FALLEN #1, from Red 5 Comics on March 22nd, 2023, imagines what happens the ancient gods are cast down to Earth, cut off from their ethereal power, and live out their time as powerful mob bosses among the humans.
The Details
- Written by: Matt Ringel
- Art by: Henry Ponciano
- Colors by: Henry Ponciano
- Letters by: Toben Racicot
- Cover art by: Henry Ponciano
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.95
- Release date: March 22, 2023
Is It Good?
Interesting. FALLEN #1 isn’t a supernatural story in the traditional sense or a mob story in the untraditional sense. FALLEN #1 is a murder mystery and a darn good one.
Matt Ringel’s tale centers on a world where the gods occupying the ether have been cast down to Earth, resulting in petty wars and power struggles. The gods resort to creating a criminal underworld where they can live out eternity with power and privilege among the humans while avoiding unwanted mortal notice. But what happens when one of the gods is murdered?
On its face, the story sounds vaguely familiar, but it’s presented in a fresh way. The characters are distinctive, an impressive feat considering how many characters are introduced in a single issue. The pacing breezes you through the pages, and the dialog pops. When the murder happens, it hits hard and fast, giving readers plenty of mystery to puzzle through.
In fairness, a lot of information is yet to be revealed, such as: Who cast the gods down and why? Who lived and who died in the subsequent wars among the gods? How is the world different with the gods present while acting in secret? These are good questions for a first issue to incite because they get the reader curious and eager to know more.
Henry Ponciano’s art style suits this material to a tee, and it looks great. The figure work is well done because the gods look like your average human except for some small difference in their size or demeanor that tells you something’s a little odd about them. Ponciano gives you the impression of the otherwordly without making it obvious, and that’s a great artistic approach for an urban fantasy of this sort.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with Zeus, Athena, and their wards discussing Apollo’s latest business adventure – selling Ambrosia to humans. Pure Ambrosia is lethal to humans and the deaths would bring unwanted attention that could expose the gods to the public. Zeus orders a meeting with Apollo at his condo.
Later, Casper Clay, Zeus’s ward, waits outside while Zeus and Apollo argue over Apollo’s reckless plan. The Ambrosia Apollo is making is diluted enough to not be lethal, but Zeus doesn’t trust the scheme. Apollo storms off in a rage.
Before Casper can re-enter the room, a hooded figure sneaks in and lances Zeus through the heart with a magical spear, causing an explosion that destroys most of the penthouse and sends Casper into the river below. We conclude the issue with an interrogation, more shady dealings, and a hidden mastermind.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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FALLEN #1 begins an intriguing murder mystery among the gods who have been cast down to Earth. The character- and world-building are excellent, and the stellar art gives you just a hint of the supernatural to show how the gods manage to stay hidden in plain sight.
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