Review: Reanimator Incorporated 1-3
How about a Lovecraft inspired, Dante Inferno homaging, heaven and hell exploring nature of death examining old monster waking, demon repenting sci-fi horror comic with art that's demonically celestial? Then summon forth Reanimator Inc 1-3 from Andy Perry and Lyndon White.
Andy Perry is a writer and lapsed Northerner living in Wales. He made his debut in 2018 with a self-published sci-fi comic, Undetermined, and his first short story, Ingrowing, was published later that year in Twisted 50 Vol 2. He is a writer of short stories, novels, poetry and comics all developing for future release while also delivering the sci-fi horror beast that is Reanimator Incorporated.
Lyndon White, responsible for the amazing Scinematic Figments logo and main cover for issue one, is an illustrator, writer and comic book artist with previous work for Image, Blue Fox, Top Cow, Cast Iron Books and Lakes Comic Art Festival, to name just a few. Lyndon has worked successfully with over 40 Kickstarter campaigns and has been supported by the Arts Council England.
The first three books of Reanimator have had a small horde of contributors and editors that Andy credits for their help, so it would be remiss not to give a small credit here also, namely Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Christopher Helmes, Fred McNamara, Jack Jennings, Simon Birks, Rebecca Travers and Claire Napier. Collaborative talents initiated, we'll do the review.
So, let's start with the art. Lyndon White handles all the art and lettering for Reanimator Incorporated, and it's full of ungodly moments of talented presentation. The character work has a John Totleben-esque line quality that grows more refined over the three books. Book one also contains watercolour-like colouring brush strokes that I felt really complemented the style, but this phases into a no less impactful digital style on books two and three.
The art grows more refined with each book, but what is consistent across all three are splash page moments of ecstatic ethereal compositions. The more fantastical, divine or devilish in subject matter, the more arresting the beauty on display. The big moments here are where Lyndon's art really pops. The presentation of the otherworldly is itself otherworldly in its mesmerising qualities. The added dynamic influence of colour, in particular the important "yellow lightning", really leaps off the page and adds so much to already impressive art.
The package is neatly accentuated by idealistic lettering throughout, clever, clear choices made in every moment that allow the story to continue in the stop-and-stare moments initiated by the art. If the devils in the details call Lyndon Old Nick for this one. Stunning moments of surrealism showcasing otherworldly talent for the otherworldly.
How about some story then?
Andy Perry gifts an exciting blend of sci-fi horror influence in Reanimator Inc that borrows some ideas from Lovecraft and Dante Inferno and other sources, but formulates a very different and unique monster. The story concerns Herbert West and his attempts to end death through atomic reanimation. To repair and rebuild the body atom by atom, but what of the soul, and does this interference leave room for something else to come back with the deceased?
Added to this is the pressure from CEO Ms Lee, who feels a strain herself from the board and family legacy, so wants results quickly. Finally, into the mix is Herbert's son Mike, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree with this one, and an eagerness to get out from under his father's shadow will lead the headstrong son into a much bigger journey full of much more than he could have bargained for. Maybe his self-medicating Mother with an open-minded talent can source some influence on Mike's navigation of a bold new world.
Reanimator Inc presents very human characters battling metaphorical demons and finding very real counterparts in a different plane of existence in a Craftianinferno landscape whose occupants have their own agenda. I think that's as close as I dare get for a spoiler-free breakdown, but what's left to say is this one's a wild journey. The pacing is really good on the first two books, and book three just leaps into the deep end of fantastical mythical storytelling. There's a wealth of interesting ideas developing that make this one an epic story in scope and one with plenty of legs for a compelling journey.
For fans of sci-fi, horror, Lovecraft, Dante Inferno, Stuart Gordans Re-Animator, coffee mugs with a science slogan so good every atheist should own one, atomic reanimation, the wonders of the afterlife, monsters and souls in art that can handle the mythical in a fantastical way animate your body into getting your hands on Reanimator Inc.
To get your copy, you should sign up for the pre-launch for the Kickstarter here for all three books, which should be launching later this month, I believe around the 24th. If you can't wait that long, then you can get a copy of the first book through Lyndon White's website here, where you'll obviously find more on Lyndon as well. For more Andy Perry, check out his website here.
Review: 4.5/5
