What do you think?
Rate this book
Trees (Single Issues)
Trees #1
Ten years after they landed. All over the world. And they did nothing, standing on the surface of the Earth like trees, exerting their silent pressure on the world, as if there were no-one here and nothing under foot. Ten years since we learned that there is intelligent life in the universe, but that they did not recognize us as intelligent or alive.
24 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2014
12 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Warren Ellis
1,972 books5,771 followersWarren Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE and the “underground classic” novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN, as well as the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR. His newest book is the novella NORMAL, from FSG Originals, listed as one of Amazon’s Best 100 Books Of 2016.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 19, 2022
Weird, very weird ..... and yet strangely enticing. The artwork wasn't necessarily my cup of tea but the story has enough of a hook to make you want to find out more. Whether that equates to spending big $$ on the whole series I'm not sure.
June 22, 2014
It is every telling how the issue description stated that this is "Beginning a new science fiction graphic novel..." Aside from the fact that literate comicbooks would only describe themselves as "graphic novels", the description pretty much explains the lack of the first issue satisfaction I normally associate with first issues.
Still, I really like the concept by the creators here: remember as children we would poke anthils with sticks? It seems that there is an extraterrestrial intelligence that sees us as less than insects and has proceded to poke our planet with multiple sticks that humanity has come to call as "Trees." Pretty smart stuff which is par for the course for an Ellis book.
Still, I really like the concept by the creators here: remember as children we would poke anthils with sticks? It seems that there is an extraterrestrial intelligence that sees us as less than insects and has proceded to poke our planet with multiple sticks that humanity has come to call as "Trees." Pretty smart stuff which is par for the course for an Ellis book.
June 30, 2014
“Ten years since we learned that there is intelligent life in the universe but that they did not recognise us as intelligent or alive”
Giant alien tubes, or “trees”, have been planted across the globe. They spew noxious green ooze, poisoning cities and melting people, and the presence of this extraterrestrial tech has changed the world. New York City has flooded, while in China, a cultural city has sprouted up around one of the trees. Humanity has been brought to its knees by an unseen alien race who didn’t even bother fighting us, but seems to have used our planet as a giant septic tank! How do we fight back against this impossible force?!
Warren Ellis’ new Image series is an interesting take on the alien invasion storyline and the first issue introduces readers to this strange scenario, asking more questions than it answers, as is its wont. To mirror the global effect these trees have had on the planet, the story takes place around the world with a storyline in Brazil, America, China and Norway, all underlining the chaos the trees have brought about.
You can tell this is a Warren Ellis comic because of the misanthropic angle the aliens take and it’s easy to imagine Ellis’ grin at imagining Earth being used as a dumping ground for alien waste. That and the dialogue of course: “You would be young Chenglei, from Pigshit Village in scenic Incest Province, yes?” and the deadpan humour “Are you trying to sing again, Marsh? You’ve been warned about that.”
It’s a decent first issue that doesn’t do much more than set up the series going forward. We’re barely introduced to the characters and it’s unclear exactly what the story is - we’ve been conditioned by numerous books/movies to think that if aliens attack, then humanity must fight back and prevail, which I assume is the story here; though it’s Ellis, so expect the unexpected. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wipes out humanity and lets the aliens win! But the number of intriguing questions it raises, plus the author, means I’ll definitely be back to see where it’s headed.
3.5 stars
Giant alien tubes, or “trees”, have been planted across the globe. They spew noxious green ooze, poisoning cities and melting people, and the presence of this extraterrestrial tech has changed the world. New York City has flooded, while in China, a cultural city has sprouted up around one of the trees. Humanity has been brought to its knees by an unseen alien race who didn’t even bother fighting us, but seems to have used our planet as a giant septic tank! How do we fight back against this impossible force?!
Warren Ellis’ new Image series is an interesting take on the alien invasion storyline and the first issue introduces readers to this strange scenario, asking more questions than it answers, as is its wont. To mirror the global effect these trees have had on the planet, the story takes place around the world with a storyline in Brazil, America, China and Norway, all underlining the chaos the trees have brought about.
You can tell this is a Warren Ellis comic because of the misanthropic angle the aliens take and it’s easy to imagine Ellis’ grin at imagining Earth being used as a dumping ground for alien waste. That and the dialogue of course: “You would be young Chenglei, from Pigshit Village in scenic Incest Province, yes?” and the deadpan humour “Are you trying to sing again, Marsh? You’ve been warned about that.”
It’s a decent first issue that doesn’t do much more than set up the series going forward. We’re barely introduced to the characters and it’s unclear exactly what the story is - we’ve been conditioned by numerous books/movies to think that if aliens attack, then humanity must fight back and prevail, which I assume is the story here; though it’s Ellis, so expect the unexpected. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wipes out humanity and lets the aliens win! But the number of intriguing questions it raises, plus the author, means I’ll definitely be back to see where it’s headed.
3.5 stars
July 11, 2023
Interessanter Einstieg einer Science - Fiction Reihe, welche anders als klassische „Alien“ Reihen begannen. Leider lässt der Comic aktuell viele Fragen auf, gerade das Ende. Die Charaktere sind teilweise gut gelungen und bieten Tiefe, andere sind wieder sehr obwrflächlich. Leider endet der erste Teil sehr abrupt. Insgesamt ein interessanter Start, bei welchem ich mich auf die Fortsetzung freue. 3,5 von 5 Sternen.
March 5, 2020
Woulda been three stars if it hadn’t been for the transmisogyny
June 26, 2020
Ummm..ending was bad.. the whole story was meh .. dont recommend
August 7, 2014
Ooo, ahhh - it’s a comic about the world after aliens have come to Earth. And I want more.
This first issue really does create this new, crazy world ten years after aliens have landed here. Well, alien trees. No alien being, in the tradition sense that we think we’ll be invaded have shown up. Just the Trees. This is almost creepier, and I’m very much looking forward to what these Trees are doing to Momma Earth, what they want, who they are, and why they are here. I’m just very interested.
We briefly meet some of the (assuming) main characters. In NYC, we have Vince, a man wanting to run for mayor. Since the Trees have come to Earth, there’s been corruption, mass chaos, you know the normal apocalyptic issues, and Vince wants to change NYC. Becoming the mayor is his way of doing so.
We also meet Tian Chenglei. He’s an adolescent looking to enter and live in the “Special Cultural Zone” in the City of Shu. He’s an artist from a small village and he wants more to life, and boy does it seem like he’s going to live it.
Finally, we meet scientists in north west Spitzbergen, Marsh and Dr. Siva. They are researching the Trees, so I’m really hoping to get a chance to see more of their story in Trees #2.
Overall, I’m very much interested in continuing this comic series. I enjoyed the writing and the story that Warren Ellis is creating, and Jason Howard’s artwork is bringing the words to life magnificently. Very awesome first issue, and I can’t wait to dig into the second one.
This first issue really does create this new, crazy world ten years after aliens have landed here. Well, alien trees. No alien being, in the tradition sense that we think we’ll be invaded have shown up. Just the Trees. This is almost creepier, and I’m very much looking forward to what these Trees are doing to Momma Earth, what they want, who they are, and why they are here. I’m just very interested.
Ten years since we learned
that there is intelligent life in the universe
but that did not recognize u
as intelligent
or alive.
We briefly meet some of the (assuming) main characters. In NYC, we have Vince, a man wanting to run for mayor. Since the Trees have come to Earth, there’s been corruption, mass chaos, you know the normal apocalyptic issues, and Vince wants to change NYC. Becoming the mayor is his way of doing so.
We also meet Tian Chenglei. He’s an adolescent looking to enter and live in the “Special Cultural Zone” in the City of Shu. He’s an artist from a small village and he wants more to life, and boy does it seem like he’s going to live it.
Finally, we meet scientists in north west Spitzbergen, Marsh and Dr. Siva. They are researching the Trees, so I’m really hoping to get a chance to see more of their story in Trees #2.
Overall, I’m very much interested in continuing this comic series. I enjoyed the writing and the story that Warren Ellis is creating, and Jason Howard’s artwork is bringing the words to life magnificently. Very awesome first issue, and I can’t wait to dig into the second one.
December 28, 2015
Big fun, and a great set up for more great storytelling. The trees are enormous alien invaders, taking root and influencing humanity.
Ask for this premiere and subsequent issues, published by Image Comics, at your comics shop.
Highly recommended.
Ask for this premiere and subsequent issues, published by Image Comics, at your comics shop.
Highly recommended.
June 20, 2014
Great start by a great writer, can't wait to see where this one goes. Also Image is giving this away for free digitally until Tuesday 6/24/14 so go get your copy.
http://www.comicvine.com/articles/ima...
http://www.comicvine.com/articles/ima...
September 1, 2024
This is a pretty short graphic novel that began an intriguing odyssey of mysterious science fiction and dystopian futurism.
This really was a bitesize first issue, only a few pages long, but it drew me in fairly well - I only wish there was more. I could've done with finding out a little more, even from an exposition point of view.
I'm certainly tempted to read the next issue, at the very least, to see where this mysterious story goes.
This really was a bitesize first issue, only a few pages long, but it drew me in fairly well - I only wish there was more. I could've done with finding out a little more, even from an exposition point of view.
I'm certainly tempted to read the next issue, at the very least, to see where this mysterious story goes.
Read
May 31, 2020A dystopian future after an alien invasion.
Good color artwork. An image freebie. Unusual aliens invade earth. Earth society tends to react strangely, when the aliens can't be nuked.
Good color artwork. An image freebie. Unusual aliens invade earth. Earth society tends to react strangely, when the aliens can't be nuked.
December 28, 2019
A little chaotic and vague introduction to characters. The “trees” seem uninterested and uninteresting.
June 15, 2020
Very confusing and the art is not very good.
September 25, 2022
The story itself is intriguing, but it lacks over all connection because of storylines happening all over the world. Still gonna read the hole series!
March 4, 2023
Encore de l’excellent Warren Ellis sur une variation thématique de SF classique très bien menée. Un vrai sens de l’écriture servie par un très bon dessin.
March 15, 2016
La premessa di questa nuova serie sci-fi del veterano dell'industria dei comics Warren Ellis è estremamente interessante e inusuale ...
Il racconto inizia con un'invasione aliena...il che suona piuttosto banale,ma la parte interessante è che le forme di vita aliena in questo caso sono completamente vegetali,dei giganteschi alberi che non intervengono in alcun modo nella vita degli esseri umani,si limitano a rimanere lì,nel terreno dove sono atterrati,apparentemente inerti...
La narrazione riprende anni dopo,con una serie di panoramiche che mostrano come diversi paesi(principalmente USA e Cina)hanno reagito alla presenza degli alberi e come la vita sia ripresa a scorre intorno a questi giganteschi e misteriosi esseri,con la popolazione che ormai inizia ad abituarsi alla loro presenza...ma qualcosa sembra sul punto di cambiare...
Non so esattamente come questa storia possa evolvere,ma il primo numero è estremamente interessante e soprattutto innovativa,e,nel panorama di un genere che sempre più spesso si limita a riproporre trame e stereotipi già visti,non è affatto poco...
Il racconto inizia con un'invasione aliena...il che suona piuttosto banale,ma la parte interessante è che le forme di vita aliena in questo caso sono completamente vegetali,dei giganteschi alberi che non intervengono in alcun modo nella vita degli esseri umani,si limitano a rimanere lì,nel terreno dove sono atterrati,apparentemente inerti...
La narrazione riprende anni dopo,con una serie di panoramiche che mostrano come diversi paesi(principalmente USA e Cina)hanno reagito alla presenza degli alberi e come la vita sia ripresa a scorre intorno a questi giganteschi e misteriosi esseri,con la popolazione che ormai inizia ad abituarsi alla loro presenza...ma qualcosa sembra sul punto di cambiare...
Non so esattamente come questa storia possa evolvere,ma il primo numero è estremamente interessante e soprattutto innovativa,e,nel panorama di un genere che sempre più spesso si limita a riproporre trame e stereotipi già visti,non è affatto poco...
June 8, 2014
Solid introduction to the world and general feeling of global society in the wake of the "trees" taking root, as it were. It appears like the trees are the foundational pillars of an alien race settling earth (with no clue/care people even exist). It sounds like green polluted/toxic chemicals spew from the bottoms, as if it were a drainage pipe but it kind of sounds like now, ten years later, that they are just passively there. This first issues gives glimpses of the trees impact at different points on the earth.
Kind of had a feeling of- humanity fighting back after apocalyptic devastation. So yeah, issue one is pretty bleak. From my experience with Ellis' storytelling, it will get bleaker and darkly humorous. Can't wait to see where it goes.
Kind of had a feeling of- humanity fighting back after apocalyptic devastation. So yeah, issue one is pretty bleak. From my experience with Ellis' storytelling, it will get bleaker and darkly humorous. Can't wait to see where it goes.
January 6, 2016
As a fan of sci fi this was a series I just couldn't resist picking up.
They appeared 10 years ago but no one knows exactly what they are. Alien life forms? Space ships? They can be seen in major cities but aside from randomly dropping their (toxic?) waste on unassuming civilians they haven't done anything. So mankind called them Trees and life moved on around them.
Intelligent life forms that done recognize or acknowledge humans in any recognizable way.
This first issue shifts attention between three different places. All of them affected by the Trees.
Not the most action packed series you'll ever read but definitely an intriguing one.
They appeared 10 years ago but no one knows exactly what they are. Alien life forms? Space ships? They can be seen in major cities but aside from randomly dropping their (toxic?) waste on unassuming civilians they haven't done anything. So mankind called them Trees and life moved on around them.
Intelligent life forms that done recognize or acknowledge humans in any recognizable way.
This first issue shifts attention between three different places. All of them affected by the Trees.
Not the most action packed series you'll ever read but definitely an intriguing one.
August 13, 2016
This is not a graphic novel, but the first issue of a new comic series. Set in the not-too-distant future when an alien race arrived, made no direct contact, and planted some extremely large pillars, or trees, across the globe. Some were struck through the middle of cities, spewing a toxic waste, initially. Now...they just seem to be 'there,' with people living and working around them. But of course things have changed. Life has changed, government has changed, all because of the trees. It's an intriguing concept and I look forward to more.
November 10, 2014
I'm intrigued by the concept but turned off by the scattered feeling of issue 1. Several unconnected plot lines were introduced, leaving me feeling like there was a lack of plot progression or information. Disappointed (as I always am) by the lack of female protagonists. However, I truly love the art in this. Character design, landscape, everything. The outlines have a scribbly feeling which I find really compelling. Will stick around for more issues, trusting that non-intro issues will find more focus and feel less scattered. I want to know more about the Trees!
January 11, 2015
بداية بطيئة جدا خيال علمي بدا ان فيه احتلال فضائئ بالفعل حصل ع الارض
من 10 سنين ونازل قتل وتدمير ف الارض والسيطرة علي كل حاجة
برده ماشيين ف اتجاهين لكن المرة دي ف الاماكن
شخصيات كتيره بداية القصة
زي قصة الرسام اللي عايش الريف وبيقرر يروح مدينة ف الصين
والدكاتره اللي ف التلج اللي بيعملوا ابحاث وبيكتشفوا وردة شكلها غريب كدا
والوضوع كله بيحسسك ان فيه مصيبة هتحصل
وبتخلص ع كدا
بس فيها لك كتير متمناش تكمل كدا
من 10 سنين ونازل قتل وتدمير ف الارض والسيطرة علي كل حاجة
برده ماشيين ف اتجاهين لكن المرة دي ف الاماكن
شخصيات كتيره بداية القصة
زي قصة الرسام اللي عايش الريف وبيقرر يروح مدينة ف الصين
والدكاتره اللي ف التلج اللي بيعملوا ابحاث وبيكتشفوا وردة شكلها غريب كدا
والوضوع كله بيحسسك ان فيه مصيبة هتحصل
وبتخلص ع كدا
بس فيها لك كتير متمناش تكمل كدا
June 3, 2015
Clearly, of course, this is the very first issue of a new series; I don't have a good handle on the series yet. That being said, it looks to be promising: There's a very inventive form of alien, which I'm praying remains non-humanoid; there's a few characters that have been introduced that seem interesting; the art is really nice (I like the pencilling and inking a lot).
October 11, 2014
A beautiful book, the art is gorgeous, and it is a very interesting world being set up here. I like the idea behind this, an alien invasion where we are completely ignored...I can not imagine a deeper horror for us as a species, and such a blow to how we see ourselves...I will be very interested to see where Ellis will go with this...
January 11, 2015
I read all eight of the comics in one sitting. Partly as I have not read a comic for far too long but also because the story is interesting. Now I am excited in which direction this will go. I have to admit that this can go awry in a number of ways. But so far I enjoyed everything by Ellis very much. I have confidence.
February 6, 2017
The plot feels really intersting, an alien race who doesnt consider the humans as intelligent. Characters seems good for now, really liked the New York dude. The Narative through Chenglei makes you feel the same excitement and fear about the trees that he feels. The plot around Marsh seems quite interesting too.
The art looks really well done, and is perfect for depicting motion in frames.
The art looks really well done, and is perfect for depicting motion in frames.
June 18, 2014
Very solid start to what I sincerely hope will be a great series. I love the fact that there are several 'storylines.' Can't wait to see what the next issue has in store. This came highly recommended to me, and it seems to fit the bill of what I was looking for quite nicely so far...
August 15, 2014
The premise is promising, strange, mysterious, and alien. Plus I have loved scientists in arctic settings since The Thing!
October 6, 2014
I'm attached. I have a feeling this is going to be a sci-fi series that Warren Ellis will excel with.
While your waiting for next issue read Transopolitian also by Warren Ellis (if you haven't already.)
While your waiting for next issue read Transopolitian also by Warren Ellis (if you haven't already.)
August 28, 2014
Intriguing first issue! The concept has lots of potential and allows the reader to attach all kinds of meanings to the alien threat at hand. The dialogue is also very well written, looks like Ellis actually cares about this new series.
February 19, 2015
I really like the premise of this comic - but not entirely convince with this first issue. It didn't really have the things that would pique my interest. Anyway, I'm still going to read it so let's so how it goes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews