One For Sorrow #1 Review: John Wick Meets Edwardian England

One For Sorrow #1 Review: John Wick Meets Edwardian England

As a seasoned reader with an affinity for the macabre and a soft spot for historical settings, I found myself utterly captivated by Jamie McKelvie’s One For Sorrow #1. The unique blend of spiritualism, Edwardian England, and a dash of John Wick-esque action was, at first glance, an odd combination, but as the pages turned, it became clear that this was a recipe for a riveting tale.


Combining spiritualism, Edwardian England, and the style of John Wick results in Jamie McKelvie’s “One For Sorrow.” At first glance, these three elements may seem incongruous, but One For Sorrow #1 skillfully weaves them into a captivating story that explores themes of class, crime, and revenge. The narrative is shrouded in mystery, keeping readers on their toes as they try to unravel the plot twists on almost every page. Although there are parts where the issue can feel a bit heavy or confusing, an unexpected twist at the end promises a thrilling journey ahead.

One For Sorrow

In summary, “One For Sorrow” stands out as an engaging comic. McKelvie skillfully constructs an intriguing mystery and fills it with characters that pique curiosity. Among these characters, Bess, the barmaid, is especially captivating, growing more intriguing as the story progresses, particularly in the final pages, where a significant reveal about her adds depth. The climax, which ties together the individual tales presented in the issue, is when the comic truly shines because seemingly disparate characters begin to make sense. However, the journey to this point requires some patience. Each tale, such as Mrs. Sutton’s story with the medium and Bess’s pub-based adventures, are intriguing on their own, though at times, the abrupt introduction of the detective and the opening sequence may seem out of place. This creates instances where readers might question whether they are reading a unified story or separate segments of an anthology. Although this narrative choice is made to effectively incorporate the enigmatic figure in the opening, it does slow down the pace slightly.

Aesthetically speaking, “One For Sorrow” is an engaging visual read. McKelvie skillfully employs realism in his artwork, allowing the characters to convey a rich array of emotions. The story unfolds significantly through these expressions, making it intriguing and subtly chilling at times. Particularly captivating is the portrayal of the Magpie Killer, who remains shrouded in mystery yet exudes an undeniable sense of danger, even when there’s little overt action. The color scheme also plays a significant role in storytelling, subtly changing from scene to scene and adding depth to the reading experience.

Fundamentally, “One For Sorrow” #1 presents an engrossing foundation for a series, brimming with captivating characters, a distinctive environment ripe for further exploration, and a central enigma – or rather, the driving force behind our principal character – that leaves one spellbound. Boasting powerful artwork teeming with subtext and emotion, this narrative offers numerous dimensions to delve into. After overcoming certain sections that may seem dense and slightly disjointed, the outcome is an engaging tale that leaves readers craving the next issue, eager to continue following its progression and discover where it leads in the future.

Published by DSTLRY

On November 6, 2024

Written by: Jamie McKelvie

Art by: McKelvie

Colors by: McKelvie, Courtney Vokey

Letters by: Ariana Maher

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2024-11-06 18:09