For those who have been following the Creed franchise over the years, the powerhouse performances by Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and Sylvester Stallone to the seamless direction brought by Ryan Coogler and Steven Caple Jr., it’s no wonder why fans have come to love this franchise.

Now the story continues in a different way – in the form of comic books, set ten years after Creed III. Creed: The Next Round #1 takes us to new heights, introducing us to the next generation of boxers, bringing in fresh conflicts, and ultimately continuing the legacy of the Creed family.

Superstar writers LaToya Morgan (Dark Blood, AMC’s The Walking Dead) and Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois), artist Wilton Santos (Break Out), alongside Creed III director and star Michael B. Jordan bring Creed to comics in a story no fan of the franchise can afford to miss!

The series starts off by introducing us to Amara Creed, the daughter of Adonis Creed and Bianca. Her story is the driving force behind the comic and it’s immediately evident that she’s different from her father. She’s ambitious and unyielding, determined to carve her path in the world of boxing without relying on her father’s accomplishments. Her character is well-written, and it’s refreshing to see a female protagonist in this male-dominated sport.

As the story progresses it’s clear that she’s a force to be reckoned with. But as Amara becomes a dominant fighter, the opponents become scarce, and her thirst for a challenge leads her to go underground to find someone who can truly push her to her limits.

One aspect of The Next Round that stands out is the use of Black American Sign Language (BASL). The creators pay respect to the deaf community and its culture, and it’s a beautiful touch that adds a layer of authenticity to the story.

The art by Wilton Santos fits the story. The boxing scenes are intense and thrilling, and the facial expressions of the characters convey their emotions perfectly. The comic book is easy to read, with clean and crisp panels that make for an enjoyable experience.

Overall, The Next Round #1 comic book is a successful continuation of the Creed franchise. While nothing can replace what took place in the trilogy, it’s fascinating to see the story continue in a different artistic medium. The writing is well-crafted, the characters are engaging, and the art is impressive. The comic book teases a lot of potential for Amara’s story and it will be exciting to see where it leads. Whether you’re a fan of the movies or a lover of comics, this is a story that you won’t want to miss.