‘Terminal #1’ Review: A Rollicking Debut From a Kick-Ass Team

Thanks largely to Invincible, Robert Kirkman is known for being one of the best superhero writers of recent years, and now he’s returned alongside Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Wildcats) for Terminal, a rollicking new series with huge potential. This is a short, spoiler-free review. 

To call Terminal a hyped release would be an understatement– publishers Image Comics and Skybound are calling it their superhero event of the year. And when you look at the creative team, they’re more than vindicated. The series comes from writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Wildcats), artist Andy Kubert, colorist Dave McCaig (The Walking Dead Deluxe), and letterer Rus Wooton (TRANSFORMERS).

The series takes place in a world where a secret war is being raged between violent forces, both bestowed with superpowers. We’re introduced to our human protagonist, Marilyn Howe, in the traditional sense — she’s a regular person, thrown in at the deep end way over her head. Marilyn and her sister Alessandra lost their parents at a young age, and Alessandra bought her up from a young age. However, we learn that Alessandra had since gone missing, returning as a hero with super-strength powers. The manner in which Kirkman and Casey introduce us to this story is a little cliche, nothing we haven’t seen before, but the way it’s told is masterful. From Kirkman’s signature elite pacing to his sharp dialogue and the clear input of Casey, it’s a lesson in how to start a superhero series.

Additionally, we know that Andy Kubert is legendary for his work on 90s X-Men and epic Batman stories — and Terminal channels that classic, blockbuster comic feel. Every page bursts, and during times of brutality, it absolutely lands shock value.

The debut brings everything Kirkman is known for, moving forward at a breakneck pace, throwing twists and brutal swings at every turn, but never sacrificing on world-building. But perhaps most of all, it’s got his signature emotional beats: it prioritises relationships and family, keeping it at the forefront, and it’s that which keeps you invested.

Terminal #1 introduces us to the most exciting new superhero universe we’ve seen in a while.