Graphic Content #6
Welcome back to Graphic Content. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? 2020 has been an odd, challenging year threatening to kill us all and I haven’t written a comic review since September. How nuts is that?
John Constantine: Hellblazer #8
We conclude John Constantine’s tragic mermaid case with “Britannia, Rule the Waves, Part Two.” This issue stands out as a strong conclusion to a bitter, dirty little parable about the dangers of love with the wrong kind of person. Ultimately, nobody wins. John’s scheme to track down his interloper doesn’t reveal much, yet, and the mermaid suffers a traumatic fate. I will not spoil what happens, but the story borrows heavily from the almost supernatural exploits of the salmon.
Most of the issue is comprised of heavy narration by Constantine where he fills in the facts around the situation involving the fishmonger and the mermaid. Simon Spurrier has a strong command of Constantine’s voice, here tackling the relaying of information with John’s signature wit and dickishness, but not neglecting the sadness and frustrations he experiences as a situation he could have intervened in earlier. It’s a complicated and messy story, emphasized by Aaron Campbell’s gritty illustration style. The coloring also has a profound effect here, mostly using shades of greens and blues until the necessary splashes of red come into play. The color choices here playing well into the theme and setting of the story.
The whole package just works so well as a modern continuation of the Vertigo era and it is a shame the series never really found its audience. The comic ended with issue #12. I’ll enjoy the remaining four issues, however, as this run has been one of my favorite Hellblazer runs I’ve experienced.
(4.5 / 5)
John Constantine: Hellblazer #8, written by Simon Spurrier and illustrated by Aaron Campbell, is available from DC Comics.
Sink #5
With “White Dog” we return for more Sinkhill weirdness, only this time out inciting incident is a missing dog, one of several in a rash of dognappings in the community. It turns out, sadly, that Sinkhill’s ultra-violent streak doesn’t limit itself to the human residents only. This is definitely a triggering issue for dog lovers. I will put it at that. The art is particularly sharp in this issue and while not as “gory” as previous issues in terms of volume, there is something about animals being the target that is particularly affecting.
We also seem more of the larger community intersect. Florence, from issue #3 returns at a club in the area called Black Hole. Beyond that, in the final pages, we glimpse the leads from the previous four issues, including our fox-masked friend from issue #1. But more sinisterly we see the return of the blue van and the sinister clowns that have haunted the series thus far. Though these stories are connected by location, the framing here indicates something more. We’re on a collision course with something, and it is going to be messy.
(4 / 5)
Sink #5, written by John Lees and illustrated by Alex Cormack, is available on Comixology.
Killadelphia #8
James Sangster Jr. is something of an authority on the very real presence of vampires in Philadelphia, and he now finds himself at the forefront of starting new developments of the vampiric population. Led by Abigail Adams, the vampires are putting something in motion, taking advantage of terrorism to stir up fear in the city. The newest vampire on the current scene, Jupiter, makes a particularly big splash as well at a concert. The way vampires are becoming very public entities and making themselves known is very entertaining and gives the book a feeling of constant escalation.
Some very fascinating stuff comes into play in this issue. Particularly involving James Sr. and a journey to the afterlife. We learn a bit more about the metaphysical and mystical of the world, which is an interesting contrast to the reality by which the vampiric strain is presented in Jr.’s reality. Father and son cross paths as well, in a hilarious punchline. All told, Killadelphia continues to build a fascinating world and again I need to remark on the pace by which it is doing so.
Visually, the comic continues to be quality work. Jason Shawn Alexander’s linework matches the tone of the book well, but can still offer a number of surprises. Especially in one of the visions of the afterlife. We are presented with something, visually, that we’ve not really seen in Killadelphia yet… serenity.
The backup feature, “Elysium Gardens” continues. Vampires and werewolves… it makes one wonder if the vampires of Killadelphia aren’t the only creatures of the night around. Given the way the world is expanding, it might not be out of the question for a werewolf to arrive in Philly. Won’t that complicate things?
(4 / 5)
Killadelphia #8, written by Rodney Barnes and illustrated by Jason Shawn Alexander, is available from Image Comics.
I am hoping to move this column into a bi-monthly sort of thing, so now more than ever I ask for any reading suggestions you may have. What horror comics do you think I should read and review? Let us know in the comments or hit me up on Twitter.
Book Reviews
Blood Meridian, a Book Review
Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West, (1985) is a Western (or Anti-Western) epic novel by Cormac McCarthy.
Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West, (1985) is a Western (or Anti-Western) epic novel by Cormac McCarthy. This review discusses the digital copy of the First Vintage International Edition.
The kid wanders the West as a survivor and thug. After getting caught up with the ominous Judge Holden, his life remains forever entwined with the cruel force of the man. The kid becomes a soldier, a scalper, and an outlaw but always finds Judge Holden somewhere in the distance. Civilization approaches the untamable West, which forces the kid adapt or die. But it is Judge Holden who remains: an unchanging force of cruelty.
What I Liked
Cormac McCarthy remains one of the most brutal authors, both in narrative and writing. You will feel the danger of the West, its inhuman cruelty, and fear for the kid. Many often call Blood Meridian McCathy’s magnum opus. As a result, if this brutal novel satisfies your readerly tastes, you’ll have his entire collection to sample.
Judge Holden remains a true force of evil and cruelty masked in human form. McCarthy likes to represent forces of nature through his antagonists. Judge Holden doesn’t always directly antagonize, but his role becomes increasingly clear as the novel continues.
Few authors convey cruelty like Cormac McCarthy, who structures his writing so that sentences bleed into each other in frantic syntax. I mean this somewhat literally as he removes quotation marks in dialogue or creates blunt sentences to reflect the mood he wants to display.
Tired Tropes and Trigger Warnings
Era-appropriate (using “appropriate” loosely here) racism encompasses this novel in a rather uncomfortable and upsetting way. We are dealing with the West, where scalping earned payment and slavery was a debatable issue. McCarthy doesn’t shy away from this reality. It also should be noted that some characters thrive in such industries. This reality certainly doesn’t make the reading any less harsh.
There is graphic violence and cruelty in every chapter, altogether influencing nearly every page. It will be a hard read for those sensitive to any kind of abuse, because all kinds appear in this novel. Few horrors depict the cruelty of man like a Cormac McCarthy novel, and Blood Meridian is no exception. In fact, it might be the leading example.
What I Dislike, or Food for Thought
McCarthy provides brutal and challenging prose. Blood Meridian is more accessible than many of his other novels; regardless, it still provides a difficult reading experience for those unaccustomed to his style. After the first two chapters, you’ll grow accustomed to the style, or it might be a skip. I say the first two as Chapter 1 runs through the boy’s life to the point of his adventure, which might be its own sore spot for some readers.
Don’t expect realism in the novel. As mentioned, McCarthy favors villains that represent a force of nature. This stylistic choice often makes his characters, largely the antagonists, superhuman forces.
Following down this criticism, or consideration, also extends to realism holistically. McCarthy brings life to his interpretation of the West, the States, and Mexico. Don’t expect accurate descriptions of locations or historical events. I didn’t note many historical inaccuracies, however I’m also not versed in that era.
Blood Meridian deconstructs the pop-culture West, lingering on the horrors of the era and the indifference of the West. Expect the psychological nature of man to be the center of its haunting.
Final Thoughts
Cormac McCarthy earns his reputation as one of the great living American authors, and Blood Meridian remains one of his most haunting novels to date. Few authors dare to display the cruelty of man, producing emotional truth and horrid images that can twist a reader’s stomach. Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian dares all that and more. (4 / 5)
Book Reviews
A Pilgrimage of Swords, a Book Review
A Pilgrimage of Swords (2019) is the first novel of a grimdark fantasy series (The Seven Swords) authored by Anthony Ryan.
A Pilgrimage of Swords (2019) is the first novel of a grimdark fantasy series (The Seven Swords) authored by Anthony Ryan. The book is technically a novella, running slightly short of a novel-length, but reads like a collection of short stories. This review will cover Subterranean Press’ digital copy of the novella.
Desperate to change his fate, Pilgrim forfeits his name on his quest to meet a mad god. He and his fellow pilgrims travel a dangerous road filled with abominations and horrors in the desperate hope that they might have one prayer answered. With a twisted sentient sword, he fights his darkness and the God’s abominations in the hopes of something better.
What I Liked
As mentioned, this novella reads like a collection of short stories. Each story tackles a specific challenge and region. The strategy works well in building the torment of the journey and keeping the reader consistently engaged.
A voice plagues Pilgrim, constantly antagonizing him at every step of their journey. The style in which this “voice” delivers their intrusive thoughts, while not inherently unique, remains an enjoyable and satisfying read. The voice itself becomes a favored character of mine. Pilgrim and “voice” share a dynamic of brooding hero and antagonizer. Again, not unique, but done with great effect.
Despite the tight word count, several twists effectively engage the reader, helping to add to the world that we only get a glimpse of.
While the supporting cast doesn’t have as much time dedicated to them, they collectively add to the experience with unique perspectives and dynamics.
In terms of horror, the final chapter provides the most stunning examples. This review is spoiler-free, but the build-up certainly exceeds expectations for the first read.
Tired Tropes and Trigger Warnings
A Pilgrimage of Swords resides on the lighter side of grimdark high fantasy, but it remains grimdark. The world of A Pilgrimage of Swords is uncaring and cruel, producing characters that reflect that, functioning as opportunists.
Animals do die, and children are equally prone to potential death. Again, not entirely out of character for the setting, but it should be mentioned for readerly consideration.
As the description might indicate, torment and suffering are recurring motifs in the story. While the tortures certainly are sadistic, readers get the aftermath. The novel doesn’t linger in its sadism.
What I Dislike, or Food for Thought
As A Pilgrimage of Swords is a high fantasy novel with light grimdark elements, the horror reflects that concept. There are tense moments, and characters are prone to danger, but genuine horror remains lacking. The novel doesn’t claim itself as such, but our audience should consider this. However, walking gods of madness twisting their environment to reflect their psyche shouldn’t be ridden off too quickly.
While I mostly enjoy the brevity of the story and how the chapters read like short stories, it limits the time we have to invest in the characters and setting. This novel is the first of a continuing series, so this criticism doesn’t inherently apply to the other novels. This first introduction remains easy to recommend for those looking for a quick read, not a long investment.
Many plot beats are predictable and can somewhat underwhelm a reader when the obvious thing happens. I will admit that this isn’t too often a hindrance but compromises to accommodate the tighter word count. Luckily, there are plot twists to minimize this underwhelming predictability, but the chapters could still utilize an extended word count.
The name doesn’t exactly fit this first entry of the series. It might be a perfect name for the series, but this novel’s pilgrimage has little to do with swords.
Final Thoughts
A Pilgrimage of Swords has a few haunting moments but is an otherwise enjoyable and quick read. If a grimdark set in a high fantasy where cruel gods walk the earth sounds like an interest of yours, this will certainly satisfy that itch. While it remains a little too brief, this is by design and part of a larger narrative. (4 / 5)
Well, you won’t get rid of me that easily… Ha ha, I lied about coming to the end and the afterlife in the Creepy Comics Collages segment, it was just an opportunity for rebirth. Besides, it’s World Collage Day! So having come into another comic book to rework, here we go again…
Creepy Comics Story 9: The Voice (of God or Reason or perhaps an homage to my ex)
“Come to me my children, the voice of God awaits!… Don’t let them escape!” Please beam me up out of this weird comic collage alternate reality. “God I am your hand! Lift me… to your place. I commend my spirit!” I want to go back to dreaming about starfish.
The computer programmer behind the scenes turns to face us and smiles. “Guardians! This is a place of God!… Come to the true voice of God!” “I am everything.” “Come to the voice!” And the horrific AI generated creatures abide by his every coded word.
Just like last night in the — signs posted for Nightmare, No Exit. The deer spirit faun screams in surprise, “Eeek!” “No! I defy you!” She returns to the form of a little girl with arms outspread to the open sky. “Y’know, a day like today makes all the stuff that happened last night seem just like a bad dream!” The dream seems so real…
Somewhere in the city, the computer programmer sits up at night in pensive monologue, “You try to make a difference… But it doesn’t really matter.”
Creepy Comics Story 10: The City (Metropolis becomes self-aware)
This segment is brought to you by Dead Artists and Talking Dinosaurs. No really, wait for it…
Woooooo Uhhhh Wooooooo Uhhhh… Wump! Uff! Wump! Uff! “She belongs to The City!” The Glenn Fry 1985 hit single looms ominously overhead as Metropolis becomes self-aware. “The City… will live!… The City… will breathe!” The City gasps for air, “Got to… breathe!… Got to… Breathe!“
Her breath is the wind… Her eyes are windows. Her heart pumps fluid through buried plumbing… “I’m The City!” Her mind is The City!
And we have a celebrity appearance by Rich Koz “Son of Svengoolie” WFLD 1973: “I take a nap for 10,000 years and look what happens… some-body builds a city!” Kerwyn chimes in, “Geez! Somebody’s been busy!” And we cut out to a scene of Svengoolie standing alongside his coffin.
Well, that’s all folks. Or is it? For now, any way… until I get more comic books… Duh duh DUHHHH…
If you want to see more art, check out more of Jennifer Weigel’s work here on Haunted MTL or on her writing, fine art, and conceptual projects websites.
