Mystery. Suspense. Monsters. Packed full of drama this first issue lures the reader into a world of steam powered machines and murder. The main character has a duty to protect the city from attacks, but from who? The motives of the attacker are unknown, as is the identity, yet it is Mortimer Hill’s job to answer these questions, and more importantly, prevent an escalation.

From the first page The Precinct #1 grabs the imagination and interest of the reader and it is a real page turner. The writing, by Frank J. Barbarie, is impressive and I absolutely loved the authentic feel to the dialogue. This matches the artwork perfectly, which is bold, realistic,and intense, ultimately combining into a really good issue.

I love the setting of this comic, in the large, steam powered Big City. I think the artist, Crizam Cristhian Zamora, really captured the essence of this storyline and the steam-punk backdrop is really stunning.

The macho main character, Mortimer Hill, is relatable and portrayed perfectly, and the introduction of Josephine Winters as his polar and complete opposite, although unsurprising, is still effective. In terms of unsurprising, I simply mean that a stereotypically masculine male lead with a thoughtful, intelligent and beautiful female second character, is a well used layout throughout many media genres. Having said that, it detracts nothing from the strength of the story line.

Ultimately a murder mystery set in a steampunk city with problems with mechanical monsters. Can a comic get any cooler than that?

Story: Frank J Barbarie Art: Crizam Cristhian Zamora
 Story: 8 Art: 9 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.