What do you think?
Rate this book
Hadrian's Wall
When an astronaut on HADRIAN’S WALL is murdered, pill-popping detective Simon Moore is dispatched to investigate the ship’s crew... including his own ex-wife. But if Simon's not careful, what he finds could make the interstellar Cold War go red hot. From the creative team behind the critically-acclaimed series C.O.W.L. comes a gripping, locked room murder mystery where the secrets of everyone involved are as dark as the space that surrounds them.
“A love letter to Blade Runner, Outland and Aliens.”―IGN
“A visual epic unlike anything in recent memory.”―COMICS BEAT
“Compelling... Evocative.”--AV CLUB
"Gorgeous." -- NERDIST
Collects the entire 8 issue series.
“A love letter to Blade Runner, Outland and Aliens.”―IGN
“A visual epic unlike anything in recent memory.”―COMICS BEAT
“Compelling... Evocative.”--AV CLUB
"Gorgeous." -- NERDIST
Collects the entire 8 issue series.
200 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2017
7 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 8, 2018
Hadrian’s Wall has an interesting premise and it certainly explores some thought-provoking themes: cultural unrest and its consequences, addiction and what leads to it, the nature and demise of relationships and how that can be cyclical, and that events are not always as obvious as they may at first seem. However, it’s far too short to do them all justice and only hints at poignancy. You leave it wanting so much more, which isn’t always a bad thing, but in this case it’s because the story only skimmed the surface of what it could do.
The art is dark and yet colorful too and brings to mind Blade Runner’s cinematography. I found the two artists distracting though as the art changed back and forth between them constantly, and one artist I preferred much more than the other. Overall the art suited the story though. I’ll be keeping this mainly for the art actually since the story likely won’t have much lasting impact.
The most unique aspect to me was how the writer took a failed relationship and showed how even this can lead to a kind of redemption.
The art is dark and yet colorful too and brings to mind Blade Runner’s cinematography. I found the two artists distracting though as the art changed back and forth between them constantly, and one artist I preferred much more than the other. Overall the art suited the story though. I’ll be keeping this mainly for the art actually since the story likely won’t have much lasting impact.
The most unique aspect to me was how the writer took a failed relationship and showed how even this can lead to a kind of redemption.
May 16, 2018
An astronaut dies in space. A painkillers-addicted ex-cop is sent to rubber stamp it as an accident. Funny thing is his ex-wife left him for the astronaut and she happens to be on crew on the Hadrian's wall, the spaceship where the death happened.
Hadrian's wall is your classic indoor whodunnit, in space. It's all well done: a small uchronia to start with, good classic claustrophobic environment, good classic characters-most not very developed, good classic false leads, good classic cliffhangers...
It's all good really.
But it's also very, very classic.
The only thing that really pops out is Rod Reis' art; cold colors and a weird 80's vibe that creates a sort of late XXth century retro-futuristic look.
A very decent sci-fi thriller, enjoyable and pleasant to read that can easily be borrowed from a library or bought at bargain price.
Hadrian's wall is your classic indoor whodunnit, in space. It's all well done: a small uchronia to start with, good classic claustrophobic environment, good classic characters-most not very developed, good classic false leads, good classic cliffhangers...
It's all good really.
But it's also very, very classic.
The only thing that really pops out is Rod Reis' art; cold colors and a weird 80's vibe that creates a sort of late XXth century retro-futuristic look.
A very decent sci-fi thriller, enjoyable and pleasant to read that can easily be borrowed from a library or bought at bargain price.
August 16, 2021
Very well crafted graphic novel (I think it’s a single edition including about 10 single volumes / issues). I loved the art, the characters are very clearly recognizable and their expressions really bring them to life. Overall, an incredibly slick and beautiful design, extremely high quality. 4 stars instead of 5 for me, only because the story suffers from a lack of originality.
November 2, 2025
I haven't read a good crime thriller in a while and this is a welcome one. You have more than one love triangle which are relevant to the story. The characters are well designed and their relationships complex enough to keep you reading for that alone. Space was never meant for humans and spending months on a ship with a small number of people becomes stressful in the best of circumstances. When you add a murder, rebels and the direct threat of dying in the mix, you get a pretty good page turner to help you appreciate the easy life you lead on terra firma.
After the US and the Soviet Union declared a truce and colonized space together, a new war is brewing between Earth and its colony Theta. Drug addicted detective Simon Moore is asked by his frend Marshall Cameron who works for Antares Interspace Corporation to rubber stamp the accidental death of first officer Edward Madigan. Though he accepts for the money alone, Simon's investigation is made that much more personal because his ex-wife Annabelle left him for Edward, so their relationship is still strained at best. Evidence makes Simon belive that Edward was murdered.
After the US and the Soviet Union declared a truce and colonized space together, a new war is brewing between Earth and its colony Theta. Drug addicted detective Simon Moore is asked by his frend Marshall Cameron who works for Antares Interspace Corporation to rubber stamp the accidental death of first officer Edward Madigan. Though he accepts for the money alone, Simon's investigation is made that much more personal because his ex-wife Annabelle left him for Edward, so their relationship is still strained at best. Evidence makes Simon belive that Edward was murdered.
March 12, 2019
Let's start with the artwork - quite beautifully painted, reminds me of Bill Sienkiewicz.
I think Kyle Higgins just isn't the writer for me - I've also just read C.O.W.L., and didn't like that, and for some of the same reasons as why I dislike Hadrian's Wall.
The book is a mix of a murder mystery, a conspiracy thriller, a political thriller and a doomed romance, all slathered in a sci-fi sauce. It does none of those elements well. The mystery is dull, the conspiracy is dull, the politics are trite and predictable, the doomed romance is cliched and a source of endless, boring dialogue, and all the time I kept wondering why this was sci-fi at all, what did that actually add to any of the other elements. I still don't know.
The murder mystery means all the suspects are aboard the spaceship and obviously can't leave - but none of them seem that bothered by the murder, or by being suspected of a crime. Sure, they get angry, but there is none of the fidgety tension you'd expect in such a situation. Why even create this situation if you're not going to use it?
Like I said, not for me.
I think Kyle Higgins just isn't the writer for me - I've also just read C.O.W.L., and didn't like that, and for some of the same reasons as why I dislike Hadrian's Wall.
The book is a mix of a murder mystery, a conspiracy thriller, a political thriller and a doomed romance, all slathered in a sci-fi sauce. It does none of those elements well. The mystery is dull, the conspiracy is dull, the politics are trite and predictable, the doomed romance is cliched and a source of endless, boring dialogue, and all the time I kept wondering why this was sci-fi at all, what did that actually add to any of the other elements. I still don't know.
The murder mystery means all the suspects are aboard the spaceship and obviously can't leave - but none of them seem that bothered by the murder, or by being suspected of a crime. Sure, they get angry, but there is none of the fidgety tension you'd expect in such a situation. Why even create this situation if you're not going to use it?
Like I said, not for me.
December 22, 2018
Sci-fi noir the way it should be written. Hardboiled, suspenseful and with lots of heart.
August 24, 2023
A rather short but highly enjoyable sci-fi crime thriller. The art is astonishingly well done. Very subtle but always emphasizing and broadening the action and dialogues. I agree with the other reviewers that there was a lot of potential in the characters, story and lore that was sadly not further developed due to the lack of space. On the other hand, this gave the book a clean pacing without including some of the exhausting lengths that can occur in works like Watchmen.
November 11, 2020
The mystery: drawn out and dull. Structured like a play where you must be told all the actions instead of shown anything.
The conspiracy: usurps the mystery near the middle and is trite, with no stakes or backstory given in the lead up. It feels like the author got as bored as I did with the mystery and tried to spice things up.
The interpersonal drama: the character relations seem to be the hook for why this is going to be interesting, but the characters are mostly one dimensional and not very sympathetic.
The setting: I suppose this is set on a space ship so it could have a cool twist on the mystery, but it is mostly talking heads and the space station is only used to keep the main character far away from his drugs and an earth pharmacy.
The only redeeming quality was the inventive nature of the artist in showing the ghost as an uncolored pencil drawing amidst the heavily stylized panels.
The conspiracy: usurps the mystery near the middle and is trite, with no stakes or backstory given in the lead up. It feels like the author got as bored as I did with the mystery and tried to spice things up.
The interpersonal drama: the character relations seem to be the hook for why this is going to be interesting, but the characters are mostly one dimensional and not very sympathetic.
The setting: I suppose this is set on a space ship so it could have a cool twist on the mystery, but it is mostly talking heads and the space station is only used to keep the main character far away from his drugs and an earth pharmacy.
The only redeeming quality was the inventive nature of the artist in showing the ghost as an uncolored pencil drawing amidst the heavily stylized panels.
February 12, 2018
Spectacular art and a so-so murder mystery. The artist (who also did the drawings for "C.O.W.L") was the only reason I gave this a try. Disappointed in the story...and how little they gave the artist to do.
October 22, 2017
Hadrian's Wall is actually a ship, a deep galaxy scientific explorer that is about 25 years out of date. The crew is a mixture of nationalities and even has a colonial from Theta. Shortly after a core sample is returned to the Hadrian, the XO (second in command), mysteriously dies while on an unscheduled EVA walk.
The company wants a quick investigation, believing that the death must be an accident. Their go-to man, Marshall, is tasked with finding an investigator who will travel to the ends of the galaxy and resolve the matter quickly.
Marshall taps an old friend to do the honors, but Simon doesn't really want the job. The dead man, Edward, used to be his friend, until an unfortunate incident left Simon hooked on pain pills and Edward married to Simon's ex-wife. But Marshall knows that Simon needs money and offers an extravagant amount. So between the crap load of money and the chance to spite his ex, he heads for the ends of the galaxy.
It's not long before he realizes that Edward's death was no accident and everything is pointing toward his ex as the killer, but his gut tells him there is a lot more to Edward's death than a spurned wife. As he reports to the Captain that all is not well, someone breaks into Simon's quarters and destroys his entire stash of prescribed pills.
Can Simon unravel the mystery, while going through withdrawal? Is he right, and his ex has nothing to do with the murder?
This story lost a STAR because I really don't like stories that bounce across time. This is made worse because in a Graphic Novel the cell format is choppy and it makes it difficult at times to be sure which timeline the next cell might be in. In addition, I believe that there was way more cursing than necessary in some sections. Even Graphic novels can be used to teach problem solving techniques rather than simply lace the conversation with epithets.
That being said, I found the mystery compelling and believe adding another dozen or so pages would have smoothed out some of the chop. The illustrations were interesting, but found a few looked like the ship was using equipment from the 1980's not the 2080's. I'm sure I saw a DOT matrix printer in there. Still, I enjoyed the story and the illustrations. I hope to see more of Simon, with or without his ex.
The company wants a quick investigation, believing that the death must be an accident. Their go-to man, Marshall, is tasked with finding an investigator who will travel to the ends of the galaxy and resolve the matter quickly.
Marshall taps an old friend to do the honors, but Simon doesn't really want the job. The dead man, Edward, used to be his friend, until an unfortunate incident left Simon hooked on pain pills and Edward married to Simon's ex-wife. But Marshall knows that Simon needs money and offers an extravagant amount. So between the crap load of money and the chance to spite his ex, he heads for the ends of the galaxy.
It's not long before he realizes that Edward's death was no accident and everything is pointing toward his ex as the killer, but his gut tells him there is a lot more to Edward's death than a spurned wife. As he reports to the Captain that all is not well, someone breaks into Simon's quarters and destroys his entire stash of prescribed pills.
Can Simon unravel the mystery, while going through withdrawal? Is he right, and his ex has nothing to do with the murder?
This story lost a STAR because I really don't like stories that bounce across time. This is made worse because in a Graphic Novel the cell format is choppy and it makes it difficult at times to be sure which timeline the next cell might be in. In addition, I believe that there was way more cursing than necessary in some sections. Even Graphic novels can be used to teach problem solving techniques rather than simply lace the conversation with epithets.
That being said, I found the mystery compelling and believe adding another dozen or so pages would have smoothed out some of the chop. The illustrations were interesting, but found a few looked like the ship was using equipment from the 1980's not the 2080's. I'm sure I saw a DOT matrix printer in there. Still, I enjoyed the story and the illustrations. I hope to see more of Simon, with or without his ex.
May 23, 2024
Former Seattle P.D. detective Simon Moore gets tapped by a private corp to investigate a murder on a space station. What appears on the surface as a standard whodunnit, evolves into a story of broken relationships, deep corruption, and treason.
With many stories in this vein, the development of the characters tends to get lost in the ever winding mystery and plot. Higgins doesn't fall into that habit. Especially with Simon and Annabelle's interactions. If you've experienced a failing relationship, you can feel the pain beneath the hurtful words and nonchalant dismissals. While at first we are led to believe Annabelle is the cold ex-partner who left Simon for another man, through their conversations and expositional flashbacks, we see that Simon was just as, if not more complicit in the demise of their marriage. All of these characters are fallible and vulnerable, which always makes for a much more interesting read.
Rod Reis is definitely in the Bill Sienkiewicz school of artists, but not the point where he's just completely aping his style. He takes aspects of what we love of Sienkiewicz's work and molds it into something his own. It works perfectly for this story, as his scratchy lines and ghostly coloring creates a terrific sense of mood and atmosphere that carries through the book.
So many pull quotes drawing comparisons to Blade Runner and Alien, but they are not unwarranted. Dark and nefarious occurrences happening in an enclosed environment. Not knowing what monster lies around the next corner. The retro futuristic cyberpunk style in the fashion and technology. There's something for any fan of sci-fi and noir fiction to love.
With many stories in this vein, the development of the characters tends to get lost in the ever winding mystery and plot. Higgins doesn't fall into that habit. Especially with Simon and Annabelle's interactions. If you've experienced a failing relationship, you can feel the pain beneath the hurtful words and nonchalant dismissals. While at first we are led to believe Annabelle is the cold ex-partner who left Simon for another man, through their conversations and expositional flashbacks, we see that Simon was just as, if not more complicit in the demise of their marriage. All of these characters are fallible and vulnerable, which always makes for a much more interesting read.
Rod Reis is definitely in the Bill Sienkiewicz school of artists, but not the point where he's just completely aping his style. He takes aspects of what we love of Sienkiewicz's work and molds it into something his own. It works perfectly for this story, as his scratchy lines and ghostly coloring creates a terrific sense of mood and atmosphere that carries through the book.
So many pull quotes drawing comparisons to Blade Runner and Alien, but they are not unwarranted. Dark and nefarious occurrences happening in an enclosed environment. Not knowing what monster lies around the next corner. The retro futuristic cyberpunk style in the fashion and technology. There's something for any fan of sci-fi and noir fiction to love.
October 10, 2017
*Received a galley from Image*
3.5 stars.
The initial premise of this comic has a lot going for it, and those elements play out well, particularly in the first few issues of the story. Building on the classic style of a locked-room mystery, the plot is further complicated by past relationships, addiction, and external danger - all in a sci-fi setting.
The art is solid throughout, and the plot is well delivered, keeping things uncertain as the mystery unfolds. The final issues deviated from investigation storyline, and this is where I was less engaged with events. It wasn't badly told, but the distance from the original mystery diminished some of the tension that made the story work well in the beginning.
Overall, though, a good crime thriller with an interesting plot and effective visuals.
3.5 stars.
The initial premise of this comic has a lot going for it, and those elements play out well, particularly in the first few issues of the story. Building on the classic style of a locked-room mystery, the plot is further complicated by past relationships, addiction, and external danger - all in a sci-fi setting.
The art is solid throughout, and the plot is well delivered, keeping things uncertain as the mystery unfolds. The final issues deviated from investigation storyline, and this is where I was less engaged with events. It wasn't badly told, but the distance from the original mystery diminished some of the tension that made the story work well in the beginning.
Overall, though, a good crime thriller with an interesting plot and effective visuals.
August 20, 2021
Come storia di SF vale poco, perché in effetti è un giallo psicologico, incentrato per lo più sulla vita del protagonista. Come storia è abbastanza debole e prevedibile, la trama non è granché, per nulla originale. I rapporti tra il protagonista e i co-protagonisti e le comparse sono estremamente scontati.
I disegni hanno qualcosa di buono, ma la colorazione è estremamente pesante. Di tanto in tanto alcune pose dei personaggi e parte della costruzione delle vignette mi ha ricordato il miglior Bill Sienkiewicz degli anni '80.
Nel complesso non mi è dispiaciuta, specie la evocativa mappa astrale a doppia pagina che era inserita in ognuno dei comics su cui questa mini fu pubblicata originalmente a cui però non fa fronte alcun riferimento nel testo.
Non va molto oltre le 2 stelle.
I disegni hanno qualcosa di buono, ma la colorazione è estremamente pesante. Di tanto in tanto alcune pose dei personaggi e parte della costruzione delle vignette mi ha ricordato il miglior Bill Sienkiewicz degli anni '80.
Nel complesso non mi è dispiaciuta, specie la evocativa mappa astrale a doppia pagina che era inserita in ognuno dei comics su cui questa mini fu pubblicata originalmente a cui però non fa fronte alcun riferimento nel testo.
Non va molto oltre le 2 stelle.
February 1, 2021
Simon Moore es contratado para investigar la muerte de un astronauta en la nave Hadrian's Wall. Pareciera ser un caso rutinario de no ser porque el fallecido es el esposo de su ex-esposa, con quien no acabó en términos. Sin embargo, esta muerte es sólo la careta de un complot más profundo, con alcances interplanetarios, en la tensión que existe entre la Tierra y la colonia espacial Theta...
Sinceramente, la historia no es la más novedosa del mundo, siendo más bien apegada a las clásicas historias de crímenes y detectives. El componente sci-fi es un agregado a esta trama, muy bien logrado gráficamente, pero sin robar protagonismo a la intriga y sospecha del asesinato del astronauta. Una obra sencilla y rápida de leer, sin pena ni gloria.
Sinceramente, la historia no es la más novedosa del mundo, siendo más bien apegada a las clásicas historias de crímenes y detectives. El componente sci-fi es un agregado a esta trama, muy bien logrado gráficamente, pero sin robar protagonismo a la intriga y sospecha del asesinato del astronauta. Una obra sencilla y rápida de leer, sin pena ni gloria.
April 4, 2021
Very cool retro 1980's style sci-fi - complete with some rocking 80's hair and characters smoking cigarettes on a spaceship.
A man on an isolated mining-probe spaceship dies, and the investigator brought in to sign off on the company paperwork immediately realizes it was murder, not an accident - and everyone is a suspect.
A bottle-job noir-mystery in space, with lots of flashbacks of just how interconnected the main characters are.
Then new players appear on the board and the story goes from being about two people grappling with their messy divorce to a political thriller that could effect the whole of settled space.
I was a bit disappointed that the ending is dragged out thanks to the main villain being Bond-villain-level stupid, but the rest of the story was awesome.
March 3, 2018
Sci-fi/crime series in outer space in the distant future
This comic collection is about Simon, an investigator, sent out to Hadrian's Wall, an exploratory spaceship, to solve to investigate the death of Edward, his former boss and his ex-wife's husband. A murder inquiry ensues but betrayal and conflict with a colony get in the way.
This is well-illustrated and reasonably interesting. Sci-fi fans as well as mystery fans should enjoy this series: characters are well-developed and form an important part of the story which takes place in a science-fiction context but could be anywhere or anywhen.
This comic collection is about Simon, an investigator, sent out to Hadrian's Wall, an exploratory spaceship, to solve to investigate the death of Edward, his former boss and his ex-wife's husband. A murder inquiry ensues but betrayal and conflict with a colony get in the way.
This is well-illustrated and reasonably interesting. Sci-fi fans as well as mystery fans should enjoy this series: characters are well-developed and form an important part of the story which takes place in a science-fiction context but could be anywhere or anywhen.
September 16, 2024
HADRIAN’S WALL, Higgins
Awesome mystery sci-fi story
#1- "Between you and me, it's a formality. A rubber stamp job."
#2- "I want to figure out who killed my FRIEND."
#3- "I'm solving a murder. Is there something you want to tell me?"
#4- "... the alternative WILL NOT be pleasant."
#5- "But don't take MY word for it. Have a look for yourself."
#6- : Yeah, well. Turns out chronic pain is a side effect of stopping bullets. Who knew?"
#7- "Commander, there's a .. PROXIMITY ALERT going off."
#8- "-- so that you may choose to go peacefully as well."
Awesome mystery sci-fi story
#1- "Between you and me, it's a formality. A rubber stamp job."
#2- "I want to figure out who killed my FRIEND."
#3- "I'm solving a murder. Is there something you want to tell me?"
#4- "... the alternative WILL NOT be pleasant."
#5- "But don't take MY word for it. Have a look for yourself."
#6- : Yeah, well. Turns out chronic pain is a side effect of stopping bullets. Who knew?"
#7- "Commander, there's a .. PROXIMITY ALERT going off."
#8- "-- so that you may choose to go peacefully as well."
March 11, 2018
Let me start with what few reviewers cover: Rod Reis has a painterly style that makes every page a delight. I am keen to read everything he has drawn regardless of the appeal of the writer or story. If I had to compare him to anyone I would say Phil Noto.
As to the rest, yes a locked room mystery, echoes of Alien, loads of intrigue. When we switch from mystery to political thriller I lose some interest.
As to the rest, yes a locked room mystery, echoes of Alien, loads of intrigue. When we switch from mystery to political thriller I lose some interest.
October 4, 2017
Good story. Good art. Good everything. Sci-fi noir. It didn't blow me away like I was hoping it would but it was still a well-planned comic. You could tell the creator had the entire thing envisioned before he even pitched the idea. It might not have been game changing but it definitely deserves better than the 3 stars it has now.
September 23, 2018
Ciencia ficción de la buena, naves espaciales y conflictos entre planetas. Los personajes principales desarrollados a profundidad y los de relleno bien logrados. Hay acción e incluso violencia. La parte gráfica no se queda atrás pero en ese aspecto mi opinión todavía no vale siendo este apenas mi sexto cómic.
June 7, 2022
An interesting murder mystery, with a cool use of tone and colour, with a use of motion-lines that I haven't often seen in the comics I've read so far. While the mystery's outline wasn't quite that hard to figure out, and the story isn't that unique, I still couldn't see the last few twists coming.
Had a fun time, would recommend a read.
Had a fun time, would recommend a read.
April 14, 2018
Recommendation from Jesse, which is cool because I never would have found this on my own.
The artwork is very different from pretty much anything else I've ever read, and the story was interesting although it's really hard to sympathize with the characters. It easily kept me going for 8 issues.
The artwork is very different from pretty much anything else I've ever read, and the story was interesting although it's really hard to sympathize with the characters. It easily kept me going for 8 issues.
May 23, 2020
That was...a surprisingly hopeful ending for what was such a noir-ish tale. Broken hearts, broken men, addiction, murder, and a femme fatale usually end up with a “forget it Jake, it’s Chinatown” style conclusion. I’m glad that this one didn’t
September 11, 2020
A damn good ride. I loved the character of Simon Moore and the art by Alex Siegel is incredible. I really liked how the protagonist’s relation with the side characters evolved through the book, and the ending wasn’t what I was expecting at all!
December 14, 2024
Telling a story that takes on capitalism, is a murder mystery and also deals with the themes of love, grief and moving on, and telling that story well, seems like an impossibility. Especially in an eight issue comic book run. Yet here we are.
January 7, 2018
Finally, a comic that's really good. The story is science fiction with a classic mystery. It's complex with distinct characters, good dialogue, and excellent art.
October 14, 2018
Good mystery book. Set in a sci-fi world but a who-done-it mystery!! Good stuff
October 21, 2018
Read for TLP
July 10, 2022
Cool story. I agree with reviews -- Outland meets Blade Runner meets Aliens. Good art, tight story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews