Review: Creepy #7

If you don’t like horror comics, you won’t like thisbook.  If you like horror comics,you will enjoy this book.  A lot.

Creepy is Dark HorseComic’s alternative for those horror comic fans that want a break from theoverpopulated zombie story market. Surprisingly, the anthology features great,  unique stories that pack the two-fisted punch of eerie plotsconcluded with a satisfyingly macabre twist.

The artwork harkens back perfectly to the vintage EC comicsthat disgusted Frederick Wertham to the point of action against theindustry.  Done in beautiful blackand white, the illustrations vary in styling from photorealistic to cartoonish;but each style fits its respective story perfectly.  I kept thinking of Gene Colan’s work on Marvel’s Tomb ofDracula.  (In my opinion, the collected volumes in black and whitethat Marvel released had far more artistry than the color versions of thecomics.) Creepy’s black and whiteemphasizes shadowing and textures that often get lost in the modern world ofcolors.  The suggestion of gore andsplatter in the two tones does more to shock than seeing a page doused in red.

The stories, as mentioned, provide a breather from thezombie saturated horror comic market. “Mud” is a revenge story about a bullied teen.  “The Shroud” follows a couple who purchase a storage unit atauction and find a cursed item hidden within.  A Florida town is overrun with vampires in“Bloodsuckers”.  “The UltimateHigh” is a cautionary tale like the little comics Baptists hand out in bowlingalleys.  And “Deep Ruby” shows whyhomeless people offering rare gems can’t be trusted.  The stories are short and, for the most part, fun.  “Mud” stands out as one of the best,but that’s typical Joe Lansdale. Comic books are the best medium for horror because comics give readerscondensed stories without superfluous details and a visual element.  Books may drag on too long, and moviesmay flounder in melodramatic musings or conventional gimmicks likespring-loaded cats.  Comic bookslike Creepy are like hilarious-oneliners: direct, succinct, and satisfying.

Now you may ask why I would speak so favorably about a comicand give it only a 3 out of a possible 5. This is because the horror comic is such a niche genre.  The cape and tights reader would notfind this book as interesting as a horror devotee.  For you horror fans, I rate the book a 4 out of 5.

But I don’t think I could see horror comics in the samecategory as other books.  They’retoo different.  And way too Creepy.

Score: 3/5

Dark Horse Comics

$4.99

Release Date: 1/25/12

Writers: Lansdale, Braun, Morrison, Salvador, Goodwin

Artists: Floor, Reynolds, Torres, Skeates, Ditko