Comic Review: The Autumnal #2 (Vault Comics)

Autumn is here, and with it, The Autumnal #2 from Vault Comics.

Travelling from Chicago to the small town in New Hampshire named Comfort Notch should bring a sense of adventure. But it’s for a funeral. And Kat and her daughter Sybil have missed the service. Too bad, but the town is not a happy source of comfort in your time of need. In fact, the residents are a bit heavy-handed on the one hand, and distant and ‘affected’ on the other.

What to make of it all, and after soaking in the rain, it’s still all a bit much.

Writer Daniel Kraus explores the dark, creepy side of human relations. The dynamics of mother and daughter, different people but coming together. The visitors and the residents, different but coming together. The ambiguity of trusting strangers while being in a vulnerable situation. To put down roots, or take up and leave.

Chris Shehan draws the characters into their environments. The colour (Jason Wordie) mingling with the autumn leaves, falling expectations, drifting thoughts, the waxing and waning of the hopes and dreams as the rain pervades. The unlined panel borders allowing for free association amidst the drawings, the gestures of hope and futility.

A good read, spooky and optimistic, threatening to rain on the Kat and Sybil’s parade of good will.

Vault Comics, The Autumnal #2, $3.99 for 27 pages of content.