Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Deep Beyond #1 Review
    Review

    Deep Beyond #1 Review

    Robert MammoneBy Robert MammoneFebruary 6, 2021Updated:February 6, 20214 Mins Read

    In Deep Beyond #1 a sinking submarine, an assassination attempt on the President’s son, a kidnapping, and then escape to the toxic ruins of America all culminate in a horrifying attack on our heroes.  Who lives and who gets eaten? Find out  in your next mighty Major Spoilers review!

    Deep Beyond #1 Review
    You can purchase this issue via the comiXology affiliate link

    DEEP BEYOND #1

    Writers: Mirka Andolfo & David Goy
    Artist: Andrea Broccardo
    Colorist: Barbara Nosenzo
    Letterer: Fabio Amelia
    Editor: Rossano Bruno
    Publisher: Image Comics
    Price: $3.99
    Release Date: February 3rd, 2021

    Previously in Deep Beyond:  It’s 2085, and civilization has finally collapsed under the weight of environmental disaster and rampant capitalism.  Only a remnant survives, eking a life beneath the surface, trying to create a new world far from the toxic mess above ground.  There are others who work to reclaim the land, and then there are others who would punish humanity for its hubris, and send it plunging into a new dark age.

    JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY

    Deep Beyond #1 starts promisingly before collapsing under the weight of cliche.  It is certainly an entertaining read, and well illustrated and colored, but it is the victim of a lack of ambition, or, more pointedly, an unwillingness to break away from the tropes that inspired it.

    It’s 2085, and instead of the Jetson-friendly flying cars and gleaming cities, the remnants of humanity huddle in undersea domes, far away from the toxic wastelands of the surface.  Civilization and technology certainly exist, but so do humanity’s oldest weaknesses – arrogance, hubris and greed.

    Exposure to the air proves fatal to humanity, as their bodies sprout fungus as the toxins kill them.  Efforts are made to alleviate the worst of the symptoms, with expeditions sent out to try and find a cure for what ails the Earth.  But nothing goes to plan, of course, as disaster begets disaster for our main characters.

    One of the issues I had with Deep Beyond #1 was in the plotting.  Introducing a cast of characters and setting up the world in one issue is always a thankless task, and I’m not attacking the writers, Mirka Andolfo and David Goy, for doing their best and coming up a little short.  But I did feel that there were several jarring changes of pace and scene, that with a bit more work, might’ve felt more seamless.  We open in a submarine, before moving to an assassination attempt, to an office argument, to a kidnap, and then an attack on two main characters by a giant tentacled monster.  On the one hand, there’s never a dull moment, but you do feel that narrative coherence has been abandoned in an effort to build up a head of steam.

    FUNGAL FOLLIES

    That issue aside, the set up for Deep Beyond #1 is pretty neat, though it has all been seen before.  Humanity screws up the environment, retreats to bunkers to survive, while dastardly schemes bubble away, threatening our heroic heroes at the greatest moment of peril.  There’s nothing wrong with using earlier themes and ideas, but it seems quite a lot of them have been jammed into the one issue.

    The saving grace is the artwork, by Andrea Broccardo.  The gunfights and knifings that occur at the party early in Deep Beyond #1 demonstrates Broccardo’s ability to provide a sense of momentum the writing sometimes lacks.  Clever use of angles at key moments, such as on the submarine or on the surface, give the world a sense of ‘bigness’ that might otherwise be lacking in the claustrophobic confines we see featured.  Ably colored by Barbara Nosenzo, Broccardo’s artwork elevates this issue.

    BOTTOM LINE:  BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

    Reading Deep Beyond #1 made me wonder what exactly it’s trying to say.  If it is a series merely designed to entertain, then it certainly does that, with a familiar, if disturbing set up, peopled with recognizable characters, facing recognizable threats.  If, however, there is an effort to say something about humanity abusing and destroying the only home it has, and that we should be doing something quick smart to ameliorate our impact on our planet, then I’m at a loss to find out what that is.


    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    Deep Beyond #1

    73%
    73%
    Very Familiar

    Familiar tropes and characters set in familiar world mark Deep Beyond #1 as the opening issue that feels very, very familiar.  Some lovely artwork and excellent action set pieces aren’t enough to elevate this opening issue above the average.

    • Writing
      6
    • Art
      8
    • Coloring
      8
    • User Ratings (0 Votes)
      0
    Andrea Broccardo Barbara Nosenzo David Goy Deep Beyond Fabio Amelia Image Comics Mirka Andolfo revew Rossano Bruno
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleInkblot #6 Review
    Next Article Canto II: The Hollow Men #5 Review
    Robert Mammone

    Romantic. Raconteur. Kangaroo rustler. Sadly, Rob is none of these. Rob has been a follower of genre since at least the mid-1970s. Book collector, Doctor Who fan, semi-retired podcaster, comic book shop counter jockey, writer (once!) in Doctor Who Magazine and with pretensions to writing fantasy and horror, Rob is the sort of fellow you can happily embrace while wondering why you're doing it. More of his maudlin thoughts can be found at his ill-tended blog https://robertmammone.wordpress.com/

    Related Posts

    Critical Hit #789: Monster Wrangler – Session Zero (MWS01-E00)

    Read More

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    Read More

    Top Five Snacks (2025 Edition)

    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    9.0
    June 13, 2025

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    6.3
    June 10, 2025

    X-Men #17 Review

    6.0
    June 9, 2025

    Power Rangers Prime #7 Review

    6.0
    June 8, 2025

    Retro Review: Detective Comics #20 (October 1938)

    8.0
    June 7, 2025

    Absolute Green Lantern #3 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: I Want More than Good Memories!
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT