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!)

Black Hammer volume 1 introduces Jeff Lemire's new universe, one in which a set of heroes from an alternate earth find themselves trapped in some sort of dimensions/world/town (nobody is sure) from which they cannot escape.THis first volume is a brilliant introduction and one I would highly recommend. It has turned into my favourite current series and I'm now reading the equally excellent spin offs.

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.

Simple put one of the best books I’ve ever read. A deconstruction Of superhero’s. I found myself completely lost in this world and can’t wait for more.

Do not miss that! Awesome comprlling gripping art with Jeff Lemire at his best

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