Spinning out of the world of the hit Minor Threats superhero series by Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, and Scott Hepburn comes a new tale of costumed underdogs—featuring a support group for superheroes, struggling to reclaim their mediocre lives after tasting their true potential. Mary the Multi-Monster! The Tripper! Crab Louie! Kid Curious! Persona! Formerly the offbeat b-list superheroes, The Alternates, who seemingly sacrificed themselves to stop an invasion from another dimension. Instead they were transported to a mirror reality where they lived complex lives in a more four-dimensional existence—expanding both their powers and consciousness. Five years later they’ve returned to Twilight City, struggling to reacclimate to their old lives in a traditional two-dimensional superhero world—in withdrawal from the vivid ones they left behind. When elements from this alternate reality turn up as a dangerous new street drug, some of the heroes band together to destroy it, while others succumb to its temptation.
Co-written by Hack/Slash’s Tim Seeley and featuring artwork by Christopher Mitten (Hellboy) and Tess Fowler (Kid Lobotomy)!
- 100
Kabooooom
If you enjoyed Minor Threats, The Alternates is a worthy sequel that expands the same universe. And if you haven’t enjoyed Minor Threats (which just came out in TP), it will still appeal to anyone who enjoys tales of weird heroes in a world they never made! - 100
Un Cómic Más
A universe of characters explodes in your face with their realism and brilliant creative designs that deconstruct the superhero myth - 96
Comic Watch
Issue 1 is off to a superb start, in this second outing in the Minor Threats world, as the creative team riffs off the weird B-list here trope to superb effect with a script that presents gloriously three dimensional characters, relatable characters brought to life by wonderfully stylish art and an excellent script that maintains the standard set by the first volume of the series. - 90
The Comicbook Dispatch
The Alternates #1 is a fantastic beginning to a new mini-series set in the Minor Threats universe. The characters are fascinating and it’s great to see another corner of this universe explored. This universe is ripe for hundreds of different types of stories and I look forward to exploring it more in upcoming issues. Recommended. - 90
AIPT
It would be impossible to call The Alternates a success after just one issue. Yet there’s no denying that it surely set itself up for some big things, and to explore another side of superhero stories and their deeper emotional resonance in some truly compelling ways. Thus far, it feels like a book that asks us to examine our own relationship to these beloved tales, and if we all would do better to live in the fantasy or force ourselves to engage with a cold dark world. It’s not an easy prospect, but with a book like this leading the way, the journey will be as enriching as it is revealing. - 90
ComicBook.com
The Alternates is the rare comic spinoff that not only continues the magic of its flagship series, but manages to work as something unique and accessible. The first installment of this four-issue miniseries introduces a new crop of characters with various moody and tragic superhero backstories, and does so with an impossibly-effective and endearing ease. Unsurprisingly, Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, and Tim Seeley all nail the script, hooking you into the characters and the narrative immediately. Coupled with Christopher Mitten and Tess Fowler's ambitious and scrappy art, this issue is great, plain and simple. - 90
Nerd Initiative
Right away this story got me hooked, and wanting more (hence the immediate purchase of Minor Threats followed by the immediate reading of it). Throughout the book I was sucked into this world, all while wanting to learn more about each character, as well as about this still mysterious place, The Ledge. It also made me giggle at times, which the best comics do. It’s a relatable monster story with pie. I am definitely adding this one to my pull list! - 87
The Super Powered Fancast
The Story: Oswalt and company are creating an interesting and entertaining world in this issue. I loved the original Minor Threats series and I’m excited to see more of that world explored in this new series. The story is incredibly interesting and filled with interesting characters and interpersonal conflicts. I love the drama of the issue as well as the dark humor. I look forward to the next issue. The Art: Mitten and Fowler craft some beautiful art in the issue. I love how well the visual styles work together with the dreamlike sequence for Mary and the wonderful visual style of the real world. - 80
Capes & Tights
The Alternates #1 is an exciting and unique superhero story that stands out in a crowded market. The creative team behind the story is passionate about comics and brings their love to this story. From stunning artwork to intriguing world-building, The Alternates #1 is a comic book worth reading. It’s a fresh take on the superhero genre that will have readers coming back for more.
