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Tooth & Claw, Issue #1
MARVELS and ASTRO CITY writer KURT BUSIEK returns to Image Comics with rising-star artist BEN DEWEY for an all-new ONGOING SERIES! Conan meets Game of Thrones meets Kamandi in an original high-fantasy epic for mature readers, as a secret conclave of wizards brings a legendary champion back through time to save the world, with disastrous consequences.
48 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2014
28 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,852 books625 followersKurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 1, 2014
I don't read too many monthly comics anymore and I rarely rate single issues but I really enjoyed this comic and am hopeful that this might turn into the fantasy companion to Saga. Anthropomorphic characters in what appears to be a strict caste system, with an undercurrent of rebellion against said caste system; a world highly dependent on magic; the looming threat of magic disappearing from the world; a desperate attempt to bring back an ancient hero. All the makings of a great story. Only time will tell. I was pleased with the artwork and character design. A good start to what I'm hoping will turn into a great series.
Just wanted to give you comics fans a heads up.
Just wanted to give you comics fans a heads up.
January 30, 2015
Wow! The art and color in Tooth & Claw are so amazing! The cover caught my eye for its coloring and balance -- gorgeous. And this warthog seer/sorceress is everything. Her hair! How can I cosplay that snout? As you might have noticed, I've yet to comment on the story. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, though I am intrigued. Class struggles and magic and floating cities are all up my alley. But also the bison with a bee-wing loin clothy belt? Wow. Stunning. I have the next two issues waiting in the wings, so we'll see where the story goes. Meanwhile I'm gonna dream about that hair. It's like Rhoda guest-starring on Dragon Ball as a warthog.
July 12, 2021
A very intriguing start to a series of magic and beasts.
January 6, 2016
Animal people. As soon as I saw that this story featured that I was sold. Talking or anthropomorphic animals have always been a passion of mine so I certainly couldn't resist picking this issue up.
The world set up isn't delved into a whole lot but it clearly takes place in a floating city that seems to be held up by magic. Magic that is slowly failing and fading away from the world.
In an attempt to bring magic back a group of animals used their power to try and bring back the mysterious "Champion." Nothing is known about them except for the fact that they held strengthen magic once before and now they need them to do it again.
Having a comic that features animals as the main characters instead of people is no doubt going to grab attention but the large 48 page first issue with no ads is definitely an added bonus for those looking for a good fantasy comic to pick up.
The story starts off strong and is combined with some beautiful and detailed artwork.
I can't wait to read more of this series.
The world set up isn't delved into a whole lot but it clearly takes place in a floating city that seems to be held up by magic. Magic that is slowly failing and fading away from the world.
In an attempt to bring magic back a group of animals used their power to try and bring back the mysterious "Champion." Nothing is known about them except for the fact that they held strengthen magic once before and now they need them to do it again.
Having a comic that features animals as the main characters instead of people is no doubt going to grab attention but the large 48 page first issue with no ads is definitely an added bonus for those looking for a good fantasy comic to pick up.
The story starts off strong and is combined with some beautiful and detailed artwork.
I can't wait to read more of this series.
December 29, 2014
I rarely write a review of a first issue, because there are other sites that keep up with weekly releases; instead, I prefer to tell you about the best trade collections available for purchase in paper or digital format. But every now and then, I make an exception. Kurt Busiek’s Tooth & Claw, which just came out, is worth telling you about. First, it’s got over forty pages of story in the first issue (for only $2.99!), and second, it’s an incredible story that you do not want to miss. I think this story, though nothing like Saga, is going to compete with Saga in the larger SFF category. However, while Saga... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
January 5, 2015
I wouldn't normally review single issue comics, but this one was cool! It was recommended to me at a local comic book shop, and I was intrigued right away. I wouldn't usually be interested in fantasy where the characters are animalistic, but this artwork has elements that remind me of The Dark Crystal. Plus I've always enjoyed fantasy, and this seems to be the start of an epic fantasy story. If you like fantasy and comics this new series should be a match made in heaven for you!
February 19, 2015
One of my anticipated comic titles to read when I first saw the art and the description that came along with it. But it was the case of I expected too much and it did not deliver the way I wanted it to be. Do not be confused though, I liked it a lot (especially the art and story), but I guess the first issue was more of like a setting up for better things to follow. I'm in for this adventure and hope it gets better each time!
February 12, 2015
A new series I picked up and finally got around to reading. Definitely has more fantastical elements than I'm used to, but seems to be a promising story line nonetheless. Will have to get Issues #2 and #3, as I'm a bit behind.
April 15, 2015
Eh. I wasn't as impressed with this as I thought that I would be, but maybe because I've read a LOT of fantasy, so the ideas didn't seem fresh to me. Also, I'm aware that I have a bias against humanoid animal and anthropomorphic animal characters.
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November 7, 2014Such detailed art in this book. Great opening issue.
November 10, 2014
Un démarrage en fanfare pour cette série ! Du scénario au dessin en passant par le travail du coloriste, tout est bon à prendre dans ce premier volume. Vivement la suite, elle s'annonce palpitante !
December 2, 2014
There may just be life after The Unwritten. Cracking stuff and gorgeous art.
December 6, 2014
Pongo todas mis fichas a que esta será una de las mejores series del 2015
January 13, 2015
I can't totally tell if I'm going to be into this or not. I like the cover art more than anything :/ But the story is kinda... same ol'... guess I should read more than just one issue though.
November 22, 2014
I'm not generally a high fantasy fan, but it's an interesting enough start. Art is gorgeous.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews