Fathom Volume 1: A World Below: The Starter Edition (FATHOM BEGINNINGS TP)

I found Fathom while browsing a while ago and recently pulled it off the TBR shelf. It was apparently a bestselling comic in the late 1990s, although I didn't know that at the time, and I ended up liking it quite a bit.The storyline for most of the thirteen issues collected in this volume revolves around a faction of 'fish people' (they're actaully water nymphs, although that's not specified in-universe) who are hostile toward surface dwellers and want to use Aspen (an unusually powerful water nymph who has grown up on the surface, not knowing who/what she actually is) to power a weapon. Aspen is captured by this group who use a combination of charm and not unreasonable sounding arguments to get her to power these devices, while being kept largely in the dark as to what's actually going on. She eventually gets rescued and uses her new training to defeat the violent faction, though not before some things happen that alert the surface world that some strange stuff is going down in the Pacific Ocean. The last couple issues of the volume are side stories tangentially related to consequences of the main plot, but read as very episodic.As other reviewers have pointed out, the story does have some issues with characterization and pacing. Aspen flip-flops a lot, seems to master her absolutely amazing powers unreasonably quickly, and lots for allusions are made to Aspen's history and the origins of the 'fish people' that are never explained. Some of these can be understood in a certain light: Aspen was basically forcibly recruited and subsequently brainwashed by a political cult, I got the impression most of her time spent there is told via a series of timeskips, and allusions to yet fully explained story elements seem likely to be revisited in future issues. However, the lack of clarity surrounding these things and others like them can make the characterization and story come across as sloppy. I'm hoping that these problems get smoothed out in future issues.While the story had some problems, the artwork is gorgeous and definitely bumped up the final rating I chose to give this book. (It also looks really familiar, though I can't figure out why. I looked at the publication history of everyone listed as an author/illustrator and I've not yet read anything they published except this volume.) Four out of five stars; will read the next book.

Great comic but the cover is scratched and got a little scuffs on the top of the headBand but the page's are good thing wrong with them great art to but it's about the usual aliens Atlantis you know if you like that then it's for you.

The illustrations were extremely detailed. Obviously a TON of work went into them. Overall I liked most of it but I had a few problems with the perspectives changing because it became confusing who was who and what was what. At the half-way point I was already looking for the next vol in the series and getting ready to buy it. I thought for sure I was going to want to continue reading the series. But then it just kind of lost it's steam and became a little too predictable or generic. Things were happening because they HAD to, not because the author had a creative idea. Like a ship explodes under water and the pilot somehow lives because there's a bubble of air around him. Hmmm, ok! If you say so!I would read the next vol if someone gave it to me, but I doubt that I will buy it, especially since the next vol is.....there isn't one. There's mini series all over the place, 4 issues here, 10 there, special editions, seasons, etc. You have to find a reading list to know how to continue through the series.

The story revolves around Aspen, a young marine biologist who has always had a love and great affinity for water. However she cannot recall her early childhood and has the ability to hold her breath under water for longer than normal. Further, she gets dragged into an underwater struggle, one which could have grave consequences for the whole world.The idea of creatures living in the water is hardly new...long have sailors spoken of mermaids. However the author created a unique race, with their own abilities and technology.The artwork is beautiful and worth picking up this book on that alone. It's also a pretty long book so you definitely get value for your money.I read this on my 7"kindle fire HD with panel view. Overall it's fine but a couple of the panes were hard to read. That is my only complaint. Otherwise I highly recommend this book.

First a confession: This was an impulse buy with the intent to get the needed $25 for my free shipping from Amazon. That being said, I was familiar with, and fond of, Michael Turner's work with Witchblade, having already spent a small fortune on those titles. The art in Fathom is just as terrific, though the story was a bit lacking. While I generally can't put a good graphic novel down, it took several sittings to make it through Fathom. If you are a fan of comics, and most importantly comics with hot chicks, then you'll likely enjoy Fathom. Just don't expect it to change your life in any meaningful way.

I enjoyed the creativity in having an alien race already here under the ocean rather than invading from space. The art work is fantastic. I rated 4 stars instead of 5 only because on my Kindle the narrative is sometimes so small it is hard to read.

I'm new to Fathom and I'm officially in awe. This graphic novel was great to start. I'll definitely be reading more.My only complaint is that some of the word bubble thingies were way too small. Even with the panel zoom, I couldn't read some of them.

Wow!!! Incredible and worthy read!!!! If u got the time read it and admire the artwork. Great thought was put into this work of art!!!

Ich liebe dieses Comic-Heft, aber als ich es im Briefkasten sah und dann auspackte, da wurde mir klar: Es wurde reingedrückt... Nun ist es bisshen zerknickt. Schon ärgerlich, wenn man neu kauft... Wäre es gebraucht, würde ich noch sagen "ok", aber man...