Assassin’s Creed: Origins #1 – Comic Review

The world of Assassin’s Creed is a deep and complex one. I can’t quite remember how all the different timelines, story threads and modern ages combine with the historical animus setting, but it’s been building a universe as large in scope as some of the biggest franchises in the film, game, and comic industry. The latest comic series to come out of Titan Comics deals with the world from the latest release, Assassin’s Creed Origins. In that game, we journey through ancient Egypt and find out about the start of the Creed and the characters involved from the very beginning. In this first issue of the comic, we follow the journey of Aya after she’s left Egypt and ventured across the sea to Rome.

The story starts with a cliffhanger, very much in the mode of ‘How will our hero escape from this?” line of storytelling. Cleopatra then appears into the narrative weave, reflecting on her time with Aya and wonders what happened to her when she left her service. Cut to Rome, and Aya is working alongside Roman conspirator Brutus, as he is revealing to her how corrupt the Senate is, and how the rule of Caesar is destroying the Empire and civilisation around him. There is a big conversation about dictators and how Caesar isn’t serving the people anymore, but rather himself. Like in the actual game, Aya is the one to put an end to his reign, but it has to be done right – and at the right time. Aya reflects on her role in Alexandra and how Rome is going the same way. Is it right for a man to become a god? Is it right for people to worship a man like a god? The assassination of the great Roman emperor is shown in all its bloody execution, with Aya playing a centre stage role. After the horrific deed is done the assassin sees that maybe the world without Caesar might not be the paradise promised, but instead something worse…

Throughout this issue, the story and script are exciting and don’t ever slow down in their actions and purpose. We know what’s happened in this fictional twist of a real event because of the events in the Origins game itself, but it’s a pleasure to find out the motivation behind the event. The introduction of famous characters and the ability to give them an extra dimension to their story is always something the Assassin’s Creed universe does very well, and here it is no different. The introductions of Brutus and Mark Anthony are well written and rounded throughout. The actual material regarding a ruling dictator and deciding the best thing for an Empire is discussed and utilised well through the sharp script. Politics and ethics are revealed, with the dark shadows behind the throne briefly illuminated in all their glory.

Through the visuals, the first issue of the Assassin’s Creed comic from Titan Comics shows great promise for a new series, and there is some excellent artwork throughout. In the colouring and shading the comic shows the region beautifully, bringing the panels to vivid reality. The framing and drawings themselves are sharp, detailed and exciting, whilst the gore and horror of the assassinations shown are vivid, horrific and shocking. I love the look of this series, and was completely drawn into the action through the framing of the artwork.

This is one very exciting comic series that I am very much looking forward to seeing how it plays out. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future episodes, especially after such a major event, as we learn more about Aya’s fate. Enjoyable from start to finish, this is another great title for the Assassin’s Creed comic fan.