‘Census’ TPB (review)

Written by Marc Bernardin & Adam Freeman
Art by Sebastián Piriz
Published by Dark Horse Comics

When I picked up Census, I was instantly charmed by its quirky and offbeat premise.

The concept of a college slacker, Liam Malone, stumbling into a census job that involves registering demons, djinn, and other supernatural beings hiding in New York City is hilarious and engaging.

Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman have penned a story that expertly balances humor and horror, creating a narrative that is as funny as it is captivating.

As he navigates this bizarre underworld census, Liam’s journey is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and genuine tension. He’s an incredibly relatable protagonist, and his reactions to the absurdity around him only add to the book’s charm.

The writing duo’s ability to infuse humor into even the tensest situations is commendable, making Census a delightful read from start to finish.

Sebastián Piriz’s art is another standout feature of the series. His dynamic and colorful illustrations perfectly capture the blend of the mundane and the supernatural, bringing the vibrant world of Census to life.

Whether depicting the gritty streets of New York or the eerie glow of a supernatural entity, Piriz’s art consistently enhances the story’s humor and energy. The visuals are so striking that even the most bizarre creatures feel right at home in this world, making each page a visual treat.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws.

As someone intimately familiar with New York, I found that Census didn’t capture the city’s authentic atmosphere. The setting feels more like the memory of someone who once lived in New York but has since relocated to the West Coast. There’s a certain disconnect, as though the city depicted in the comic is more of an abstract, faint recollection of New York rather than the bustling, vibrant metropolis it truly is. T

his might not be an issue for all readers, but for a native New Yorker, it was a noticeable and somewhat distracting flaw.

Another issue is Liam’s sudden turn towards altruism near the series’ conclusion.

Throughout the story, he’s portrayed as a reluctant participant in this supernatural census, primarily driven by self-interest. His sudden shift to a more heroic, self-sacrificing character felt rushed and unearned. While ultimately leading to a satisfying conclusion, this change didn’t feel fully justified by the narrative development up to that point, pulling me out of the story momentarily.

Despite these shortcomings, the conclusion of the Census wraps up the story in a satisfying way. The final moments tie up the central conflict neatly while leaving the door open for potential future adventures. If Bernardin, Freeman, and Piriz decide to continue exploring Liam’s world, I’d eagerly follow along.

Census is a charming blend of humor, horror, and heart.

While it may stumble slightly in its portrayal of New York and its character development, the book still offers a highly entertaining and engaging story. If you’re in the mood for something quirky, funny, and creepy, Census is worth your time. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars—despite its minor flaws, and it’s a series I thoroughly enjoyed and would love to see more of in the future.