Arrowsmith

    (WildStorm, 2003-2004)
™ and © WildStorm, and imprint of DC Comics

There was a time when stories set in alternate realities were intriguing solely because they were just that: stories set in alternate realities. But the larger number of such titles in recent years, from Luftwaffe 1946 to Rex Mundi, have set a new standard that demands, not only the hook, but also a well-done story to back it up, just like any other comic book.

Busiek’s story doesn’t quite make it. Fletcher Arrowsmith is a teen-ager growing up in the States during World War I, and he longs to fight for justice on behalf of those suffering in Europe. But this is a reality in which the military, as well as the rest of the world, has found a way to tap into the realm of magic; it’s a world where demons and dragons fight alongside mortal men on the battlefield.

Take away this hook, though, and all that remains is an OK intro to a seemingly typical story about an average boy looking to make a difference in the world. Busiek makes a valiant attempt at the high jump but doesn’t clear the bar; the first chapter simply doesn’t hold any interest beyond the Elseworlds-type gimmick.

But Pacheco and Meriño beautifully capture the mix of magic with the mundane, and there is a nagging fascination with this reality that will draw readers back, despite the shallow storyline. It could be better, but, magically, it remains entertaining enough.

— Jim Johnson
Jump to issue:
  • 1
    #1
    Sep 2003
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • 1-2
    #1 - 2nd printing
    2022 Images Firsts Reprint
    May 2022
    Cover: $1.00
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • 1-3
    #1 - 3rd printing
    2024 Images Firsts Reprint
    Jul 2024
    Cover: $1.00
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • 2
    #2
    Oct 2003
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • 3
    #3
    Nov 2003
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • 4
    #4
    Jan 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • 5
    #5
    Mar 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • 6
    #6
    May 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • Bk 1
    Book #1
    Aug 2004
    Cover: $14.95
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    Collects Arrowsmith #1-6
    No copies available
  • Bk 1-2
    Book #1 - 2nd printing
    2nd Printing Cover by Carlos Pacheco
    Cover: $17.99
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    No copies available
  • Bk 1-3
    Book #1 - 3rd printing
    Image Reprint
    Feb 2024
    Cover: $16.99
    W: Kurt Busiek  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    Collects Arrowsmith #1-6 and Arrowsmith: The Flip Book
    No copies available
  • Bk 1/HC
    Book #1 Hardcover
    Hardcover Edition with cover by Carlos Pacheco
    Apr 2022
    Cover: $24.99
    W: Kurt Busiek, Lawrence Watt-Evans  ·  A: Carlos Pacheco
    Collects Arrowsmith #1-6 and Arrowsmith: The Flipbook
    No copies available