Black Hammer Volume 1: Secret Origins

Whenever I'm talking about comics, I always have to give a little disclaimer: I don't read that many comics any more. I'm not the 16 year old with the out of control standing order at his local comic shop I used to be, I'm the 41 year old father of two who picks up a handful of trade paperbacks every year.That said, Black Hammer has kicked in the doors of my expectations and left me with a big grin on my face. It's got old-school superheroes, it's got Jeff Lemire's trademark rural disquiet, it's got Lynchian small-town weirdness and it's got Dean Ormston's fantastic art. The whole thing is done in subdued autumnal colours, which add to incredible atmosphere.I've followed Jeff Lemire's career since Essex County Trilogy, and have always enjoyed his more idiosyncratic work the most. I didn't really care for Trillium or Descender, but this is right back in the sweet spot if you ask me, up there with The Underwater Welder.The less you know about the plot the better, really. In short, a group of misfit golden age superheroes find themselves living on a farm in rural Canada, pretending to be a family. We don't yet know exactly how they came to be living there or exactly what happens when they try to leave. That's all you need to know.I really recommend it, the best first volume of anything I've read since Saga.

Superb graphic novel, full of Easter eggs for old time comic book geeks, this is wonderful and unique. The components are familiar, but the combination is what makes it work. The premise is very Kingdom Come- a group of superheroes are trapped in an alternate world which looks like a small town farm and they are trying to escape this cosy trap, and their own personal problems. There's an intriguing mystery here- where are they? why can't they escape? and who has trapped them here? This is sustained and well-developed. But the real joy is in the character interactions, which owe much more to Hellboy, post-modern comics like Morrison's Doom Patrol and The Umbrella Academy than typical Marvel/DC fare. The backstories allow parodies/homages to everything from Lee/Kirby including Fourth World Kirby to Adam Strange, House of secrets, the Martian Manhunter and Shazam! The art by Dean Ormston is absolutely delicious and this is Jeff Lemire's masterwork. deservedly heaped with awards.This is brilliant stuff: if you read it, you will order volume two immediately. I did! And guess what? It maintains the quality. Great series-run, do not walk to the shop to buy it ( or a couple of clicks on your keyboard/mouse will do the job just as well. So do that!)

A good read, a refreshing new take on all the superhero nonsense that has become all too formulaic recently.

This is an excellent graphic novel. Very good characterisation, very good art and an interesting story and of course did what all good books do made me want to read the next one and the next one. So the best graphic novel I have I have read for sometime.

What a cracking start to a brand new universe. Hooked. The art is awesome from Ormston, story and cast of characters are both rich with potential. Really enjoyed it, writing this up then ordering volume 2.

Compelling mystery using comic archetypes with great artwork. Lemire is a comic-god and has created an incredible world of Black Hammer. This is a contemporary classic! Can't wait for book 2!

Got it recommended to me by a colleague. I really enjoyed it. If you like Marvel/DC then you'll have fun reading it.

Absolutely superb.Can't wait for vol 2

Black Hammer is different from any comics I've ever read yet it's also exactly like the comics I've read since childhood. It's a strange mix of deconstruction and homage to the Golden, silver and bronze age of comics.Lemire is writing a story that is a family drama wrapped in a superhero universe. The characters are styled after famous comics characters but their journey is starkly different. Add to that amazing art with each character getting their own style and vibe to their story.The black hammer Universe is a modern era classic. This should be taught at universities!Also dark horse books have a premium feel to them. The cover and binding feel sturdy. The product was received in good condition. Got it at a discount too. Worth it.

Ambientazione decadente e malinconica. Ci si dimentica quasi di avere a che fare con supereroi e superpoteri, emergono vicende umane e personaggi decisamente originali.

Mission accomplished. This is not just another superhero comic. I was looking for exactly this type of off-beat weirdness. The combination of interesting characters faced with mysterious challenges with heroic back stories was irresistible. I hope the series lives up to its promise. Great job Jeff Lemire. Canada is proud.

Recopilatorio en tapa blanda, idioma ingles que incluye los primeros 6 números de esta saga. La historia a pesar de ser tematica de superheroes, la narrativa nos lleva por otro camino mostrándonos como un grupo de héroes vive su vida atrapados en un pueblo mientras intentan ser "normales" y poco a poco estos nos muestran sus proezas y amarguras de su vida. Sumamente recomendado

Enjoyed this first volume. Love the graphics and the overall concept. I think HORROR is probably one of my favorite comic genres and this one is one of the best! My absolute favorite characters in this one are Gail, the middle aged woman trapped in a moody nine year old’s body, Tammy the waitress, and Dragonfly. Oops! All women…oh well! 🤣