Story: Jordie Bellaire & Vanesa Del Rey Art: Vanesa Del Rey Publisher: Image Comics
WHAT IS IT?
A swampy South Florida crime drama complete with witches, a murder mystery, a serial killer and more!
Basically, take the TV show Dexter. Instead of a serial killer, the protagonist is a trio of witches. Heavy themes of power, predator vs. prey, justice and social issues interweave for a horror book that has depth and feels authentic.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? (Minor Spoilers)
Three witches take over a town in South Florida, wresting it from a police force that was seemingly corrupt.
Years later, they’re the local police. But are they trying to keep the peace or simply maintain their position of power? When local murders start to appear connected, they have to find the killer or risk losing power. Plus, when more supernatural problems come to the forefront, will they be able to handle those, too, or will they lose the town they’ve worked so hard to keep under their control?
WHAT WORKS?
While the witches are the protagonists, they aren’t necessarily “good,” causing ourselves to question our own concepts of morality, humanity and revenge
Del Rey’s art is creepy and visceral and sexy in a non-male-gazey sort of way
Really fascinating to see the balance between the creepiness inherent in a woman’s day-to-day normal life juxtaposed against the creepiness of supernatural dangers
The art also really captures the heavy humidity of South Florida (I should know – I lived there as a young yeti)
Very tense moments build suspense effectively
Even as a white male yeti, there were moments of minority empowerment in response to others that just felt incredibly cathartic
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
The first trade sets up a lot of future plot, so don’t expect much to get resolved
Don’t expect to be scared sleepless, unless you scare easily – after the first issue, it turns into more of a thriller
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
It’s so good! And I have a feeling the next installment of the series is going to continue to be great. Seriously, if you're into witch stories, or you like Dexter, or you're just a fan of Jordie Bellaire (which is what got me), you should check it out.
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
Harrow County, Vol. 1 by Cullen Bunn & Tyler Crook
Wytches by Scott Snyder & Jock
Clean Room, Vol. 1 by Gail Simone & Jon Davis-Hunt
If you like the art:
Tokyo Ghost Deluxe Edition by Rick Remender & Sean Murphy
Manifest Destiny, Vol. 1 by Chris Dingess & Matthew Roberts
Injection, Vol. 1 by Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey & Jordie Bellaire
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Jordie Bellaire – Writer & Colors
Multitalented: This is one of the first comics she’s written
Name Recognition: One of the most talented and sought-out colorists in the industry
Dream Team: Currently works with some of the biggest names in comics
Outlander: Lives in Ireland
Vanesa Del Rey – Art & Story
Knows South Florida well – she lives in Miami
New Face: Only recently began working on comics, but already worked on some Marvel titles
Got her start doing concept art for animation
Clayton Cowles – Letters
Name Recognition: Cowles (pronounced ‘Coals’) is also extremely talented and sought-out in the comics industry
Dream Team: Currently works with some of the biggest names in comics
Prolific: This guy has lettered most of the comics I’ve read in the past 3 years
HOW DO I BUY IT?
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