Neighborhood Watch Is A Brilliant Murder Mystery, And We’re Already Hooked (Review)

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Coming up with a fresh idea in comics today can be tough, but BOOM! Studios’ new series, Neighborhood Watch, definitely stands out. It’s a captivating mystery, but what really makes the first issue shine are the two characters who uncover it and their very different backgrounds. I’m completely hooked after just one issue and eager to see where the story goes!

From the very first page, the creative team of Sarah Gailey, Haining, Rebecca Nalty, and Jodie Troutman introduces the central puzzle: the murder of Jill Hewet. The story then shifts focus to explore the two distinct communities where this takes place. This change in perspective could have been disruptive, but instead, I quickly became invested in the unique characters and atmosphere of each community, constantly searching for hints about the murder within their interactions. I realized the book had already captivated me, and I was only halfway through!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

PROS CONS
The Communities Feel Distinct And Are Interesting In Different Ways The Wealth Of Characters Introduced Could Be Confusing Until You Get A Few Names Down
The Artwork Is Brilliant, Especially As The Mystery Picks Up Speed

A Tale of Two Unlikely Neighbors


The story begins with the discovery of Jill Hewet’s body by two individuals: one a resident of the seemingly perfect, but subtly secretive, Willow Haven gated community, and the other a member of the communal Open Arms Collective. While Willow Haven appears idyllic on the surface, and Open Arms emphasizes unity and construction, both groups harbor hidden secrets – particularly concerning what’s hidden inside bunker #5.

Throughout the story, Gailey skillfully weaves together several interconnected themes while also introducing us to the people within each community, allowing us to understand how they interact. Bianca and Val serve as central figures in their respective communities, and we quickly become invested in both their personal stories and their broader impact on those around them.

Once these characters meet and the murder mystery unfolds, you’ll be deeply invested in both their personal stories and the impact on their communities. The evidence points to a widespread conspiracy, hinting that this crime is connected to something much larger.

The Perfect Murder Mystery Vibe


Haining, Nalty, and Troutman’s artwork perfectly reflects the unique atmosphere and way of life in each community featured in this issue. The characters are a delightful mix of quirky and contemporary, yet the stories still maintain the feel of classic murder mysteries – and this art team is ideal for capturing that interesting combination.

The different communities in this story all have their own unique feel, yet they’re all connected. This also applies to the characters – the scenes where we first meet them at community meetings were particularly enjoyable. As the story unfolds and we meet more characters, the central mystery becomes even more complex. And honestly, I’ve never seen a more unsettling depiction of something as ordinary as cooking a hamburger – a testament to the incredible work of the artists.

The story really picks up in the last few pages, becoming both more suspenseful and imaginative in how the characters connect. When the action reaches its peak, the emotional expressions and detailed character work completely immerse you in the turmoil. Bianca, in particular, becomes a fascinating character, and I’m excited to see what happens next in this unpredictable series.

  • Published By: BOOM! Studios
  • Written By: Sarah Gailey
  • Illustrated By: Haining
  • Colored By: Rebecca Nalty
  • Lettered By: Jodie Troutman

Neighborhood Watch #1 is in comic stores now.

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2026-04-08 17:42