Comic Vine Review

20 Comments

Bedlam #1 - Chapter 1: The End of Everything Good

5

Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo introduce us to a creepy world with a haunting look at the battle between a crazed criminal killer and those trying to stop him.

The Good

It should be noted that this is a double sized issue. You get about fifty pages for $3.50. Throw in the fact that it's a great comic, you can't go wrong.

Nick Spencer tells the story of Madder Red, a big time criminal terrorist. He's said to have killed thousands and the opening pages show just how cruel he can be. After taking a theater full of children hostage (and pretty much killing everyone inside), it turns out he had already made plans to harm even more random children. This is a psychopath on a different level. We get to see more about how he operates and the actual level of crimes he's willing to commit, unlike the 'crazed villains' in most comics.

Spencer takes the typical criminal vs policer commissioner angle to a different level. There may be some comparisons between Madder Red and Joker but you clearly get the sense that he could be more of a threat than Joker.

Of course there is a bit of a twist.

What elevates this great story is Riley Rossmo's art. If you've ever seen any of his work, you know it immediately sets the mood for the story. His style is complemented by Jean-Paul Csuka's colors. The limited use of colors (just red) mixed with the shading really emphasizes the art on each panel. It's a great looking story even if the subject matter gets a little dark.

The Bad

Just the sinking feeling in the pit of stomach as you see some of the acts Madder Red is willing to commit.

The Verdict

If you're looking for a new comic to check out, BEDLAM is one to pick up. Besides being oversized for the price of a single issue. Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo bring us a dark and creepy story that will make you feel uneasy...but in a good way. It's a darker look at the role a crazed psychopath plays in comics and the way the story is presented along with the art is definitely something to see. It's a "mature comic" for good reasons. Image Comics does it once again with another great new series. Get this now so you don't regret having to search for it later.

It's already sold out with a second printing on the way. Check with your local comic shop to see if they still have a copy.

20 Comments

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Dark_Vengeance_

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Edited By Dark_Vengeance_

I like the way this looks. I am going to pick it up.

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Mucklefluga

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Edited By Mucklefluga

Awwww i thought Frazer Irving is doing the interiors :( I guess it's only the cover. But Riley Rossmo sounds good too.

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B_Heart

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Edited By B_Heart

Sounds like a awesome new series from Image. They have been doing great with all these new series and this book looks to continue the trend. Love the darker toned stuff!!

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CircularLogic

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Edited By CircularLogic

Fantastic book. I hate Nick Spencer's big name Superhero stuff (Cloak and Dagger being an exception) but his Indie work has always been top notch. Glad I picked it up.

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous

Image and Valiant are blowing DC and Marvel out the water when it comes to quality

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notarandomguy

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Edited By notarandomguy

@Jonny_Anonymous said:

Image and Valiant are blowing DC and Marvel out the water when it comes to quality

Except for 3 or 4 titles from the DCnU (like Swamp Thing, Animal Man, Justice League Dark and Aquaman), I say you're right

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JonesDeini

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Edited By JonesDeini

Man...the preview pages of this I read have me fiending!!! I need to get a lil' 9-5 so I can cop great comics!

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

On my way to the shop now. If they still have a copy I'll grab it.

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CombatSpoon86

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Edited By CombatSpoon86

Got my copy. It sold out within 30 minutes.

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deadpool25mm

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Edited By deadpool25mm

This sounds good in a bad way. (lol) I think what makes me want to buy this is the writeing on the cover "Is Evil Just Something You Are Or Something You Do" ,didnt hear about this comic but seeing it got 5 stars and sounds good i'll check it out.

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MatKrenz

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Edited By MatKrenz

Got done reading it. It's like getting punched by creative aweseomness.

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director421

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Edited By director421

Great book! I read the free preview on Comixology and was stoked for issue #1. Did not disappoint. Art was fantastic and I thought the dialogue was as well. It was a lot of "explaining" by Madder Red but without being cliche or boring. Awesome value as well! Lotta pages, little price, lots o' Bedlam goodness. Must read.

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derf_jenkins

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Edited By derf_jenkins

This has potential to be amazing!

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Gatman50

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Edited By Gatman50

Something awesome and different. Best book I've read in awhile!

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous

The twist was amazing

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MrArrogant

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Edited By MrArrogant

Glad I took the advice of comic vines weekly list and asked my store to hold me over a copy, as when I got to my shop the book had already sold out! (within like an hour or two) Really enjoyed the book, asks some big questions and sets up an interesting premise for the series, a little disappointed Frazer Irving isn't doing the interiors but Riley Rossmo's art was amazing, and the use of colour really wowed me. Will definitely be back for more.

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tomlikesfries

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Edited By tomlikesfries

''There may be some comparisons between Madder Red and Joker but you clearly get the sense that he could be more of a threat than Joker.''

Now I'm picking it up!

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SavageDragon

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Edited By SavageDragon

This was really weird...but I liked it.

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deadpool25mm

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Edited By deadpool25mm

@SavageDragon: Hey, I want to buy this book and want to know if its clean from sexual stuff.

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SavageDragon

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Edited By SavageDragon

@deadpool25mm said:

@SavageDragon: Hey, I want to buy this book and want to know if its clean from sexual stuff.

It is free from sex but it is so brutally violent its scary. THey kill women and children...like a ton