Is it okay for a guy to read a comic about dolls? Well, when it’s from DC Comics’ Black Label, under the Joe Hill imprint, and is as creepy as heck, sure. It’s okay. In fact, it’s recommended!
Issue one sets the scene. It’s England in 1979. A large dollhouse arrives to a family, given to them by a relative whose name they can’t quite recall. The daughter loves its incredible attention to detail, and sets to playing with it. Meanwhile, all is not well with mom and dad, who are quarreling. So, the Dollhouse becomes a sort of refuge. And more.
It’s full of suspense, crafty dialogue, and supernatural happenings. Kind of a mix of primordial evil and parlour tricks. M.R. Carey writes, Peter Gross does layouts, Vince Locke finishes and Cris Peter does colouring. Veteran letterer Todd Klein is on board too!
The art style is perhaps an acquired taste for some. Reminiscent of storybooks of olde, it is strong of line, highly detailed and a wee bit eccentric. No matter. Scrunch down, fold yourself up and get comfortable with the Dollhouse Family. It’s a good tale.
Please note that the backup story, chapter 2 of the Sea Dogs, was not included for review. Just another reason to visit your local comic shop to pick up your own copy!
DC Comics, The Dollhouse Family #1, $3.99 for main feature content of 24 pages. Rated 17+
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