor Who Comics), is a supernatural cop story set in modern London, England. Published by Titan Comics, Rivers Of London #1 is a fun comic where the main character, Peter Grant, that doesn’t take himself too seriously.

The synopsis says that Peter Grant has powers and a flair for the supernatural, and that he’s the man who has to investigate the crimes that involve the shadowy world of the mystic arts. If that sounds a little bit like Jim Butchers Dresden Files series of books, well, that’s somewhat accurate.

But that’s not a bad thing.

When we first meet Peter Grant, we quickly learn who he is, and just what the other member of London’s Metropolitan Police Service think of him. It’s also here that we first get a taste of Ben Aarounovitch and Andrew Cartmel‘s sense of wry humour. I had a good chuckle  on almost every other page of this comic, and while it isn’t a comedy story, that didn’t preclude Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel from injecting humour into the story. Perhaps because of the subtle humour sprinkled throughout the comic, I never stopped wanting to turn the page. Lee Sullivan‘s art works wonderfully with the style of the story; his line work never too heavy for the scenes, and I really enjoy his page layouts. Although I had no idea who he was prior to reading this comic, I wouldn’t be surprised if we tarted hearing his name more and more in the future.

Rivers Of London #1 is a great first issue. It sets up the story without the typically slower pace of an opening chapter, and the characterization of the few characters that do appear is just enough to ensure they don’t feel like two dimensional versions of the same voice, but the writing team don’t throw needless details at the reader in order to force an understanding of the characters, either.

It’s not often you’ll find an entirely new comic book series that’s promising well written story, some brilliantly complimentary artwork, and a sense of fun. I really enjoyed this comic book, and while I did miss this last week, I’m very happy I did finally get to read it.

This was an excellent first issue, and I can’t wait to read more of the story. Roll on issue #2!

Writers: Ben Aarounovitch and Andrew Cartmel Art:  Lee Sullivan
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.

Also posted on Ramblings Of A Comics Fan