Relatively new to everything in the comic world, especially old time horror movies, I had never heard of Nightbreed. From what I read online, it is clear that I am not missing much. Even Clive Barker was disappointing in how the film ended up. I am glad to see that Barker has come back to give his story the treatment it deserves. And I am also excited that I can get exposed to a new better story and maybe have to check this movie out some day. From the success of Next Testament, I wanted to read more of Barker. I love his horror story telling. I love how he can create this gore and still give one amazing story. The reader isn’t focusing on one over the other but instead enjoys them simultaneously giving some kick ass comics. Our writer is actually Marc Andreyko, and he sets up the story perfectly. That is what I love about the beginning of this story. I am not annoyed by the slow paced story because the middle, like an oreo, is the best part. The outer layers start in Midian. This is a place where monsters can be at ease. There are two monsters sitting but only one is speaking. He tells of a trek of danger to reach serenity. And just like that, we get to the center. We bounce backwards, I am thinking, to different times, different struggles, but all surrounding this old man and his Midian idea. Again, the story is set up so perfectly. Like other Barker stories, we get little details but such an impact on storytelling. Andreyko channels that well and tells the story without any fumbles.
The two stories that intertwine now follow two monsters trying to stop an attack and Shuna. I am not sure what she does, but she is having an affair with a Senator. The two monsters are trying to stop a whipping on a young man. Both stories are happening but at different places and times. Shuna is being attacked by Harold because he suspects adultery. Each story is interesting and action packed. Piotr Kowalski’s part comes in here.
He does a terrific job of drawing each monster. They are hideous but you can’t help but sympathize with them. It makes for a great combination. The gore is prevalent, but I wasn’t appalled by it. With a comic about monsters, it has to have some gore to seem more real. Otherwise that scary factor doesn’t come into play. The reader has to be scared of the monsters too, because it adds another topping.
The last outer layer flashes to the two monsters from the beginning. You can’t actually tell who the non-speaking shadow is. He looks more human-like than the rest, but the comic reveals his identity at the end. I loved it. Some might think it shouldn’t take two issues to introduce a main character, but Nightbreed has all the right elements to do such a thing. Barker has another awesome comic on his hands. I am a returning fan of his work, and with Next Testament wrapping up, I think I found my new comic fix is with Nightbreed.
Score: 4/5
Writers: Marc Andreyko Artist: Piotr Kowalski Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 6/25/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital