Review: Comic Nasties Volume 1
How about a couple of stories of terror in the classic style that harken back to the likes of "Welcome to the House of Mystery" or EC's "The Vault of Horror" comics in black and white art that captures that mood while delivering the charm of your favourite B-movie? Dare yourself to enter Comic Nasties from Daniel Blanchard, Jonathan Jordan, John Sowder, Jesko Morgue and Rachel Teare.
Daniel Blanchard is a UK comic book writer and punk rock performer with California Cheeseburger.
Jonathan Jordan is an artist and writer with previous work, No Frontier, available from Disposable Comics. Jonathan is also a punk rock performer with Nowhere//Dontcare.
John Sowder is an American freelance comic artist, cartoonist and occasional writer, his previous works include Halloween Man and work published by Red Stylo Studios, Antarctica Press and A.C Comics.
Jesko Morgue is a Canadian indie cartoonist with previous works including Weapon ECHH and Black Mustard from Next Panel Press along with a myriad of pin ups and covers for the likes of Tales To Enlighten and The Complete Riley: A Teenage Bigfoot.
Elusive artists of intrigue and punk rock sensibilities suitably introduced, it's about time we got into it.
So, let's start with the art. Chronologically, it's Jesko Morgue up first with a brilliant cover of psychedelia, demonic Silverback depictions in a horror pulp, underground comix style. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but with this one, it's hard not to salivate and be enamoured with delight at what this one will have in store, with a back cover to match. Jesko has serious talent. It is only a shame there is not more of it.
Next up, it's Jonathan Jordan bringing early web comic aesthetics and favourite B-movie vibes with punk presentation to the first story, The Curse Of The Skulls. It's satisfactory black and white art with a few panels of brilliance and an endearing rawness to the quality. It's a style that quite lovingly fits the story and complements, even enhances it in a certain way. By being so raw, it entertains in the same way a good B-movie does, especially in the horror genre. It's equal measures entertaining and disturbing in all the right places.
Last but no means least, it's Jonathan Sowder bringing black and white art with a powerful ink prowess to second story Silverback. The bold and heavy ink lines carry a touch of the Daniel Clowes style to proceedings. There's a lot of great technical skill on display in this art, with the big "monster" depiction shining as the strongest art on offer inside this volume. Suitably satisfying art acknowledged, let's look at the other bit.
Daniel Blanchard has written two fun horror stories in Comic Nasties that echo the golden age pulp classics of yesteryear. First up, it's Curse Of The Skulls, a campground tale of two lovers finding a mysterious trail on their hiking trail. There's decent dialogue and excellent pacing that builds to a dramatic climax and very well delivered extra "twist" or reveal. It's got all the hallmarks of a good, classic pulp horror comic book story.
Second story Silverback follows a similar theme of possession while offering a very different narrative vehicle. Silverback follows the exploits of a renowned exorcist on his latest mission. The title and cover sort of spoil the reveal of this one's victim/possessed, but it doesn't spoil the entertainment on offer. It's a unique concept delivered really well with a satisfying ending. Silverback still has that feeling of the older horror pulp stories, hitting all the notes to offer something unique yet nostalgic feeling. I don't think either story is trying to impart any big message or vital commentary, but they're no less entertaining for it. Comic Nasties delivers classic horror told classically with class.
Imminent italic interruption in alliteration, hoping you're on your way to purchase this one, and when you enjoy it, please think of us, definitely come back for more and maybe even help support the site with a generous donation through our Ko-fi. Every little bit goes a long way. Thanks.
For fans of horror, pulp, B-movies, campgrounds, skulls, demonically possessed great apes wreaking havoc on small tribal villages, murdering children, but being petrified of books, themes of possession, hallmark horror storytelling and black and white art. Don't be afraid to purchase Comic Nasties Volume 1.
To get your copy, you should check out this website here or Gnash Comics here.
Review 4/5
