Deadly Class pilot review: An intriguing start to the perfect graphic novel adaptation

The Deadly Class pilot episode is now available to watch. Fans of the graphic novel will be happy, but this is also an intriguing start for those who have never heard of the series.

Deadly Class is the latest offering from SYFY and one that you’ll most definitely want to watch. You can already catch the pilot episode online, which makes this review a little easier. I get to encourage you to watch it right now!

And it is a series you’ll want to at least check out the pilot episode for yourself. Unlike many TV adaptations of popular books and graphic novels, this one is overseen by the creator himself. Rick Remender has control, along with Miles Orion Feldsott. He’s remaining true to the graphic novel, but adding the perfect twist for TV.

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This isn’t about a straight-to-novel adaptation. One of the issues with transferring any type of comic to screen is the exposition. As Benedict Wong explained, there’s a lot of internal thoughts and they don’t translate well on the screen. Remender understands that and has kept the novel that fans know and love but turned it into a show fit for old and new fans alike.

Whether you have any idea about the Deadly Class graphic novel or not, this is going to be the show for you. It delves into the characters in far more detail, even starting with the pilot episode. There is a character to love for everyone. Whether you connect with the inner struggles of a homeless teen or find yourself intrigued by the bad guy who is actually a teddy bear on the inside, you’ll find a character you want to follow.

Master Lin is a master manipulator. He has a huge plan moving forward and you get a glimpse of that in the pilot episode. Watch until the very end, because there are plenty of questions about that end scene.

Lana Candor plays the daughter of a Chinese Triad member, Saya, who is sweet but deadly. She can certainly charm her way through a situation if she needs to.

María Gabriela de Faría offers a character to feel just a little sympathy for, although I believe you’ll scream at her to get out of the volatile relationship she’s in. Luke Tennie is awesome as Willie, who has plenty of secrets that you’ll get to see unravel in the very first episode.

I think Liam James’ Billy will quickly become my favorite character, with Taylor Hickson not far behind. As the outcasts, I’m sure many of us can relate, but they also have their beliefs and expectations just like others. Their quirky personalities will add humor to some of the more dramatic and darker storylines, which is a necessary part for any TV show.

And then there is the music and nostalgia, which helps to keep some of the storylines lighter than they would initially seem. This is a series that will have adults thinking back to their own youth. Parents will be able to watch with their teens, especially as they realize that Master Lin is going to get some character development that most teen shows don’t offer — and more than what’s in the graphic novel.

Deadly Class is the SYFY show of the year (okay, it’s got some competition from The Magicians so maybe joint show of the year). It’s an adaptation that the graphic novel fans will most certainly enjoy.

Have you caught the Deadly Class pilot? Did you read the graphic novels? What do you think about the series? Share in the comments below.

Deadly Class premieres on Jan. 16 at 10/9c on SYFY.