Comic Review: Stranger Things #1

Stranger Things #1

Dark Horse Comics

Writer: Jody Houser

Artist: Stefano Martino

Fans of Netflix’s original series Stranger Things no longer have to wait until 2019 for new content.

Dark Horse debuted the first issue of its mini-series today, which starts from the very beginning of episode one of the First Season. When I first heard about the series launch, I was afraid it was going to be a recap of each episode, but thankfully, I was wrong. We’ve never seen much of the Upside Down, which makes it all the more creepy, but in Issue #1, we quickly get a peek. With only four issues in the series, we should learn plenty of new information without the story progressing past where we left off in the TV series.

The series is set to be from Will’s point of view, which is different enough to be intriguing, and alike enough to add familiarity. Since most of us binge-watched the series last year when it came out on Netflix, we’re starved for new information.

We didn’t get to see much of Will in Season 1, and he was too traumatized to talk much about the Upside Down, so it’s a smart move to include these missing scenes from his adventures “down under.” Unfortunately, I don’t think Barb’s adventures lasted nearly as long, but I really hope we get at least a glimpse of her, too. #justiceforBarb

The first issue has four main variant covers, which all look amazing. Many of the variants, just like the show, pay respects to other 80s culture. The main cover, which is gorgeous, specifically pays homage to the movie, The Thing. This issue has so many variants; it seems like everyone wanted a piece of this, which doesn’t surprise me. However, I love seeing all the artists’ different takes on everyone’s favorite show. My personal favorite is an exclusive variant from Babs Tarr, which is the one I happily ordered.

My only concern is some of the art in Issue #1. There are definitely some cool panels with great color, but many of the panels seem bland. I get that we’re in the Upside Down, but more contrast would pop off the page better. I’m also not a big fan of the line work. The art won’t stop me from reading the series, but after seeing such amazing covers, it’s disappointing to open the comic and not get the same quality.

The comic series isn’t the only new source of information on our favorite teens. Other sources say there will be a book detailing the action behind the scenes, a prequel, and even a video game.  The show has already garnered success in the retail market after dropping a range of goodies at Target, including a line of Funkos with several exclusives. It only makes sense they would continue production of other media.