Written and Illustrated by Tyler Crook
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Tyler Crook is one of the more innovative artists in the comic book field. I’ll pretty much pick up whatever he draws, no matter what it is. He has a great storytelling sense and an excellent way of constructing each page he creates. I was excited when I heard that he was writing this book as well.
Luckily, he is as solid a writer as he is an artist.
The main character of this book is Howard who, as a young boy, made a choice that affected his entire life. When he was a boy, his father gave him a sword. This allowed Howard to have a long life. Meanwhile, everything he knew and everyone that he held dear (like his family) have been wiped out from an ancient evil.
Howard ran away from it all. Now an old man, Howard has to face his past and the evil once more.
Yes, the evil has caught up to him and found him. Howard is still experiencing trauma from losing everything as a boy. Yet, he has to overcome that trauma to help out a young girl named Lupe, who he befriends in his apartment building.
The characterizations of Howard and Lupe are the best part of the book. It makes their interplay fun and enjoyable, even when the horror of the piece takes over.
Crook writes them both with a natural ease that makes them both instantly likable. You’re rooting for them and hoping that they succeed. You also feel for the two characters as their backgrounds are explored. Really, they are well developed.
Crook doesn’t skimp on the artwork either. It is detailed and fun and the action flows smoothly and uniquely. The only complaint that I have about the book is that it goes by a little fast in the pacing. Another issue or two could have really helped that out. Other than those small complaints, it is a great book for sure.
Tyler Crook has created a wonderful story full of action, humanity, emotion, and wonder.
RATING: A-
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