If you’re hunting for some fresh new comic horror, why not check out House Of Slaughter #1, from BOOM! Studios!
With the story and script written by James Tynion IV (The Department of Truth, The Nice House On The Lake, etc) and Tate Brombal (Barbalien), we are in capable hands.
It’s all about Aaron Slaughter’s early years of training inside the House Of Slaughter. And it seems as if Aaron’s got a few soft spots for the weaker beings around him. He’s empathetic, or just ‘pathetic’ in the eyes of some. So, Aaron needs to toughen up if he is to survive his training. And then love comes to town.
Artist Chris Shehan (The Autumnal) renders believable characters, sombre atmospheres, and nicely composed panels. The linework is effective and descriptive, without bogging down in the amount of detail needed: it’s compressed, it feels rhythmic and natural, and the lights and darks feel moody and ‘on the job’. Nicely subdued warms and cools from colourist Miquel Muerto (Something Is Killing The Children). Lettering by AndWorld Design.
For new readers like me, just take this story arc at face value. It’s early days. Just overlook the confusion about who is who; never mind the backstories, who the characters evolve into, and that sort of thing. Look at House Of Slaughter for what it is: an ever-twisting tale of competition, distrust, and violence, bathed in an atmosphere of unease. That makes it easier, as we allow ourselves to be pulled into this compelling tale.
BOOM! Studios, House Of Slaughter #1, $3.99 for 27 pages of content. Assume mature readers.
Newsdesk