IDW’s The Highest House reenters the comic arena with issue 4, and it’s another high mark for its creators and publisher.

This tale of a young boy named Moth, originally sold as a slave to Highest House, is simply enchanting. Moth, who has been ‘approached’ by a spirit trapped in a rock in the center of the Highest House, is a busy lad. He seems to be in the right place at the right time: always landing on his feet, so to speak. He has saved the Lady Shurubai’s life, he has been promoted to a position inside the House. But all is not well. Moth has stirred up jealousy by rising in rank, and he needs to be verrrry careful now. The place is full of secrets and sorcery.

Writer Mike Carey continues to weave a magical story in The Highest House. The reading is fascinating; dialogue sounds authentic, and as Moth expands his vocabulary, we feel as if we are learning new words along with him!

Artwork by Peter Gross is apt and appropriate for this medieval tale. The art is detailed enough but conjures up memories of hand-drawn storybook illustration, rather than ultra-realistic and glossy Photoshop renderings. As the page size is larger than the usual comic, (it’s approximately 8.5″ x 11″) Gross is able to fit a lot on a page. But it never seems crammed or crowded, just richly adorned.

The colouring tends to be earthy with browns and blues, which again makes sense, in keeping with the storytelling style.

Strong story, good art, and I want to read the next issue! So will you!

IDW The Highest House 4, $4.99 for 28 oversized pages of content. Not rated, but Mature situations, not for kids.

By Alan Spinney

After a career of graphic design, art direction and copywriting, I still have a passion for words and pictures. I love it when a comic book comes together; the story is tight, and the drawings lead me forward. Art with words... the toughest storytelling technique to get right. Was this comic book worth your money? Let's see!!

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