All you have to do is look at the cover of Drumhellar #7 to realize that the new story arc that began in the last issue is going to be much darker and sinister than the previous one. Sure, Drum is still doing his drugs and having his visions. It's just that those visions are a little bit bloodier than the previous one and there are some deeper things starting to play out that is causing Mr. Drum to contemplate why things are the way they are no matter where he goes. We also are beginning to gain a little more insight into the life and times of Drum's spirit buddy Harold and what all might have been going on in his life. All I can say is that darkness is here and might just be here to stay. Riley Rossmo and Alex Link are beginning to show some more teeth in their smiles regarding these little trippy tales of the paranormal. Visions are darker and are beginning to center into a common victim of inattentive and downright evil parents getting laid to waste by some sociopathic little spirit kids who are making orphans of the children of these types of parents.
The "trippy" is still there as well as some of the very likeable parts that has made this title one of those that I eagerly await every month. But whatever it is that is at work in the drug induced visions that Drum is having definitely have a mean streak in them that looks like it will put everyone at risk. Oh yeah, it all may have something to do with Harold and his childhood too.
Darkness or not, I can never get enough of Drumhellar. It is a unique title that Rossmo and Link have crafted in a perfect way. Think of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure meets Constantine and you at least get an idea of the spirit of the title. Of course, that still sells it way short as Rossmo and Link have added some onion like layer complexity to the stories that appear to be going into a direction that one day may answer all of life's great mysteries. The big one for Drum right now is why do they always end up at the exact same diner no matter where they go. It's a little strange, but a lot awesome too. I love it.
Still though, the only thing missing in Issue #7 is some of the answers. We have bounced around all over, but we are no more coherent of what is really at play than Drum himself. I think there are some impressive outcomes going at work, but I would like to see a few more tidbits earlier than we have. Still though, Drumhellar is one that will not disappoint and might just entertain you thoroughly if you give it a go.
Score: 4/5
Writers: Riley Rossmo, Alex Link Artist: Riley Rossmo Publisher: Image/Shadowline Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 7/30/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital