This week I read Terminal #1, the new series from Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible) and Joe Casey, with art from Andy Kubert, David Finch (he and Kirkman recently wrapped up Skinbreaker), and others (including Arthur Adams on some interior work). It’s an open-ended, brand-new superhero universe with all-new characters, and it comes with some clear X-Men DNA.
The Setup
The issue opens with a flashback of someone caught in a storm whose eye begins to grow unnaturally large. From there it jumps to the present, where we quickly learn there are two opposing groups of powered people — one that seems more heroic and another that clearly doesn’t care about collateral damage.
We see a fight over data stolen from a data center, a woman searching for her missing sister (who turns out to be connected to the “good” side), and a series of confrontations that introduce pieces of this new world without dumping everything on the reader at once.
Highlights
One of the smartest choices in the issue is how they handle the characters’ powers. Instead of giving full origin dumps or clear power descriptions right away, they drip-feed information. We’re given codenames early (Crusher, Blaster, Breaker, Thrasher, Racer on one side; Phantasm, Imp, Minotaur, Siren, Goblin on the other), but the actual abilities are only shown in fragments. It creates a strong sense of mystery and makes you want to keep reading to figure everyone out.
The series also isn’t afraid to make bold moves early. There are a couple of unexpected moments that feel almost Game of Thrones-like — characters you might assume are safe or important don’t necessarily get protected. That willingness to surprise the reader is a good sign for an ongoing series.
There’s also an interesting underlying concept about how these abilities work. It involves unlocking something already inside people, and the choice to accept it can apparently be either a blessing or a curse. Combined with a mysterious entity tied to the opening flashback, it sets up some solid long-term intrigue.
On the collectible side, Skybound went pretty hard with the first issue. There are multiple covers (including die-cut and connecting wraparounds), blind bags, and higher-end chromium/foil versions. Kirkman and company are clearly trying to build some event-level energy around the launch.
Final Verdict
Terminal #1 is a solid, intriguing start. It’s not a book I’m immediately in love with on a character level, but that’s okay — this is clearly designed as a long-game, open-ended series, and the creative team has given themselves room to build. The drip-feed approach to powers and world-building works well, and the willingness to take some early swings keeps it from feeling safe or predictable.
Kirkman has said he wants to capture some of the big, ambitious energy of 90s X-Men (from the Extinction Agenda through Age of Apocalypse and Onslaught). With the team he’s assembled and the foundation laid in this first issue, it’s an interesting swing. I’m curious to see if they can stick the landing and turn this into something that grows the way Invincible did.
Worth checking out if you like new superhero universes with a bit of mystery and some classic X-Men flavor.
What did you think of the first issue? Are you planning to stick with it? Tag me on X @NostalgicNestEg!
Originally posted as a thread on X — check out the original conversation here:
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