Thunderbolts #1 Reviews


THUNDERBOLTS #1 arrived in comic stores this week. What did reviewers think of it?

AIPT: 9/10 “an explosive super-fun start to a series with historically good runs. Not only is it well-paced and exciting from cover to cover, but it offers a solid reason to exist in an era of superhero books that can be rote and uninteresting.”

But Why Tho: 8/10 “Humorous dialogue and delightful art is blended with a story with heaps of potential in an opening issue that doesn’t like slowing down. It’s a team that feels different from others and that is ultimately a good thing.”

Comic Book Club: “I thought this was great. I liked the Hawkeye humor mixed with action.”

Comic Book Resources: “a solid introduction to the latest iteration of the classic Marvel team. It’s a different take from what fans of the series might expect, but it’s a premise that holds intrigue and promise.”

Comic Book Yeti: “There are multiple layers of story going on at once. On the surface, you have the new members of the Thunderbolts going up against the Villains for Hire. Underneath that Luke Cage is trying to rebrand the image of the Thunderbolts while his mistrust of Clint as the leader grows.”

Comic Crusaders: 8/10 “Not being a huge Hawkeye fan, I was kind of on the fence when this book came down the pipe. With that said, what I found was an enjoyable little romp that succeeds in its aim to bring the Thunderbolts back in a way that fits the current Marvel city scape.”

Comic Watch: 8.2/10 “this comic is an extremely pleasant surprise. New comics that use crossovers or event comics as their springboard don’t always fare well in the long run due to their roots in other stories. This latest iteration of Thunderbolts, though, potentially has what it takes to go the distance.”

Geek’d Out: 8.2/10 “as Thunderbolts # 1 proves, this has always been a different sort of team.”

Graphic Policy: 8.2/10 “The comic is fresh while also the best of what has come before. It sets up an interesting team dynamic, and team in general, and delivers enough mysteries to come to keep readers on their toes. It’s a solid buy for long time fans of the characters and property and those new to the Thunderbolts.”

Infinity Flux: “My favorite read of the week…New Thunderbolts team versus the old Thunderbolts team is a great way to start the series.”

Laughing Place: “If there is one word to describe this first issue, it is simply ‘fun.’…An exciting story has been set up here and it’s one Marvel fans will certainly be looking forward to.”

Longbox Heroes: “I like an interesting weird team and this is an interesting weird team…I enjoyed the first issue.”

Lord Retail: “I wasn’t sure at first, but Thunderbolts #1 was great. It did all the right things. Mayor Cage needs an official NYC team & Clint Barton is in! Footnotes, rematches, mystery characters. This is the best thing Jim Zub has written! Buy with confidence!”

LRM Online: “This really hit on all cylinders for me. I thought it worked really, really well.”

MT Vernon Kid: “The first issue is fun. It’s really good…Jim zub writes a real good Clint Barton.”

Multiversity: 9.5/10 “Gets you excited to see what’s next. Zub and the team give you a fun, action-packed story with its tongue in cheek. It’s a fantastic premier issue, leaving you wanting more…Thunderbolts #1 is superhero storytelling at its finest, exciting, bombastic, and funny all at once.”

Next issue: “The art is very fitting. I love the designs and redesigns of the characters…I had a lot of fun with it.”

Pop Culture Philosophers: “A really good first issue of a classic-feeling and vibing Marvel Comic. I loved it.”

Primary Ignition: “The issue does a decent job introducing everybody, and enough of the focus is on Clint to hold my attention as we get through those introductions. Thunderbolts looks like it’s going to be light-hearted and fun.”

Super Powered Fancast: 9/10 “a fun, thrilling and often funny first issue. Clint is utilized brilliantly in the story by putting him in the position of the elder statesman who is still rough around the edges…The action is visually thrilling and I love the character designs and background details.”

Two-Headed Nerd: “Zub’s script captures the voices of characters like Hawkeye and Luke Cage really well…A solid superhero story that’s a lot of fun.”

We Have Issues: “It launches with drama. There should always be drama with the Thunderbolts…I really, thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Weird Science Marvel Comics: 8/10 “Thunderbolts #1 is a surprisingly solid setup issue that brings a new team together under the authority of Mayor Luke Cage. The introductions are well-paced and shown rather than simply told.”

Talking Red Sonja With Comicon.com

I spoke to Tom Smithyman at Comicon all about Unbreakable Red Sonja, launching in October.
Check it out.

FreakSugar Interview about Thunderbolts

I spoke to Jed Keith at FreakSugar all about the new Thunderbolts series I’m writing. Check it out.

Talking Unbreakable Red Sonja

I spoke to Adam Philips about the upcoming UNBREAKABLE RED SONJA mini-series starting in October from Dynamite, including a peek at interior artwork from the amazing Giovanni Valletta.

Zub at Fan Expo Canada 2022


It’s wonderful to be back at Fan Expo Canada in Toronto on August 25-28, 2022!


I’ll be set up with the Comic Sketch Art team, at Artist Alley TABLE P-237.
In addition to signing at my table, I’ll also be on a panel on Thursday. Here’s my schedule:


THURSDAY August 25, 2022
2:30pm-3:30pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-237

4:00pm-4:45pm WRITING FOR COMICS – ROOM 701A THEATRE 1
Brian Azzarello (Suicide Squad: Get Joker), Dennis Culver (Justice League Incarnate),
Conor McCreery (The Last Witch), Anthony Ruttgaizer (Heroes of Homeroom C),
Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn), Jim Zub (Thunderbolts, Dungeons & Dragons)

6:00pm-8:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-237


FRIDAY August 26, 2022
11:00am-1:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-237
3:00pm-5:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-237


SATURDAY August 27, 2022
11:00am-1:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-237
3:00pm-5:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-237


SUNDAY August 28, 2022
10:00am-12:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-237
2:00pm-4:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-237

Legends of the Multiverse – Go For The Eye

Matt Mercer and I guest starred as Minsc and Boo on the latest Legends of the Multiverse adventure stream for the official Dungeons & Dragons channel. Here’s the episode!

Zub Comics Arriving in November!


SKULLKICKERS SUPER SPECIAL #1
(ONE-SHOT ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL)
Story by Jim Zub
Art and Cover by Edwin Huang, Misty Coats
When the Skullkickers enter the Academy of Serious Sorcery, it’ll take all their wits and steel to defeat warped wizardry, whimsical wands, and wicked witchcraft.

Celebrate 12 years of skull-kicking goodness with a brand-new story of swords and sassery from JIM ZUB (Conan the Barbarian, Dungeons & Dragons) and EDWIN HUANG (Street Fighter)!

In Shops: Nov 09, 2022 SRP: $3.99


MURDERWORLD: AVENGERS #1
Story by JIM ZUB & RAY FAWKES
Line Art by JETHRO MORALES
Cover by PACO MEDINA
Variant Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Variant Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Variant Cover by RYAN BROWN

READY. SET. DIE!

• Hundreds are killed every year in an elaborate secret tournament run by a sadistic man with nearly limitless resources at his fingertips.
• It’s not an urban legend. It’s not a myth – MURDERWORLD is real! It’s online, and the gruesome truth has been hidden from everyone except its victims – until NOW.
• Meet Paul Pastor, the extraordinary young documentarian who’s going to expose it all…with some super-powered help. The Black Widow has a personal grudge to settle with Murderworld mastermind Arcade – but can she stop this game before it kills again?

MURDERWORLD is the wildly violent ride you’ve been waiting for. Gut-wrenching twists, unbelievable deaths, the Avengers bloodier than you’ve ever seen them before – the tormented minds of Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarbian, AVENGERS: NO SURRENDER), Ray Fawkes (One Soul, Constantine) and Jethro Morales kick off the must-have miniseries of the year!

32 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ $3.99


THUNDERBOLTS #4 (OF 5)
Story by JIM ZUB
Art and Cover by SEAN IZAAKSE
Trading Card Variant Cover by STEFANO CASELLI
• The Thunderbolts were hired to defend New York City from super-heroic threats of any size.
• Even the big ones.
• Especially the big ones.
• Time to go to work…

32 PGS./Rated T+ $3.99


UNBREAKABLE RED SONJA #2
Story by JIM ZUB
Art by GIOVANNI VALLETTA
Cover A by LUCIO PARRILLO

Sonja and her unexpected new companion struggle to stay ahead of unnatural horrors hunting them on the open road but, if they can’t find a way to trust each other, their quest will be lost before it’s barely begun…

As we head toward 2023, the 50th anniversary of the She-Devil With a Sword, Dynamite’s newest sweeping story of sword & sorcery high adventure continues from writer Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarian, Dungeons & Dragons, Avengers) and artist Giovanni Valletta (John Wick, James Bond)!
In Shops: Nov 09, 2022
SRP: $3.99

Making Comics – Old Pitches Never Die

In this new video I explain why I never talk about stories I didn’t have a chance to complete or pitches that didn’t get approved, with a very special current project example pulled from a pitch that was old enough to vote!

Zub at Emerald City Comic Con 2022!

It’s wonderful to be back at Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, Washington on August 18-21, 2022!

Normally the show is in March, but this time it’s happening in August. This is the first show where I’ll be set up with the Comic Sketch Art team, at Artist Alley TABLE P-01.

In addition to signing at my table, I’ll also be on a slew of different panels throughout the weekend.
Here’s my schedule:


THURSDAY August 18, 2022
11:00am-1:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-01

2:00pm-3:00pm HOW TO WRITE COMICS WORKSHOP – AA STAGE SCC 618-620
Comics are everywhere and publishers are looking for fresh ideas from a new generation of talent. Listen closely as creators Amy Chu (Red Sonja, Sensational Wonder Woman), Zack Kaplan (Mindset, Metal Society), Jim Krueger (Justice, Earth X), and moderator Jim Zub (Avengers, Dungeons & Dragons) discuss pitching story concepts to publishers and offer advice on climbing to the top of the treacherous submission mountain, along with writing techniques and amusing anecdotes.

3:00pm-4:30pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-01


FRIDAY August 19, 2022
10:30am-12:30pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-01

12:45pm-1:45pm BREAKING INTO COMICS THE MARVEL WAY – Room SCC 204
Are you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking, “I could do that…if I knew how!” Well, here’s your chance! Join Associate Editor Danny Khazem alongside special guests Tini Howard (Knights of X), Rod Reis (New Mutants), and Jim Zub (Thunderbolts) to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door and make your job MARVEL!

2:15pm-3:15pm DESIGNING TABLETOP RPGS – Room SCC 3AB
Have you ever wanted to design your own roleplaying game? Create scenarios and worlds for players to immerse themselves in for hours, days, even years? Hear from some of the biggest names in RPG design as they discuss their experiences, the campaigns that shaped them and share tips for budding game designers. Featuring Tracy and Laura Hickman (Skyraiders of Abarax, Curse of Strahd), R.A. Salvatore (The Accursed Tower, Legacy of the Crystal Shard) and Jim Zub (Dungeons & Dragons VS Rick and Morty).

4:00pm-5:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-01

5:15pm-6:15pm RICK AND MORTY VS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Room SCC 3AB
What happens when the world’s most popular tabletop role-playing game and Adult Swim’s dimension-hopping hit show collide? It’s a combination that shouldn’t work yet somehow does in a pair of bestselling comic mini-series and a wild tabletop RPG adventure box set. Join writer Jim Zub as he discusses the unlikely origins of this offbeat crossover, gives insights into the development of the TTRPG adventure, and offers advice on how you can Rick-Roll your players the next time you game.


SATURDAY August 22, 2022
10:30am-12:30pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-01

2:00pm-4:00pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-01


SUNDAY August 21, 2022
10:30am-12:30pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-01

12:30-1:30pm CONVENTION HORROR STORIES, AN ECCC TRADITION – AA Stage SCC 618-620
Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarian, Rick and Morty VS Dungeons & Dragons) is back with his fan-favorite con horror stories panel! What’s it like working as a pro in the business on the convention ‘circuit’? Ridiculous, embarrassing, and always entertaining. Some of these stories will make you laugh out loud, some will make you cringe! This panel is recommended for those 16+ due to coarse language.

3:00pm-4:30pm Signing at Artist Alley Table P-01

Black Dice Society at Gen Con 2022

Here’s the captured video of our liveplay on stage at Gen Con 2022!

The cast of The Black Dice Society includes-
Tanya DePass (Rivals of Waterdeep)
Noura Ibrahim (Tides of Wildemount)
Deejay Knight
Mark Meer (Mass Effect)
Saige Ryan (Pixel Circus)
Becca Scott (Dimension 20)
Dungeon Master B. Dave Walters (G4)
and, at this session, special guest Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarian).