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
    Review

    Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines #1 Review

    Christopher RondeauBy Christopher RondeauJanuary 20, 20224 Mins Read

    Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco return to bring back their hit series from the early 2000s! Find out what Fletcher is up to in Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines #1 by Image Comics!

    Arrowsmith Behind Enemy Lines #1 Review
    You can purchase this issue via our Amazon affiliate link

    ARROWSMITH: BEHIND ENEMY LINES #1 (OF 6)

    Writer: Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco
    Artist: Carlos Pacheco and Jose Rafael Fonteriz
    Colorist: Jose Villarrubia
    Letterer: Comicraft’s Tyler Smith and Jimmy Betancourt
    Editor: Kel Symons
    Publisher: Image Comics
    Cover Price: $3.99
    Release Date: January 19th, 2022 

    Previously in Arrowsmith: Arrowsmith introduces an alternate timeline during the First World War. Instead of guns and planes, the war is fought with magic, dragons, and vampires! Fletcher Arrowsmith is an airman who flies around with his trusty dragon Hilda. Through a spell, he can transfer Hilda’s ability to fly himself and wage war in the skies!

    BEHIND ENEMY LINES

    Arrowsmith #1 begins with Fletcher going on a mission. We see him preparing for flight, casting his spell, and attacking enemy fliers! However, he is hit and loses altitude. Luckily, he uses slow-fall magic before he hits the ground. The story then takes us six weeks before where Fletcher is in London. Fletcher is on a brief break and is acting as a courier. After delivering a message, he meets his old troll friend Rocky. Going to get a drink, they head to a pub that serves servicemen, but some people are uneasy with Rocky’s presence. After a bit of catching up, some soldiers try to kick Rocky out and send him to a “troll-pub,” and Arrowsmith proceeds to start a fight. Before it escalates, Rocky bellows a threat and picks up a pallet of heavy barrels!

    While this incident was isolated, Fletcher caught some attention from a group of people that wanted him to go on a mission. This secret mission somehow involved trolls and going behind enemy lines. In the present, we learn that the reason he was shot down was a ruse to get into enemy territory. After setting Hilda free, Fletcher is found by enemy soldiers.

    NOT A BAD START

    I vaguely remember this series when it first came out. The premise is exciting and unique, but I never had a chance to read it. As I learn more about the story, I think there is a ton of potential. Arrowsmith #1 has a great hook. We are introduced to a world that doesn’t need a lot of world-building and still feels like a fantasy. We mention places like Verdun and Prussia and immediately know the context. And those of us who are familiar with fantasy won’t have trouble understanding what a dragon or troll is. What lacked a bit was a clear indication of the theme. We have a hot-headed protagonist ready to start a fight to protect his friend. Fletcher is also willing to go on a top-secret mission. But I am unsure if we are looking at a hero’s journey or a subgenre of YA.

    I really enjoyed the art in Arrowsmith #1. I appreciated how the comic was colored and how beautiful this art style is on the page. But I struggled with the lettering in places. Maybe it was the review copy I got, but the book’s cursive “journal sections” were challenging to read the first time. My second read-through was a bit easier to understand. Not sure if that is a “me” problem, though, and it isn’t enough to turn me away from the series.

    BOTTOM LINE: SOLID STORY

    I really enjoyed Arrowsmith #1, and I think there is a ton of potential. If the series continues with this momentum, this will be a top series of 2022. Looking forward to seeing whatever happens next. 4 out of 5 stars from me.


    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.

    Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines #1

    80%
    80%
    Solid Story

    Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines #1 brings back a classic story from the early 2000s excitingly and engagingly!

    • Writing
      7
    • Art
      8
    • Coloring
      9
    • User Ratings (0 Votes)
      0
    Arrowsmith Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines Carlos Pacheco Comicraft's Tyler Smith Image Comics Jimmy Betancourt Jose Rafael Fonteriz Jose Villarrubia Jurt Busiek Kel Symons Review Tyler Smtih
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleDeadpool returns in Deadpool: Bad Blood…again…
    Next Article Canto III: Lionhearted #5 Review
    Christopher Rondeau
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Christopher Rondeau is a storyteller based in Tulsa, OK. Finding himself with little work, he ended up creating a job as a Game Master full time on the internet. Chris spends most of his days reading everything he can, writing bad fiction, and watching old Digimon cartoons with his daughter. Sometimes you can find him Dungeon Mastering a podcast or streaming on twitch. Recently, he has completed his Master's degree with a focus on collaborative storytelling. Find out more at https://rondeaucreator.com

    Related Posts

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    Read More

    Top Five Snacks (2025 Edition)

    Read More

    FIRST LOOK: Transformers #22

    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