I’m a fan of both the Rocky and Creed franchises. Even in their cheesiest moments, they entertain and satisfy basic entertainment needs. At their hearts, they’re about overcoming odds delivering a ride full of ups and downs along the way. The first two Creed films delivered a solid continuation of the series, not just delivering those highs and lows but sticking to themes underneath, giving each film more to chew on. Creed III for me floundered as it lost that “meat” on its bones delivering surface level entertainment when the first two delivered so much more. So, I’ve been intrigued to see what Creed: Next Round #1 would deliver for its opening round.

Written by Latoya Morgan and Jai Jamison, Creed: Next Round #1 is in many ways safe… and that’s kind of the point. It’s ten years since the third film and Amara Creed is grown up entering the world of boxing herself. Adonis is retired with Bianca managing both of them in different ways. Adonis is at a point he’s playing it safe though. With his investments, with his daughter, there’s an edge that feels like it’s missing. Amara feels it too which sets her upon a path that’s predictable because it’s what we’ve seen before. And again, that’s the point. Like previous Creed films, this comic looks like it has a vision beyond the ebbs and flows and the actual boxing matches and the punches that come with it.

Like the first Creed film, Creed: Next Round #1 feels like it’s about generations. Like some of the latter Rocky films, it’s about what one generation can provide the next, the previous one’s struggles will hopefully make it easier for their children. In Rocky, that failed due to bad investments, a topic danced about and teased here, and here Adonis and Bianca still have their fortune and company but are looking to expand with hints at risk. Adonis sees the comfort and only negative in Amara’s path. If she takes on too tough of an opponent the brand, and she, will get hurt. There’s no need for Amara to do anything, the family is set. But her wanting to prove herself clashes with Adonis’ want of brand recognition. Amara could cause issues with that, whether Adonis consciously recognizes that. He may be protecting his daughter but he’s also protecting his business plans. He’s not one for risk anymore.

All of that leads to expected decisions by Amara but the ending is the most interesting aspect opening up a pandora’s box that was only hinted at in Creed.

The art by Wilton Santos is solid. With color by DJ Chavis and lettering by Andworld Design, the comic has a good look where the characters look like their real world counterparts. There’s some visual concepts of opponents’ records and information that is brought over from the films as well. What stands out is the use of BASL (Black American Sign Language) that is used throughout. It’s not something I know at all but having characters clearly signing at times with their hands in positions adds to the comic and experience.

Creed: Next Round #1 is an intriguing start to the series. The ride isn’t as interesting as where it winds up in the end and where it goes next should really start some emotional fireworks.

Story: Latoya Morgan, Jai Jamison Art: Wilton Santos
Color: DJ Chavis Letterer: Andworld Design
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.1 Overall: 7.85 Recommendation: Read

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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