The Dollsby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 6 This horror short that was originally released three years ago, is now being re-released by Source Point Press as part of Horror Double Feature 2 (SPP relies heavily on you telling your local comic shop you want their stuff, specifically the Horror Double Feature 2 for this one). After her husband's death, the mother of twins loses said twins to a car accident. Doll versions of her kids come to life ... but what kind of life?This truly is a horror "short" -- the story is ten pages. I can't help but wish it were a little longer to really build the suspense more, but it's still enjoyable. It's a bit like a classic ghost story one might tell at a sleepover, and even though the story focuses on the mother, it's the type of horror that works well for the pre-teen-ish age group. The story opens, closes, and is narrated by a man who appears to be a groundskeeper. This works well, as it adds a touch of mystery; we wonder how he knows these things, and why he's taking care of a property considered so haunted, no one will buy or even visit it. The dolls in question are the "lifesize" ones (maybe three feet tall); I never understood the appeal of buying those kind of dolls. This story did miss the opportunity to do something with the fact that the kids are twins (or maybe it was avoiding that trope on purpose? But to what end?), while having twins with look-alike dolls makes me think something is actually missing from the story. Once the dolls start to speak, the psychological horror begins. I like that we get to see the mom struggle with being afraid, and being so grief-stricken, she is willing to take her kids in any form. Of course, the life they have isn't normal, and it's only a matter of time before the other shoe drops. The ending that comes as a result of that is not a happy ending, and it stays true to being a horror story. Like many horror stories, it's the ending that really gets you. One overused trope this comic did run with is the "old gypsy woman", who comes complete with a crystal ball and a warning about the "dark shadow" over the house. I wish they would have chosen something else. The art is solid. The pacing is rather staccato, but that seems to be intentional. The coloring is earthy tones, blue and black, and a large amount of red. I like how it's "dirty", like black splatter and lines over everything adding texture and a graininess that ups the atmosphere. Overall, this is a satisfying little horror comic. Written: September 3, 2020
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