Abyssal Albion #2, Reviewed

How about a return to the apocthulhulyptic ravaged Britain, where monsters stalk around every corner and humans, make chum, and I don’t mean friends, with monster epic black and white art? It’s only Abyssal Albion #2 from Thomas J. Campbell and Wayne Lowden.

Deadbolt Comics and Deadbolt Films of creepy horror shorts and horror action comics return to a blighted Britain as they reach the halfway point in their strong female lead story. Once again we get a double media package with a new accompanying short film which offers a great place to start before delving into issue two. This can be found on the Deadbolt Films YouTube channel, which by the way is crammed with loads of horror goodies like short films and podcasts, but I digress. Another really cool thing attached to this comic is the development of a TTRPG (Table Top Role Playing Game) to be set in the same universe which I think is such an interesting concept. Fans of TTRPG may be interested to know that designer and writer Matt Sanders of Sealed Library is involved in this one, making this an even more exciting project. All links will be available at the end.

So, let’s start with the art. Wayne Lowden is back at art duties for this follow-up, with an unmistakable style that’s also brought to life the unforgettable Plainer Jane. Wayne's art gives looks of heavy sketch lines with the trademark black and white delivery. There's a clever use of dynamic panels on display which Wayne fills with highly detailed creations. The dystopian landscape is created as a menacing backdrop, a visual reminder of the evil lurking, that adds dread to the art.

The character of Sister and Brother continues to have a telling style that weaves a story of their lives with Wayne's talent for depicting emotion bolstering great weight. There's a keen eye for horror as best demonstrated with the kitchen scene. When Sister first breaks into the "church" this kitchen is full of gruesome nasties and ramps up the horror element to great effect. The final page is also of note for its poetic qualities, a tranquillity that works in contrast to the other elements - very strong art.

The big bads, and in one instance so big as to make Jaws look like a kipper, of this issue are portrayed effectively. The first interior appearance of these creatures with the military aspects makes them quite imposing foes, particularly the later revealed specimen. It’s art that continues to be as impressive as its first issue. The creature designs are spoiled a bit by the front cover but Wayne uses the opportunity to drop an "evolution" depiction.

Speaking of covers Trilby Black adds colours that pop on that front cover adding some extra flair to the art. Ken Reynolds delivers spot-on lettering as always and the most powerful image rights have to belong to that stand out back cover courtesy of Davey Jebadiah Sewell. Skillfully delivered nightmarish imagery.

Storytime then. Thomas J. Campbell returns us to his apocthulhulyptic Britain in a direct continuation of issue one. It’s interesting how Thomas can create two very connected but still almost standalone stories. It seems like Abyssal Albion as a series so far is putting the nightmare landscape to the back of the narrative with Sister and Brothers characteristics and relationship development as the main role. It’s no bad thing, I’m certainly invested in these characters and the world-building is clearly dense with lore and it's still only hinted at exactly how this world came to be.

Regions are controlled by different entities it seems and there has been a gradual invasion of dramatic scale. Sister and Brother's relationship is very atypical and full of heart. Sister is a strong lead managing survival while also trying to find some humanity and normality for her little brother. Thomas does a clever job of selling the dynamic of these two as pragmatic protector and naive adolescent. Their plot point of reasons for exploration is a need for community, there is clearly great loss informing these needs and Sisters strength and need to protect gives her an endearing trait. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable second issue with a surprising ending that makes this series an even more interesting prospect. I can’t give any more detail for fear of taking away from the experience but I will say I really hope that ending has a further twist as this series feels like it really is just starting to take shape. As with the first issue, weird fiction and Cthulhu fans will recognise the influence in the villains and language, but as ever Thomas keeps this story fully accessible.

For fans of weird fiction, apocthulhulyptic Britains, strong female leads, horror action, amphibian monsters, alter sacrifices, lager flavoured sticks of rock, toy space pistols and endearing character-led horror laced dread fed storytelling in fantastic black and white art and TTRPG set in the same world you should be reading Abyssal Albion. To get issues one and two and to help fund that TTRPG head here. This is a great place to start for new fans. Alternatively, issues can also be purchased through buysmallpress.com.

Review: 4.5/5