Connect with us

Comics

Advance Review: ‘Drumhellar’ #1

Published

on

“Drumhellar” boasts a unique trip into the rural surreal. Written by Alex Link with art from Riley Rossmo (the team that brought you “Rebel Blood”), the first issue is packed with plenty of oddities that will have your imagination falling head over heels. Yet, for all its quirks, “Drumhellar” manages to ground itself in reality to deliver a cohesive and intriguing mystery.

WRITTEN BY: Alex Link
ART BY: Riley Rossmo
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE: November 6, 2013

The backstory behind the inception of “Drumhellar” is almost as interesting as the book itself. Rossmo knew he wanted to work with a rural setting, so he took a trip to the small town of Drumheller, Alberta where he collected reference imagery, interviewed locals, and sketched concept art for a week. The prep work shines through in both plotting and artwork, as you feel that you are a citizen of this little town.

Drum Hellar, a bohemian paranormal private eye, finds himself having to deal with “something big” that is coming, and the unknown forces that have stolen his “gear” (psychedelic drugs). In order to solve the case, he is forced to face ghosts from his past, including an imaginary cat friend, two ex-girlfriends (one of which is a werewolf), psychedelic drugs, a bog man, and some trees. If that sounds like a lot, it’s because it is, but somehow Link and Rossmo balance all these elements effortlessly. This is a dreamlike world, the likes of which Salvador Dali or Rene Magritte would be proud.

Drumhellar is the kind of book that asks you to expand your mind. This is a world where anything is possible and neither Link nor Rossmo are afraid to take you to the extremes. The opening pages set the bar for what’s to come, as Rossmo bring us along the ride for one of Hellar’s hallucinations. I’m a sucker for anything that recalls the surrealist movement, so this book had me from the solicitations alone. However, the execution of this first hallucination sequence shows that Link and Rossmo are both masters of their craft. They kick off the mystery and simultaneously introduce us to their off-kilter world.

As the issue continues, the story finds stands on firmer ground. Hellar shoots the shit with a greasy spoon waitress, offering some backstory, and then it’s off to his ex-girlfriends house to pick up some more plants. While the first few pages are expansive, the creative team reels it back to showcase this beautiful rural setting.

Hellar himself is one of the most intriguing lead characters I’ve encountered in some time, but it’s the supporting cast that tugs at my heart strings. His imaginary cat friend isn’t quite so imaginary, his ex-girlfriend is a skeptical naturopath, and the bog man is just downright creepy. Link and Rossmo find a perfect balance between mystery, horror, comedy, romance, and drama. Because they cover so much ground, it gives the story a certain expansiveness, and the sense that this is truly just the beginning of the weirdness.

Rossmo is at the top of his game. While that’s not really a surprise, I think this is his best work since “Green Wake”. It’s obvious that he put a lot of research into building this world, but his style is perfect for the reverie-packed world of “Drumhellar”. His panels are clean and simple when they need to be, which contrasts nicely with the uncanny hallucination/dream pages. Rossmo has solidified himself as one of the best in the industry, and this issue shows why.

“Drumhellar” proves that comics can do things other mediums can’t. It crosses multiple genres in a spacious world that teems with imagination and care from the creators. I have no idea where Link and Rossmo are going to take us, but you can bet I’ll be along for the ride.

4.5/5 Skulls

Comics

‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

Published

on

From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

Continue Reading