Kill All Immortals #1: Keeping Violence in the Family
Creative Team
writer: ZACKARY KAPLAN
artist: FICO OSSIO
colorist: THIAGO ROCHA
letterer: HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
publisher: DARK HORSE COMICS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
Kill All Immortals #1 is a slick series debut that follows the Asvalds—a family that has used their immortality to amass enormous wealth and power. This issue is intense in its violence and narrative—quickly hooking the reader in the first few pages.
Inspired by the legendary Erik the Red (an ancient viking with children named Frey, Leif, Steinn, and Thor), this series fuses mythology with modern familiar power dynamics. Issue #1 revolves around Frey, the reclusive philanthropic member of the family. During an exposé of Frey’s good works, a surprise ambush sends her and journalist Owen Jabari to the Asvald household in search of safety only to find danger at every turn.
Written by Zackary Kaplan, there is a lot to celebrate with this first issue. The succinct pacing crafts a captivating and page-turning experience that balances world building and introduction of Frey as the protagonist. The script isn’t heavy-handed in its delivery, making the experience free of exposition dumps and unnecessary dialogue. Character development takes a back seat in favor of a strong plot-driven story, but that doesn’t mean the Asvald family is one-dimensional. There are small hints at their personality and much of the non-verbal cues are aided with the art from Fico Ossio and colors by Thiago Rocha.
This issue has globetrotting, violence, and of course the presentation of wealth. Ossio’s illustrations introduce readers to a beautiful location where the Asvald’s live and ensures Leif, Steinn, Thor, and Erik are all seen as forces to be reckoned with that also are dressed in designer looking clothing. This story is centered around wealth and power and the art ensures the visuals does its part to provide commentary.
A particular scene at a dinner table is a prime example of the writing and art working together to tell a story. Despite meals being symbolic of unity and communal bonding, Kaplan, Ossio, and Rocha cleverly use this scene to build tension, showcase which of the family members strive to be the most important, and place the characters in a formation that mimics a hunt.
There is no shortage of layers within this story and the build up makes the third act terrifying. While the family is interesting, readers may find the source of tension feels like a familiar trope. Fortunately, the story is interesting enough that the catalyst to get the pieces moving isn’t exactly important.
Final Verdict
Kill All Immortals #1 is an excellent blood-soaked family drama. The clangs from axes are sure to leave ears ringing as readers cheer and gasp at the violence throughout.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.25 |
| Story/Plot | 8.75 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.00 |
| Colors | 9.25 |
| Final Score | 9.1/10 |