Writer(s): Michael Moreci & Tim Daniel
Art: Riley Rossmo & Colin Lorimer
Letters: Jim Campbell
Cover: Riley Rossmo
Purchase: http://www.boom-studios.com/curse-01-cover-a.html
Vampires and zombies have been running amok in the media for a couple years now. While their popularity may be warranted, there is still a plethora of things that go bump clamoring for their day in the sun– or is it night in the moon? This week Boom! Studios is looking to shake things up with their new werewolf focused mini-series entitled Curse, a blood soaked tale of one father’s love and the price he’ll pay to save his son’s life.
The father in question is a man named Laney. A former football star turned single father, Laney’s son has been diagnosed with leukemia. With both money and time running out, and Laney’s sister-in-law threatening to take his son from him, he resorts to desperate measures. A serial killer is on the loose in Laney’s neck of the woods, complete with a high priced bounty on the killer’s head. Laney, seeing his opportunity to earn the money he needs, heads out into the woods, shotgun in hand. Yet what Laney finds is far more terrifying than anything he could imagine… (psst: it’s a werewolf)
Writers Michael Moreci and Tim Daniel have crafted a terrific story that instantly hooks its readers and never lets go. This is due in part to the excellent dialogue the writers convey between the characters. Their interactions are believable and carry the weight of burden in their tone. Life is far from perfect for all the characters in this sleepy town. But more than that, the readers empathy for Laney and his son feels natural and not heavy handed. Their relationship serves as the heart of the story and is ultimately what makes this story work. While the werewolf aspect is only a minor part of this issue, the writers make sure it’s threat can be felt in every page, essentially cranking up the tension to 11. It’ll be exciting to see how this will play out for our downtrodden hero.
While a great story is expected, the quality of the art is astounding. No bones about it, Curse is a gorgeous book. The art team of Rossmo and Lorimer capture the violence and dread of the script almost perfectly. In fact, don’t surprised if you notice the splash page reveal of the werewolf hanging in local dorms across the nation– if there’s any justice in this world that is.
With all the success Boom! has been having recently, let’s hope they have another bottle of champagne chilled because Curse is a hit! It’s creepy, bloody, and blessed with heart.
-Sean
