REVIEW | Kill All Immortals #1

REVIEW | Kill All Immortals #1

Kill All Immortals #1 is a savage introduction to a unique Viking family. Written by Zack Kaplan with art by Fico Ossio, colors by Thiago Rocha, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, this issue is the first in a new action-packed series from Dark Horse Comics. The tagline in the solicit describes this as “Succession meets Jonn Wick… with immortal Vikings,” and this opening issue does a solid job establishing that vibe. Readers are introduced to the world and leading characters with a healthy injection of violence along the way.

This series follows the family of Viking explorer Erik the Red. A thousand years ago, he and his four adult children discovered a mysterious source of immortality and now operate in the modern day as an ultra-wealthy family with a banking empire. The spotlight is put on Frey Asvald, Erik’s only daughter, as she finds herself at odds with her family’s influence. The conflict that erupts onto the surface between Frey and her family feels wrapped in history.

This book certainly doesn’t hold back on the violence…

As first issues go, this one feels a bit strange. There’s a decent amount of worldbuilding here and it’s integrated into the story well, but the overall pacing of it feels slightly slow. It takes the entire issue for the story to catch up to the basic premise of the book, which makes the bulk of the issue feel like you’re just waiting for the actual story to start. It’s odd because the issue is quite enjoyable, the characters all have immediately distinct personalities, the worldbuilding creates a litany of interesting questions and implications, and the hook for the inciting incident might be a bit cliche, but it works.

The art is gritty, in your face, and strikingly brutal when it needs to be. Ossio delivers highly detailed environments and intense action. This book certainly doesn’t hold back on the violence and sets the tone from the opening scene. Ossio sweeps the camera around these fully realized locales in truly endearing ways, and these environments further propel the reader into this barbarous world.

Rocha’s colors complement Ossio’s art wonderfully. The book has a darker tone overall that makes the highlights truly pop when they do appear. The contrast between highlights and shadows creates great moments of drama. Blood splatter is paid particular attention and is always a standout appearance on the page. 

The lettering, brought to life by Otsmane-Elhaou, adds a subtle but distinct layer to the overall story, guiding the reader along the page effectively while also adding small expressions through the form. Aside from normal letter boxes, Otsmane-Elhaou also enriches the art with emotive, integrated SFX that adds yet another layer to the on-page action.

Geek Network gives Kill All Immortals #1 a solid 7/10!

Overall, this issue is a good time that delivers on its premise. It broaches some interesting ethical and political issues concerning the consolidation of power and who, if anyone, should inherit it. It also hints at the psychological effects of being effectively immortal. It appears the conversation about what immortality means and how that changes one’s perspective will be a running theme as the series progresses. If you’re a fan of action, Vikings, family drama, or mythology then you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.