Black of Heart #1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Detective Drake Harper is trying to catch a serial murderer, The Vulture. We, as readers, get the privilege of seeing both the detective's side and aspects of the killer's side of the story.The story is set shortly after WWII, which allows for some good nostalgic aspects of the old gumshoe stories like Dick Tracy while covering something as dark and horrible as Jack the Ripper was without all the newfangled science and technology to "help." The setting is perfect for this story. I'm loving the story. The horror and gore are nicely done without being too in-your-face. I'm curious about the killer's calling card and if there is a connection between or reason for his selection in victims. I'm also curious if Detective Harper's history (mainly his father) or his wife will play into the story more than just shaping his life. The art is also wonderful. It's black and white with bits of color strategically included. I really like how the color is used, and that it still fits within the overall artwork rather than glaring. The art is wonderfully grimy and grainy, and appears to use photographs of real body parts and other things blended into the rest of it. Sometimes the result is extra stiff or at an odd angle, but it works really, really well under the black and white grimy blending and with the story itself. Usually "photos" in comics don't work as well as the creators would like, but in this one, it adds character and definition to the people and the work overall. This comic is priced at $4.99, and, after reading #1, I would definitely pick up #2. The price pushes it a little for mainly black and white, but it is engaging and feels like a longer read. If you like reading horror comics that are more realistic than "monster-filled," then check out Black of Heart. Written: April 15, 2013
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