Assorted Crisis Events #1
Review
Writer: Deniz Camp
Artist: Eric Zawadzki
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Page Count: 48
Format: Single-issue
Assorted Crisis Events #1 delivers a mind-bending journey through a world where time is unraveling. With its captivating premise and stellar creative team, this debut issue sets the stage for what could be one of the year's most innovative new comic series.
Assorted Crisis Events #1
ReviewWriter: Deniz Camp
Artist: Eric Zawadzki
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Page Count: 48
Format: Single-issue
Assorted Crisis Events #1 delivers a mind-bending journey through a world where time is unraveling. With its captivating premise and stellar creative team, this debut issue sets the stage for what could be one of the year's most innovative new comic series.
In a comic book landscape dominated by familiar franchises and endless crossover events, Deniz Camp stands out as a creator pushing the medium into bold, uncharted territory. Following his critically acclaimed run on The Ultimates and the genre-defying 20th Century Men, Camp returns to Image Comics with his most ambitious project yet.
Assorted Crisis Events brings together a dream team of collaborators, including artist Eric Zawadzki (Eternal), colorist Jordie Bellaire, and master letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This powerhouse creative lineup promises a book that isn’t just a compelling read but a visual feast as well. But does it live up to its ambitious premise? Let’s dive into my full review of this mind-bending debut issue.
Image: Image ComicsOverview of Assorted Crisis Events
Set in a world where the fabric of time is disintegrating, Assorted Crisis Events presents an anthology of stories exploring people struggling to navigate a reality in flux.
The debut issue introduces us to Ashley, a working-class woman whose seemingly simple goal—repairing her parents' old clock—becomes an impossible task in a city where past, present, and future collide. Her neighborhood borders a shape-shifting movie studio lot, where cavemen rub shoulders with knights and modern citizens. As Ashley fights to bring order to a world teetering on the brink of collapse, her journey becomes a microcosm of the larger crisis unraveling time itself.
Review
With a title like Assorted Crisis Events, you already know you’re in for a wild ride. The comic wastes no time immersing readers into its fractured world, and Zawadzki's artwork delivers stunning and surreal chaos right from the start.
The story opens with the protagonist Ashley’s haunting narration about the “apocalypses” that seem to happen every week— from pandemics to wars, and looming disasters. Now doesn’t that all sound a bit too painfully familiar? The comic is unafraid of showing a sharp reflection of real-world anxieties within its sci-fi world. Deniz Camp once again shows that he is a master at weaving dark yet relatable themes within a very inventive concept. His script balances high-concept sci-fi with deeply personal stakes, making Ashley's struggle to fix a simple clock feel as weighty as the fate of time itself.
Image: Image ComicsWith its layered writing and beautifully chaotic visuals, Assorted Crisis Events is one of those comics that rightfully demand a close reading. This is not a casual, or breezy comic to pick up—it asks for patience and rewards multiple re-reads. For those who enjoy more straightforward storytelling, the book’s density may be a challenge. But for readers willing to fully engage, Assorted Crisis Events is a rewarding and immersive experience, packed with depth and meaning.
But as interesting as the comic’s story is, Zawadzki’s artwork is a major standout in this issue. It’s incredible to see scenes that seamlessly blend different historical periods, creating a mishmash that feels both familiar and utterly alien. From the neon-soaked streets to the jarring overlays of different periods, every panel reinforces the sense of reality breaking apart.
Bellaire’s colors are also a key part of this comic’s fantastic reading experience. Panels are colored with stark contrasts between vibrant colors and monochrome backgrounds. It shows which elements stick out like sore thumbs while everything else blends seamlessly to create unique-looking scenes. Meanwhile, Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering elevates the storytelling, with instances of sound effects working directly into some of the narration throughout the comic.
One of the most exciting aspects of Assorted Crisis Events is knowing that the series is an anthology. While this issue focuses on Ashley, future stories are set to explore other stories affected by the comic’s overarching temporal crisis. If executed well, this series could be a great collection of interconnected stories that offer deeper insight into the human experience through the lens of creative sci-fi.
Image: Image ComicsFinal Thoughts
Assorted Crisis Events #1 is a triumph of creative ambition and execution. It pushes the boundaries of what comic book storytelling can be, offering a challenging but gratifying reading experience. While its complexity may not appeal to everyone, those who love thought-provoking narratives will find plenty to sink their teeth into.
With its rich themes, stunning visuals, and high-concept storytelling, Assorted Crisis Events has the potential to be a new standout series from Image Comics. The fact that this is just the beginning of the story leaves me excited for what wild and new stories come next in the following issues. For readers looking for something bold, unconventional, and deeply immersive, Assorted Crisis Events is a must-read.
Why You Should Read Assorted Crisis Events
- Eric Zawadzki, Jordie Bellaire, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou make for a dream art team.
- Deniz Camp is a master at blending real-world themes with unique story concepts.
- The comic offers a very unique experience that deserves re-reads.