Dead Romans #1 (of 6)

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: Kennedy crafts an entertaining first issue full of great world building and conflict. The characters are engaging and the premise has a great mystery filled with tension throughout. I love the action and intrigue of the story and look forward to seeing how it progresses. The Art: Marinkovich delivers some beautiful art throughout the first issue. I love the art style and how well it complements the tone of the story.

Multiversity Comics

If you’re something of an ancient Rome nut, like I am, you should probably be pretty excited for “Dead Romans.” Especially if you are reading this review on this site, you clearly have an interest with comics and as I said, Rome comics aren’t something that come out every week. But even if none of that Rome stuff sounds appealing to you, you probably have some interest in comic book art. And the artwork is absolutely the most appealing part of “Dead Romans.” If this is your first exposure to Nick Marinkovich like it was for me, you’ve got to give this first issue a go. A familiar story in an underserved genre is enhanced by spectacular art.

Capes & Tights

While needing a little bit of convincing to initially open the pages of Dead Romans, as it is not something we typically are drawn towards, we were definitely glad we did. The story, plot and script are extremely well done, but we will be honest…we are here for Marinkovich’s phenomenal artwork. Marinkovich has this amazing ability to create texture, lighting effects, and depth to a flat comic book page. He creates epic scenery while still giving us detail on the forefront character. His work on Dead Romans is some of the best interior artwork in a comic book in 2023. The debut issue is complimented well with outstanding colors that fit the series along with amazing lettering. We have now learned out lesson to not judge a book by its solicitation.

Comic Book Revolution

Dead Romans #1 has a confidence in the story it is telling during the time of the Roman Empire. Fred Kennedy and Nick Marinkovich capture the setting and type of people you would find during this period well. This is not a comic book for everyone but if you are into stories from the Roman Empire period this will be for you.

Graphic Policy

Although Dead Romans is based on a badass historical event, it sadly doesn't live up to the hype or the sheer metal quality of its title. Featuring thin characterization, truncated fight scenes, and lack of context about the the twilight years of the Pax Romana and the role its characters play in it, it ends up not having much to offer fans of Roman history or general interest readers.

ComicBook.com

Fred Kennedy and Nick Marinkovich are taking readers back into a tale of the Roman Empire, with the first issue of this mini-series heavy on atmosphere but light on character building. Marinkovich's artwork is the name of the game here, building the stage for the dark and brutal setting. Ultimately, the story feels like it's lacking some meat on the bone with its opening issue, but the artwork does help in elevating the tale. Dead Romans needs a big hook in moving forward and I'm crossing my fingers that there's more than meets the eye here.