Exterminatus

Warhammer 40,000 Graphic Novels

by Dan Abnett, Ian Edginton, Daniel Lapham (Illustrator)

The most insidious and dangerous threat in the 41st millenium is one you cannot see. It is this thought that spawned the Inquisition, an organisation devoted to rooting out traitors, heretics, mutants and aliens that undermine Humanity. They scour the Imperium searching for threats without, and within.

Genres: Comics, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Military Fiction, 40k

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2009

Reviews

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I must say that this was an excellent comic. It captured the spirit and the nuances of the 40K setting. That makes sense as it is penned by Dan Abnett.

An Inquisitor of the Ordo Malleus is attempting to find out why Chaos Marines from the Thousand Sons have an interest in a fallen world. The Inquisitor and his retinue, along with the Black Templars chapter, wage a war against the corrupting forces of Chaos. A great story in keeping with the best of 40K traditions. The art is better than the usual awful art, but still I wish it were better. Some of the scenes are hard to understand.

An entertaining and fun 40K comic.

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storyline: 4,5 stars
Artwork: 2,5 stars

"I am Inquisitor Delius Alastor of the Ordos Malleus, servant of the God Emperor of mankind, and I will have the truth from you, one way or another!"

Sequel of Boom Studios "Damnation Crusade" comic, Abnett & Edginton's tale is far better than the previous one.
"Exterminatus" graphic novel follows the story of Inquisitor Alastor as he investigates the appearance of a number of Chaos Titans and the repercussions this then has.

The death of a world, an imperial inquisitor with former radical tendencies, Thousand Sons Chaos Space Marines, Cadian 450th Imperial Guard regiment, Dark Templars Space Marines, void battles, Chaos Champions and more: this is a must read for every W40k fan.

Story and characters reminded me a lot Abnett's Eisenhorn trilogy, but I think good Inquisitors just need savants and Adeptus Arbites among their retinues (and if you ever played Dark Heresy rpg you know it well too).

The problem is that Boom Studios Warhammer comics artists are just not so good, but story here is so good that you can forgive that.

For fans of inquisitors Eisenhorn/Ravenor Black Library trilogies, W40k addicts and Dark Heresy Rpg players: if you are all of these you are going to have a blast of fun reading this. I had it.

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a few glimmering sparks of worthiness in this, a couple good character moments, but on the whole the story's uninspired and the artwork messy.

[Frédéric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Correct but basic plot terribly hampered by illustrations that are far from up to scratch.

[J. Serna]

I have a question rather than a review yet.
Was wondering if anyone knew why this graphic novel is selling for over $500 dollars (new).
From the reviews from some of the members who have already read it state the graphics / artwork is NOT as good as other artists. I have some other novels and on this I would agree BUT, it is a common thing within the Games Workshop / ForgeWorld company. Has anyone seen the work they have done on Warhammer Plus?
Company won't go for better work as they know "fans" will pay for regardless. Which is for me, disappointing as I really enjoy the 40k universe.

Anyway, hope to ear from someone who may have the answer. The books are good BUT not that good. Not for a $500 price.

[Mati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nobody expected the inquisition, wait it is WH40k universe, where those are crawling around and popping up here and there, where the Chaos and heretics decided to spring a root. Inquisitor, old chiselled was sent to investigate the appearance of the titans and there was it heresy which needed a bit of help from surviving local, black Templars.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is just about the same, if not better than Damnation Crusade AND it has story. Damn! However, there is something about the comic form that just doesn't translate well into the 40k universe for me. Don't get me wrong I'm glad this exists, I just feel like it can't tap into the terror, depravity and grimdark of 40k.

[Sean Goh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, with amusing banter between Pascal and the inquisitor (reminded me of Aemos and Eisenhorn). Art is a little off at times though. The ending did seem like a good set up... but nothing's come of it so far?

[Nicholas Sacco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting story that happens after the events of Damnation Crusade, I couldn't expect less from Dan Abnett and Ian Edginton. It's a shame the art quality and lore-friendliness isn't as good as the story.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Something of a continuation of Damnation Crusade, this book is another bit of Warhammer fiction that doesn't have much to offer beside the trappings of the franchise. If you've already bought in, it's got some flash and bang, but on a story level, it's swimming in the shallow end.

[Kyle T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A predictable yet enjoyable comic book. Don't expect to be surprised. It's beautifully drawn and colored. Older Warhammer fans will enjoy seeing the crashed Aquila Lander from Battle for Macragge in all of its glory here! That's the best part haha

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing and dialogue by Abnett is excellent as anyone familiar with his WH40K writing would expect. The art itself was okay, but for me it was the storyboarding that kind of let the whole thing fall apart.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story let down by terrible artwork.

[Paulo "paper books only" · Rating 4 out of 5]

he third tale is called Exterminatus and his plot follows the first book. After finding two titans on a planet the inquisition comes. After deeming the world for exterminatus after a strange storage with a blank psychic and a chaos marine he searches from where this storage as comes. Here and after being duped he is helped from some unexpected visitors. As he grabs some allies he lay siege to the thousand sons chaos space marines. In this book the inquisition also enlists the help of Black Templars. As I said the first and third story are linked.

[Trip · Rating 1 out of 5]

Warhammer 40k seems like it should be cool, but if it is, this sure didn't show it. Also: proofreaders should be fluent in the language one is publishing in.

[Jessie B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories but the art was a bit weak in spots