AMERICAN PSYCHO #1, by Sumerian Comics on 10/11/23, relives the horror of America’s hippest serial killer when his legend inspires more killers and new generations.
The Details
- Written by: Michael Calero
- Art by: Piotr Kowalski
- Colors by: Brad Simpson
- Letters by: Micah Myers
- Cover art by: Greg Staples (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: October 11, 2023
Is AMERICAN PSYCHO #1 Good?
Before we dissect this comic, let’s touch on its roots. American Psycho #1 seems to draw inspiration from the 2000 film starring Christian Bale. It follows Detective Donald Kimball, a key character portrayed by Willem Dafoe in the movie. The story revolves around Kimball stalking a woman, intersecting with Patrick Bateman, and witnessing a brutal murder. Fast forward to 2011, introducing a new character, Charlie, entangled in a mysterious murder, which may or may not bridge between the past and present.
The narrative unfolds in 1987, echoing the film’s dark atmosphere. Detective Kimball surveils a potential victim, leading to a gruesome encounter with Patrick Bateman. The story then leaps to 2011, where Charlie, a partygoer with a violent streak, becomes a focal point in a murder mystery. The comic entices with its intriguing mysteries and the connection between characters and timelines.
What we liked about American Psycho #1: The comic successfully captures the tone of the 1980s, juxtaposing a clean, pristine atmosphere with brutal violence, reminiscent of the film. Piotr Kowalski’s artwork vividly reflects the vibe, and the familiar faces from the movie add continuity to the story. The mystery surrounding Charlie and her connection to Patrick Bateman’s past is intriguing, creating a compelling narrative.
What we didn’t like about American Psycho #1: While the mysteries are captivating, the abrupt time jump from 1987 to 2011 feels disorienting, lacking a clear bridge between the past and present. The connection between the timelines seems thematic but not narratively seamless. For newcomers, the lack of setup makes the storyline confusing, relying heavily on prior knowledge from the film.
Art Quality: Piotr Kowalski, known for his work on the Bloodborne series, delivers brutal and visually striking violence, staying true to the essence of “American Psycho.” However, inconsistencies arise in character depictions. Patrick Bateman resembles Christian Bale, but Detective Donald Kimball strays from Willem Dafoe’s likeness in the film, creating a somewhat disconcerting visual experience.
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Final Thoughts
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AMERICAN PSYCHO #1 offers engaging mysteries, a gritty atmosphere, and brutal violence, aligning with expectations for a psycho-themed comic. However, the lack of clarity in the connection between timelines may leave readers perplexed, requiring a deep understanding of the film for full comprehension. The reliance on prior knowledge can be both an asset and a drawback.
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