Comic Review: Sabretooth #1

Marvel Comics

Writer: Victor LaValle

Artists: Leonard Kirk & Rain Beredo

Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit

Victor Creed, codenamed Sabretooth, is a character that is mostly beyond redemption. He’s been problematic through most of his history as a character, often performing some of the worst things possible such as murder and sexual assault. At the start of the Krakoa era, Sabretooth was tried for murdering humans, which is against one of the three laws of Krakoa. As a result, he has been sentenced to the pit, where he will spend forever in darkness with only his thoughts. It sounds like an awful fate, and now readers have the opportunity to know what exactly goes down there in Sabretooth #1.

Unsurprisingly, this issue spends a lot of time in Sabretooth’s head. Victor LaValle’s script is full of surprises, making this issue a treat from start to finish. It’s not what most were expecting when the series was announced. It’s full of thrills, solid humor, and an intriguing character study. I’ll admit that I never asked to understand Victor more, but by this issue concluded, I was looking forward to seeing more.

LaValle doesn’t only teach readers about Victor, but we get a brief glance of the politics of Krakoa and the workings of the pit. There will likely be much more scattered throughout the run, but this first issue gives plenty of answers on its own. Fans of Doug Ramsey will be delighted to know how much of a role he plays in just about everything related to Krakoa (As if Inferno didn’t already reveal that).

LaValle’s script is accompanied by fantastic visuals provided by Leonard Kirk, Rain Beredo, and Cory Petit. Kirk’s art is strong throughout the issue and gives a great look at the mind of Sabretooth. It’s clear that Kirk has plenty of fun throughout the issue, drawing some pretty gnarly actions. Beredo’s colors are great too, giving the issue and Victor’s mind plenty of life. Petit’s letters do an excellent job of adding weight to the dialogue.

It’s not full of answers for the big picture, but Sabretooth #1 gives enough to be absolutely fascinating. Victor is a character that’s hard to redeem, but this should at least be a fun run all the way through.