I am one of the many who adores Halloween, so for this review I’m going with some of the spookiest comics I can find.
The Curse of Brimstone #7
Writer: Justin Jordan
Artist: Eduardo Pansica
Inks: Julid Ferreira
Colors: Rain Beredd
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover: Eduardo Pansica
Publisher: DC Comics
I’ve really been enjoying DC’s New Age of Heroes so far, which will be even more apparent in future reviews, but I really couldn’t have picked a better time for this book. Joe has been bonded to the demon Brimstone by the mysterious figure (at least to me jumping in at this point) known as the salesman who is travelling across the country making deals and transforming people into demons. Joe and his sister have his map and are chasing him trying to help the small towns, but Joe is starting to be corrupted by Brimstone. The art is just the right amount sinister and grotesque and my first impression of the demons was a blend of Bleach and Hellraiser. They look wonderfully horrific. I’m really impressed how this book took a, to be honest, kind of silly looking one off villain, made him a frightening reluctant hero, and then built a terrific horror book around him. 10/10 a great Halloween read.
Dream Daddy #1 and #2
Writer: Wendy Xu, Lee C. A.
Artist: Ryan Maniulit, Jack Gross
Colors: Ryan Maniulit, Jack Gross
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover: Kris Anka, Jack Gross
Publisher: Oni Press
I was curious if this series was going to capture the same dorky, introspective, sexy, sweetness of the dating sim, but the first book hit the ground running. The second is a silly, spooky not scary, romp that isn’t quite as strong as the first issue but, is still a lot of fun. 10/10, fans of the game should like this.
Anthony Bourdain’s Hungry Ghosts
Writer: Anthony Bourdain & Joel Rose
Artist: Sebastian Cabrol, Alberto Ponticelli, Vanesa Del Rey, Mateus Santolouco, Leonardo Manco, Irene Koh, Paul Pope, Francesco Francavilla
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Cover: Paul Pope
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics/Berger Books
This wasn’t the first comic by Mr. Bourdain I knew about, but it wasn’t until after he had passed that I learned he was a lifelong fan. This book harkens to classic EC horror comics. It’s grisly and creepy and perfect for Halloween.10/10, I truly wish Mr. Bourdain was still with us, to see what he would have done next.
James L. Sarandis is a husband of one, father of two, and writer in three fields (comics, books, and film). Want to see my current labor of love? Check out EYE HAND VOICE at www.eyehandvoice.the-comic.org.
