Comics
Review: ‘The Creep’ #1
Time may have passed between The Creep #0 and #1 but the story picks up almost right where we left off. This is a strong character based detective story and this issue is not loaded with heart pounding action. I doubt any of the issues in this miniseries will be action-packed. Rather, Arcudi and Case’s “The Creep” is a slow burn that revolves around a dark and dirty mood. This book is not for everyone; if you’re new to comics “The Creep” #1 can be a tough read that doesn’t do much to develop a plot. But, I wouldn’t bail out just yet.
WRITTEN BY: John Arcudi
ART BY: Jonathon Case
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse
RELEASE: September 12th, 2012
Oxel, the detective namesake of this book, suffers from a condition that has deformed his facial features, making him an ugly sight to behold. However, this doesn’t change the fact that he’s still human. In the first few pages of the issue, Oxel displays his natural thirst for female companionship with the likes of Annie the hooker. This was one of the more titillating parts of the issue because it shows that Oxel cares more than he lets on. He snaps at his whore for spilling alcohol on a picture of Curtis; the boy who’s suicide he is investigating. Over the course of the issue the reader gets to know Oxel intimately as he pursues his investigation. The story moves at a lethargic pace as Oxel internally argues with the nature of this case and whether there truly is something to investigate. The lacking violence and the use of crafty flashbacks keep the issue going, but the only real conflict in issue #1 is when a kid on the street insults Oxel and tries to entice him into a confrontation. It seems Oxel momentarily loses his composure, but soon reins in his anger and walks away. As his headaches get worse, it seems Arcudi is building up some clever foreshadowing.
If you know Jonathan Case’s work, you know how well his panels flow and how well he captures elements of crime fiction. But if you’re not partial to the genre, it may be hard to spot. The style of the art lacks crudeness, and it does not come with a realistic edge you may expect from such a gritty detective book. Case works wonders as his art style changes during flashbacks; it takes on a sketchier look and the colour pallet takes more of a pastel hue. Perhaps it’s not the typical detective/noir art style, but Case brings Arcudi’s characters to life with exaggerated facial features.
Oxel comes decision that these “suicides” are worth looking into, which leads me to believe the story will pick up. New readers should be wary due to the lack of action, but fans of dark, and I mean really dark, detective fiction will undoubtedly enjoy the lethargy.
3/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – GreenBasterd and Lonmonster
Comics
‘Curse of the Where Wolf’ Bites Into August Release With Trio of Werewolf Theatrical Screenings [Exclusive Preview]
Larry Chaney‘s hairy misadventures are continuing in the sequel graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, and its author is celebrating with a trio of horror’s greatest werewolf films.
The Curse of the Where Wolf hits shelves on August 7 from Encyclopocalypse Publications.
That coincides with the launch of a theatrical screening event in Houston, Texas, featuring a trio of seminal werewolf flicks turning 45 this year: The Howling on August 7, Wolfen on August 14, and An American Werewolf in London on August 21.
Each screening features a “werewolf in film” presentation as well as a book signing from Where Wolf author and River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo.
In the new graphic novel, “Being a werewolf sucks. Reporter Larry Chaney wanted to be a hero. Instead, he became a werewolf. Now, caught between incredible new powers and a desire to eat everything (and everyone) in sight, Larry must find a cure for his curse. Or die trying.”
“With Where Wolf, I wanted to tell a whodunit set in a furry convention, so the story was pretty contained within a very specific setting and genre. With Curse of the Where Wolf, I wanted to celebrate everything I love about the possibility of comic books. Curse of the Where Wolf is a funny book, in every sense of the phrase, but it’s also an earnest look at a person’s struggle to become a better version of themselves, especially when the alternative is to become a literal monster,” Saucedo says of Curse.
The original graphic novel was previously serialized as the first webcomic hosted on Fangoria before being collected by Encyclopocalypse Publications in 2023 and has already been optioned for film, podcast, and television development ahead of launch by producers James Fino (“The Freak Brothers” for Tubi, “Rick and Morty” for Adult Swim) and Charles Horak (First Date for Magnolia Pictures).
Expect Larry to find himself in even weirder situations in the 362-page full color sequel; Saucedo has provided Bloody Disgusting with exclusive art pages from the upcoming graphic novel that showcase lupine humor.
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