What do you think?
Rate this book
John Wick
John Wick #1
When a young John Wick emerges from prison and embarks upon his first, epic vendetta, he comes up against a strange, powerful community of assassins and must learn how to master the Book of Rules that guides their lethal business. What are the Three Bills? Who is Calamity? And who was John Wick before he became the Baba Yaga? Here for the first time, read the thrilling origin story of John Wick, from "Planet Hulk" writer Greg Pak and "Dark Horse Presents" artist Giovanni Valletta.
27 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2017
84 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Greg Pak
1,651 books585 followersGreg Pak is an award-winning Korean American comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing "Lawful" for BOOM and "Sam Wilson: Captain America" (with Evan Narcisse) for Marvel. Pak wrote the "Princess Who Saved Herself" children's book and the “Code Monkey Save World” graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) the acclaimed “Make Comics Like the Pros” how-to book. Pak's other work includes "Planet Hulk," "Darth Vader," "Mech Cadet Yu," "Ronin Island," "Action Comics," and "Magneto Testament."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 3, 2019
It was too short!:))
And I don't know I should read the rest to comment on the story.
And I don't know I should read the rest to comment on the story.
December 18, 2017
I thought this was great can’t wait for the next issue!
November 30, 2017
Oh yeah, John Wick the comic book?!?! Count me in! I am a John Wick junkie. If this is suppose to be about the very early days of John Wick, why does he look like he does now in the movies? Surely he would have had a different look way back in his early days. But I guess Pak needed to tie in the current look of Wick from the movies into the comic. It will be cool to see the development of a young John Wick from just released prisoner to the world's #1 assassin. Ideal team-up: John Wick, Agent 47, and the Accountant!
December 31, 2017
I'm not gonna lie. I just read this awful comic to hit my reading goal for the year.
Do I feel like I cheated? Yes.
Was reading the comic punishment enough to make up for that?
You betcha.
Do I feel like I cheated? Yes.
Was reading the comic punishment enough to make up for that?
You betcha.
January 27, 2018
My local comic shop was having a big sale yesterday, and along with the discounted star wars comics from the dark horse era I picked up, I found this one on the shelves too, and decided to pick it up.
I'm what you would call a casual fan of John Wick. I watched the first movie about a year ago and liked it a lot. Keanu Reeves was awesome, and his performance turned me into a fan of the actor. I have yet to see John Wick 2, but I legitimately want to watch it. This comic looked like fun, so I gave the first issue a go.
THE STORY: This is supposed to be a prequel that explores the origins of the badass assassin/hitman John Wick. In this first issue, we see John run into Pecos, a man from his childhood. From there it's an action fest that aims to capture the gritty brutality of the films, but it's debatable whether or not this actually succeeds at that goal.
THE BAD: The first John Wick movie (and I assume the 2nd) was so much fun because of how beautifully filmed the action sequences were. The biggest problem I have with this comic is that the art fails to emulate it. The movie's action was fluid and gave me a massive adrenaline rush, while the comic's action came off as choppy and dull. Comic book artwork has the ability to elevate a mediocre story, but it can also drag down what otherwise is a pretty good story. This is one of those second cases, unfortunately.
While I think that the comic's portrayal of the title character matches the movie version's personality, it misses the nuance and emotion brought out by Keanu Reeves' performance. Again, this I think is more of a failing of the art than the characterization.
THE GOOD: This first issue seems to fit well enough into the universe set up by the movies. John Wick himself seems close enough to the character that I saw in the first movie that I could buy this comic's version being the same person, even if it's not nearly as interesting. The writing is also fairly competent, with the dialogue feeling similar to the way that the movie's characters talk, and thank goodness there is no narration to get in the way of anything.
The story, while not really anything fresh, is fine. It's hard to really judge the plot at this stage because this is only the first issue, but this setup was enough for me to want to continue.
THE CONCLUSION: Final rating is 2.5 stars.
It tries to recreate the feel of the first film by focusing on action and visuals, but the artwork fails to do that. However, the story is compelling enough to not ruin the previously established canon that the movies established. And the comic does seem to deliver on the promise of providing an origin story for the John Wick character, even if it doesn't do so in the most engaging way. I'll read the next issue when it comes out, but I'm not foaming at the mouth with anticipation. I'd say hardcore fans of the John Wick franchise should read this series, but everyone else should be able to find better comics to get into.
I'm what you would call a casual fan of John Wick. I watched the first movie about a year ago and liked it a lot. Keanu Reeves was awesome, and his performance turned me into a fan of the actor. I have yet to see John Wick 2, but I legitimately want to watch it. This comic looked like fun, so I gave the first issue a go.
THE STORY: This is supposed to be a prequel that explores the origins of the badass assassin/hitman John Wick. In this first issue, we see John run into Pecos, a man from his childhood. From there it's an action fest that aims to capture the gritty brutality of the films, but it's debatable whether or not this actually succeeds at that goal.
THE BAD: The first John Wick movie (and I assume the 2nd) was so much fun because of how beautifully filmed the action sequences were. The biggest problem I have with this comic is that the art fails to emulate it. The movie's action was fluid and gave me a massive adrenaline rush, while the comic's action came off as choppy and dull. Comic book artwork has the ability to elevate a mediocre story, but it can also drag down what otherwise is a pretty good story. This is one of those second cases, unfortunately.
While I think that the comic's portrayal of the title character matches the movie version's personality, it misses the nuance and emotion brought out by Keanu Reeves' performance. Again, this I think is more of a failing of the art than the characterization.
THE GOOD: This first issue seems to fit well enough into the universe set up by the movies. John Wick himself seems close enough to the character that I saw in the first movie that I could buy this comic's version being the same person, even if it's not nearly as interesting. The writing is also fairly competent, with the dialogue feeling similar to the way that the movie's characters talk, and thank goodness there is no narration to get in the way of anything.
The story, while not really anything fresh, is fine. It's hard to really judge the plot at this stage because this is only the first issue, but this setup was enough for me to want to continue.
THE CONCLUSION: Final rating is 2.5 stars.
It tries to recreate the feel of the first film by focusing on action and visuals, but the artwork fails to do that. However, the story is compelling enough to not ruin the previously established canon that the movies established. And the comic does seem to deliver on the promise of providing an origin story for the John Wick character, even if it doesn't do so in the most engaging way. I'll read the next issue when it comes out, but I'm not foaming at the mouth with anticipation. I'd say hardcore fans of the John Wick franchise should read this series, but everyone else should be able to find better comics to get into.
July 22, 2019
I always like it quiet.
This is reminiscent of John Wick 2.
January 9, 2019
5 Bölümlük, film tadında bir seri. İntikam peşinde koşan bir John Wick görüyoruz.
Filmlerini sevdiyseniz çizgi romanı ilginizi çekebilir. İlk dördünü okudum, sonuncusu 23 ocak'ta çıkacakmış, merakla bekliyoruz efem.
Filmlerini sevdiyseniz çizgi romanı ilginizi çekebilir. İlk dördünü okudum, sonuncusu 23 ocak'ta çıkacakmış, merakla bekliyoruz efem.
December 27, 2017
Keşke 2. de olsa :):):))
January 2, 2018
And that was, indeed, a John Wick comic. Simply must see the sequel sometime soon.
March 29, 2024
As it is clear..
A short adventure of John Wick..
The guy who is killing everyone..😒
A short adventure of John Wick..
The guy who is killing everyone..😒
October 21, 2024
Explosive start.
December 22, 2017
Let me put this upfront, I LOVED John Wick. The movie is gripping, strong, gory and the world-building is amazing. After having finished both the movies, I just had to have some JW material to satiate my hunger for the Universe. The movie does it good. Introducing the Character descending from pure state of peace to hardcore, revenge seeking Baba Yaga.. How do we NOT want anything more from John Wick?
I love men wearing suits and I love Keanu Reeves. I wanted to see him sketched with a pencils and inks, geddit? Anyway, the creative team does a fine job to inject Wick with proper set goals and all the reasons why. Which makes me want know what exactly was John Wick like before he resolved to retire(though momentarily)? How did he become the Assassin he always was? And most importantly, amidst the world of gore and blood, how did he ever meet Helen? I needed answers and Wick getting a graphic novel treatment makes me even more happy.
The first chapter is much of a cursor of what is to come next. It doesn’t bombard us with heavy information like what we usually would expect. Instead, it keeps most of the movie references intact. We see a young John running away with a stolen bag money and three people after him. What comes after makes it obvious that whomsoever John’s has ties with has to pay its price. Cut to his developing years of being a hitman, we see him caught in middle of an assassination attempt and the bounty is on him again. The hunt thus begins. Overall, the chapter leaves us with all the right questions of what’s, how’s, and whys so that we are off waiting for the next issue diving more into the workings of The Continental and so forth.
The art felt hurried and lacked its deserved lustre. I’m guessing that they are saving the better part for the future issues. There are some amazing sample sketched-panels online for us to speculate that it's going to better. I would totally be a game if they ever release a novel version of movie. That’s too much of expectations. I cannot help because It’s personal..
I love men wearing suits and I love Keanu Reeves. I wanted to see him sketched with a pencils and inks, geddit? Anyway, the creative team does a fine job to inject Wick with proper set goals and all the reasons why. Which makes me want know what exactly was John Wick like before he resolved to retire(though momentarily)? How did he become the Assassin he always was? And most importantly, amidst the world of gore and blood, how did he ever meet Helen? I needed answers and Wick getting a graphic novel treatment makes me even more happy.
The first chapter is much of a cursor of what is to come next. It doesn’t bombard us with heavy information like what we usually would expect. Instead, it keeps most of the movie references intact. We see a young John running away with a stolen bag money and three people after him. What comes after makes it obvious that whomsoever John’s has ties with has to pay its price. Cut to his developing years of being a hitman, we see him caught in middle of an assassination attempt and the bounty is on him again. The hunt thus begins. Overall, the chapter leaves us with all the right questions of what’s, how’s, and whys so that we are off waiting for the next issue diving more into the workings of The Continental and so forth.
The art felt hurried and lacked its deserved lustre. I’m guessing that they are saving the better part for the future issues. There are some amazing sample sketched-panels online for us to speculate that it's going to better. I would totally be a game if they ever release a novel version of movie. That’s too much of expectations. I cannot help because It’s personal..
March 7, 2018
This is an interesting start to the comic series. I was so thrilled when I saw that they were making comics to join the movies, and it idn't disappoint. The illustrations were gorgeous, managing to make the John Wick character look like Keanu Reeves while having his own style, too. It feels like a solo entity; you don't need to have watched the movies to understand this comic, which is great. There's a whole lot more back story to John Wick here, which I love. I always wanted to know how he became 'John Wick', the legend, the Baba Yaga, and I feel like I'm going to discover that. Really looking forward to reading more.
November 29, 2017
John Wick, the movies are action packed and unstoppable, as is the origin story. If the cover hadn't attracted me, the idea of investigating who and what John Wick was before the movies, would've done the trick. The first comic in the series did not let me down.
February 10, 2026
John Wick by Greg Pak, Giovanni Valletta, & Matt Gaudio
Issue #1
I had never seen any John Wick film until January 1st, 2026, first thing in the morning. What a THRILLING way to kick off a new year! I feel like I missed some of the lore, but I enjoyed this!
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a piece of paper kept with the book.
Started January 16th, 2026.
Finished January 16th, 2026.
January 16th, 2026: read issue #1 in physical compilation of issues #1-5.
Issue #1
I had never seen any John Wick film until January 1st, 2026, first thing in the morning. What a THRILLING way to kick off a new year! I feel like I missed some of the lore, but I enjoyed this!
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a piece of paper kept with the book.
Started January 16th, 2026.
Finished January 16th, 2026.
January 16th, 2026: read issue #1 in physical compilation of issues #1-5.
April 25, 2025
I am well aware of how overkill the John Wick series can be, but this guy just pulled out a fucking ROCKET LAUNCHER to stop young Wick here from taking all of their loot. It may be effective, and it would certainly make me stop, but you can just shoot him with a shotgun and get the same effect, y'know? Also, get a load of that blood drawing there...... you all can't see it, cause I can't post a picture of it, but OOH...... thas bad. Hope my blood doesn't look like that when I get shot.
Issue #1
Issue #1
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2022
Very Good representation
The outline is good and the graphic presentation is good as well. It definitely excites to read more volumes of the same
The outline is good and the graphic presentation is good as well. It definitely excites to read more volumes of the same
April 20, 2022
It's John wick in comic form. What else do you want? The art is pretty good and the story seems interesting.
May 5, 2022
Great first issue in this series! I love how the name "Charon" really did have connections to ancient mythology.
January 18, 2023
C'était sympa à lire.
April 4, 2023
Not exactly sure how this would work in comic format, or where it takes place in the John Wick timeline, but this was fun and interesting. It's got my attention.
December 31, 2024
✨️3 estrellas✨️
December 14, 2025
Awesome
I’m totally excited about these Wick “The Boogeyman” Comics. This my 1st Comic read in years, definitely worth the read
I’m totally excited about these Wick “The Boogeyman” Comics. This my 1st Comic read in years, definitely worth the read
July 23, 2023
3 Stars
I’m a big fan of the John Wick movies so a comic book rendering of the origins of the infamous Boogeyman? Heck yeah!
Well… not what I envisioned at all. I definitely wanted more than I got here, but it still captured Wick’s reticent and proficient lethality.
I’m a big fan of the John Wick movies so a comic book rendering of the origins of the infamous Boogeyman? Heck yeah!
Well… not what I envisioned at all. I definitely wanted more than I got here, but it still captured Wick’s reticent and proficient lethality.
Read
September 30, 2019awesome book series
December 16, 2017
Ok, I can't wait any longer to make this joke:
This issue was drawn..."with a fuckin' pencil!"
Now that a movie quote is out of the way, I can say that this book is decent but not groundbreaking. A big part of what makes the John Wick films work is that the titular character is enigmatic. An origin story takes away that mystery. Also, the lighting is missing in a paper comic and the incredible score from the flicks.
In this case, JW #1 is just words an pictures. And after reading the first issue, I prefer my John Wick to be a motion picture.
This issue was drawn..."with a fuckin' pencil!"
Now that a movie quote is out of the way, I can say that this book is decent but not groundbreaking. A big part of what makes the John Wick films work is that the titular character is enigmatic. An origin story takes away that mystery. Also, the lighting is missing in a paper comic and the incredible score from the flicks.
In this case, JW #1 is just words an pictures. And after reading the first issue, I prefer my John Wick to be a motion picture.
February 26, 2025
Reading this made me understand him even more. All those scenes, all those real pictures and drawn sketches... I'll be the Flame to your Wick.
October 2, 2025
While not as
chaotically energetic
as either film
this book does manage to
capture some of the same spirit.
I am hopeful that the
series ups it's game
and truly brings us the John Wick
from the movies.
chaotically energetic
as either film
this book does manage to
capture some of the same spirit.
I am hopeful that the
series ups it's game
and truly brings us the John Wick
from the movies.
March 25, 2018
As someone who LOVED both John Wick movies, i'm ready to see where the comic goes!
December 8, 2017
This world loses all of its magic on the page. The art and coloring feel really pedestrian. Big disappointment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews