The Old Guard Book One: Opening Fire

A paperback containing the first five issues of the comic 'The Old Guard.' This is an action story with a touch of fantasy.It contains a lot of graphic violence. Some adult moments. Some strong language. So is strictly for mature readers.All five issues are divided up with chapter pages, so you can tell where one ends and the next begins.This is the story of a group of mercenaries. Led by a woman called Andy, they are absolutely the best at what they do. But they have a secret. They don't die. That's not, in this case, the same as being immortal. But to say more about that would be needing spoilers.When their secrets start to get out, they have to deal with the result...Greg Rucka is a good solid writer. And he does a good job here. There's solid characterisation. Good use of military history, although that never overwhelms. And he clearly knows his spy stuff. The art by Leandro Fernandez is very good. He's a reliable artist, with a style you quickly get used to. The colouring does a good job as well.There's a few themes running through, and it tackles all of them very well. It is a much a meditation on living, all through the eyes of Andy, as she does the bulk of the storytelling. There's some good food for thought here.It also is a cracking good action story with it. There are some excellent set pieces.All in all, a cracking good read. Great action, with enough originality to grab your attention and really hold it. The story of these five issues is self contained. But it does leave room for further tales with these characters.In some ways it does feel as if this was written with a movie deal in mind. And funnily enough, there is one on the way. So I am looking forward to that. And book two of this series, when that comes out.The volume ends with a gallery of covers from the various issues.

A good action packed comic. I like the dark artwork it goes well with the story. I did watch the movie first this volume was more or less that.The old guard are old ancient warriors from all parts of the old world. Indestructible, immortal, and almost unstoppable. The only people they can trust with their secret are each other. Now times and the group is changing.There are a couple of twist that were in the movie but are not in the comic, but there is slightly more of the guards history in the book. I like the idea of immortality not being all it is cracked up to be as well as the idea that living longer does not mean you have all the answers. I am looking forward to the next volume.

I love this comic book ! I originally watched the movie so I thought I would buy it, and I absolutely love it. Would definitely recommend to anyone one loves the movie or action in general !

I will admit from the start that I enjoy Rucka's writing and bought this purely on the strength of his name. As a storyline it has a strong influence from the "Highlander" movie but with a twist (no, no spoilers coming on that one), so think 'Highlander meets Ronin' (the 1998 de Niro one, the good one that is) and you'll get a good idea of the story concept. This is set up for a next storyline and, indeed, actually says that "The Old Guard will Return" and I for one will be buying as soon as it is announced. Excellent and well up to Rucka's usual standard.

This is a lovely print. The cover is matte and it has extra drawings for all the alternative covers inside. I have read from Rucka Queen and Country and I loved it. This is similar but lighter and with the bit about the supernatural. I really like how the reader can also create their own theories.