‘Supernatural’ #1 has everything to hook hardcore fans

A solid, scary standalone story that builds on the world of the hit television series.

October 28, 2025

I never got into Supernatural.

It wasn’t that I hated the series, or its leads, or even its concepts – I’m a guy who grew up on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Blade movies, so a story pitting its protagonists against unholy forces isn’t something that’s new to me. I was just more into Smallville at the time. After reading through Supernatural #1, I can safely say that I could see myself getting more into this show.

Like its television counterpart, Supernatural #1 focuses on the adventures of Sam and Dean Winchester as they travel across America, hunting demons and other mystical forces. Their latest case sets them on the path of an imp, which can grant your deepest wish if you manage to trap it in a bottle (in this case, someone managed to trap one in a bottle of Jack Daniel’s.) Set it loose, and you run the risk of being burned alive, which sets off unpleasant memories for the Winchesters, since their mother and Sam’s girlfriend were both burned alive by the demonic Azazel.

Part of the reason why I was drawn to Supernatural #1 is Greg Pak, who needs little to no introduction. Whether it’s crafting one of the best Hulk stories in Planet Hulk, reinventing the mecha genre with Mech Cadet Yu, or penning the early exploits of John Wick, Pak has a knack for balancing great character work and action. That proves true with Supernatural, as he perfectly captures the dynamic between the Winchesters. Sam is more introspective and brooding, while Dean’s devil-may-care attitude and ability to charm every woman that crosses his path provide some much-needed levity.

Pak is joined by Eder Messias, who’s delivered some great work on Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt. Messias not only perfectly captures the Winchesters’ likeness, but also leans all the way into the horror elements. The opening sequence will burn itself into readers’ minds, both figuratively —because it’s so terrifying —and literally, since a man catches on fire. Fire is a recurring element throughout Supernatural #1; from Sam’s memories to the final confrontation with an imp, Messias fills page after page with angry flames that threaten to swallow everything in their path. Thyago Brandao also deserves credit for playing with different shadows and light, which highlights the scare factor within Messias’ work.

I also love that Supernatural #1 is a standalone book. You don’t have to watch the show to catch up on the comic, and its story wraps up in the final pages. The single-issue tale is becoming a rare art, but between Ryan North’s Fantastic Four run, David Pepose and Jonathan Lau’s Space Ghost, and now Supernatural, it’s making a comeback. Supernatural #1 also apparently takes place during the timeline of Seasons 1-2, which is a great spot to hook new fans.

Supernatural #1 delivers a solid, scary standalone story that builds on the world of the hit television series. It speaks volumes that I want to binge-watch Supernatural after reading this comic, and I hope Pak and Messias keep up the good work.