'Charlie's Angels Vol. 1' by John Layman with art by John Eisma is a graphic novel based on the popular 1970s television show.

The original Angels star in this comic. Jill, Kelly and Sabrina are working undercover in a nightclub when they are suddenly swept into a larger conspiracy. that will involve an imposter Charlie giving orders and attempts to assassinate President Jimmy Carter.

It feels like an episode of the old show, but not an especially good one. There isn't much here for new fans and the only value might be for nostalgia. The art works ok with the story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment, and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of the this book

I am a huge Charlie’s angels fan ( the original show and the movies ) but I really did not like this book at all. And wouldn’t really recommend it.

Charlie’s Angels: The Devil You Know- Vol 1 by John Layman is a 2019 Diamond/ Dynamite Entertainment publication.

"Once upon a time, there were three little girls who went to the police academy. And they were each assigned very hazardous duties, but I took them all away ...

An awesome graphic novel set back in the 1970’s featuring the original cast of Charlie’s Angels- Jill, Kelly, and Sabrina.

This five- volume collection begins with a benign assignment as a nightclub owner and impersonator ask Charlie for help after making an unwise alliance with the mafia. But, just as the Angels close the case, they discover it is far from over.

Before they know it, they are embroiled in an international spying case, which sends them globe-trotting to Germany and Paris to save the President of the United States- Jimmy Carter.

This is a very solid, action packed story, which captures the spirit of the original television show, while proving these ladies were way ahead of their time. The time frame is centered around the cold war nuclear fears, as the KBG is hoping to snare secret nuclear information. Each segment is full of witty dialogue, loads of action and adventure and plenty of cloak and dagger plots.

I absolutely loved the conclusion and can’t wait to read the second volume!

So, we know the writing is great. But, what about the graphics? The artwork is excellent! Although Jimmy Carter wasn’t all that recognizable, in my opinion, everything else was fantastic. Very detailed facial expressions, vibrant colors, and wonderful depictions of seventies fashions and hairstyles!!

I read this one on my computer using Adobe Digital Editions, which was smooth going for a change, but I’m sure it will translate well on a tablet or phone, as well.

The Angels are back. -The original Angels, Jill, Kelly and Sabrina are butt kicking, crime-fighting, mold-breaking lady detectives who took 70s TV by storm, ready to do the same to comics 40 years later!
Break out your bell-bottoms, feather your hair, and jump back to a era of peanut-farmer presidents, gargantuan gas-guzzlers and foxy female detectives... for a globe-trotting adventure that's simply too big and epic for the 70s-era boob tube.

This new series embraces the show and the era fully, in good ways. The story is full outdated fashion and era-slang, along with a fun, light atmosphere. Layman manages to balance the fun and adventure pretty well, although the push to keep it light does frequently undercut the drama. This is a light, upbeat adventure story without gravitas. A fun read to fit between your main titles, look for this at the library rather than the bookstore.

Review available at provided link on April 4, 2019.

I enjoyed this graphic novel and the art style was consistent, didn’t blow me away but fun. Is set in the time of the original tv series which tends to favour corny jokes and plot lines. Though the last part of the volume the story got extremely ridiculous.

In the first few pages of this book mention how sexist the 70’s were, but I am now just realizing that the concept of “Charlie’s Angels” is sexist in it’s own ways. They sound like a group of women who are trafficked by their handler Charlie. Hummmmm. Not a great concept to continue in the age of #metoo. The ending helps with this problem a little bit. And the ending is the only reason I am giving this a favorable rating. Otherwise, to old school.

I'm not super familiar with Charlie's Angels. I've probably seen a few episodes of the show, but it's never been anything I've followed. In spite of that, I was curious about this book. The concept behind the series isn't bad. I think people that enjoy the characters and the series will get a lot out of this book. It goes back to the early days of the Angels and shows off their skills.

The first chapter of this had me pretty hopeful for what the book would be. It felt episodic and was quite a bit of fun to read. It kind of stagnates after that though by falling back on tropes of using Germans and Russians as the bad guys. It was kind of fun to jump back to the 1970s with these characters, so the villains used here make sense but didn't work for me. The best part of this book has to be the attention to detail that calls back to the show. Long time fans should appreciate that.

Even though this book didn't wow me, I liked how it ended. It set up future stories without committing to any particular storyline. I probably wouldn't continue this series, but I'm glad I gave it a chance.

I grew up crazy about "Charlie's Angels". From the pilot film on it was my weekly primetime obsession, and to me nothing will ever replace season one with the original holy trio: Jill, Kelly and Sabrina. Evidently Dynamite Entertainment feels the same, as they've gathered the first five comics of their "Charlie's Angels" series into this groovy graphic novel, which in every way feels as hip, corny, and wonderfully nostalgic as the original series - while, in its own way, giving a wink and a nod as an homage to the show, never (thankfully) taking itself seriously. My only gripe, in fact, is that the characters in the book don't actually look that much like the original actresses (or actor, in Bosley's case) who portrayed them on television. That was a bit jarring at first, but soon I was invested instead in the story, which opens when the angels are called upon to infiltrate an arms deal going down at the ultra-hip Limbo Lounge in Los Angeles (like I said, man, this books is TOO seventies). The angels save the day, of course, each subsequent comic in the collection moving the ladies onto their next case, even as the reader begins to realize more nefarious plans are afoot to shut down the angels for good, in the end. I was really liking the stories and colorful, 70's-style art from the beginning, but a little more than halfway through I found myself caught up in the writing (especially when three "anti-angels" show up), and the ending even held a couple sweet, silly surprises that made me again reflect back to the original series in my mind with a nod and a smile. Being a fan of the show I pretty much went into this expecting to enjoy this - but was surprised, in the end, at how much. Well done, and hope to see more! 4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Even through the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia, this wasn't very good. It plays itself somewhat straight up. Layman couldn't decide if he wanted to pay homage or send up 70's television. The show definitely feels cheesy today but the book just plays the characters straight with an over the top story about German's trying to assassinate Jimmy Carter. It was definitely a disappointment given that this was written by the creator of <i>Chew</i> and the artist of <i>Morning Glories</i>.

Thanks to netgalley.com, the author John Layman and Diamond Book Distributors for the advance PDF file for my honest review. Never really got into the TV show, so I liked the graphic novel better, John Layman wrote a good espionage story and definitely will read more of the series as it's published.

The essence of Charlie’s Angels considering the upcoming reboot with Kristen Stewart reflects in the ability to use all their wares to accomplish their missions but doing so with a tongue in cheek pursuit and a healthy dose of humor. In comparison to the McG iteration with Drew Barrymore and company, it might be harder to do that in the current age of the anti-hero. The progression here in “Charlie’s Angels Vol. 1 – The Devil You Know” [John Layman/Dynamite/124pgs] is based in the old school of the late 70s while not adhering directly to the physical manifestations of the TV shows. The first story works in the interior structure of a local problem inflicted in the guise of the Limbo Lounge with the key being almost entrapping said criminals to give away their information to beautiful women. This seems a little below their abilities of course so the next story which takes up most of the volume which has them tracking a spy overseas has a little more verve to the possibilities. In doing to a point what “The Spy Who Dumped Me” attempted to do but with a little more “Mission Impossible” to it, this story puts the Angels against a bad ass female assassination squad. Of course it comes to bear that the Angels mistakenly judge the person that was supposed to be their mark because of faulty intelligence from their own guy Charlie which harkens back to a plot point from the first story. The ending parlays with President Carter in tow which of course works much better in comic form than in real life. The quips are fast, the fashion fun and the international intrigue light which makes for a fun read.

B+

By Tim Wassberg

Granted, I have no attachment to the property (though I quite enjoyed the films), but I gave this a go because it's one of the first things I've seen from John Layman since he finished the entirely bonkers Chew, so it ought to be interesting in its own right, right? Not so much. Yes, there's something pleasingly ridiculous to basing it all around a plot to assassinate Jimmy Carter, but I think a lot of the rest was riffs you'd need to know the show to appreciate (did they have evil counterparts on TV?). Which is an entirely legitimate route for a licensed comic to take, but in this instance it's not much use to me.

I had a blast reading ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Vol 1. This graphic novel was broken into 5 parts, and did a splendid job telling this story. These women found themselves on their toughest mission yet, and surviving it was going to take every skill they have. They face some dangerous people and end up taking some big risks. As this graphic novel moves towards its finale they find a way to make this mission a success. I really liked the ending, it was unexpected and a great way to end this tale. If you are a fan of these characters then you will want to check this graphic novel out.

Whether you remember the original Charlies Angels or not I recommend picking this up. It is a well designed and interesting. If you are a fan of the original you'll appreciate the character and everything about it. If you like the more modern version you'll find plenty to enjoy. The illustrations are well done and the stories are classic Charlie's Angels.

Three and a half stars.

Cor, look at the boobies on them cover stars. Oh but wait, here's a message about how the 1970s were sleazy and sexist. Erm… Oh never mind, here's a bit of rampant racism vizz ze help of a comedy German haccsent. Yes, this book wants to be a complete return to the days of Charlie's Angels, as seen on the world's cathode ray tubes, but spoils the party by being self-critical and racist with it. Apart from that, it's not too bad a story, with the "girls" swung from saving a night-club co-owner whose colleague is into dealing guns to a real globe-hopping saga of immense proportions. Clothes, cars and the TV-friendly inability of everyone to shoot straight are all represented well, so I suppose it's a success. But it could have been better – while everyone else here falls in heart-eyed love for the Angels, I have to say I didn't.

“It’s like they say, nothing cures a broken heart like saving the world from nuclear annihilation.”

Charles Angels Vol. 1 was action-packed! Divided into 5 parts (issues), each with its own mini beginning, middle and end. The Angels were badass as usual. I loved the movies growing up, so this was a nostalgic, yet enjoyable read. Unfortunately, I haven’t watch the first series, so I cannot compare it to the original. But I think even people who haven’t watched Charlie’s Angels before will love the three leading ladies.

A must read for anyone who loves badass women, the 70’s, and action!

This volume was quite enjoyable, but I did feel like I was thrown in the middle of a story. The artwork was nice, but nothing amazing. I did like the ending and it made me curious for the next volume, hopefully that will be a bit more to my taste!

I am a big fan of Charlie's Angels, the original TV show, not those HORRIBLE movies. I used to watch them all of the time as a kid and SO wanted to be one of those tough ladies. My fav was Kelly. She's also the fav in this work, so that's one whole star all on it's own!

This took me back to my youth. The storyline for this one seemed just a TAD over the top, even for the show, so it's not a full 5 stars. Also, sometimes it was difficult to tell Kelly and Sabrina apart because they are both brunettes and the artwork wasn't fussy about keeping the faces distinct, especially when they were wearing the same outfits for their mission. So over the top and lack of distinction in the faces of two of the three MCs, minus one star from the five.

Nostalgic trip to my youth and Kelly is the one the guys all go ga-ga over? Keeps it at a solid and respectable 4 stars. Recommended if you have fond memories of the TV show. It's worth a look-see.

My thanks to NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors/Dynamite Entertainment for an eARC copy of this to read and review.

A fun take on the classic series. It wasn't my favorite this year, but definitely had some great moments that brought me back to the original series that was such campy fun.