Stories are like people; some shine, and some don’t. “Pulp” shines. This new standalone from Holt and Peterson is a highly effective exploration of madness and delusion set against a stark background of isolation. The end result will leave the audience grappling with formidable questions and searching for the sense of security that this story ruthlessly rips away.
Written by Jeremy Holt
Illustrated by Chris PetersonPulp is a ‘film noir’ inspired tale, exploring the intersection where solitude meets obsession and the intriguing effects that both play on the human psyche.
Pulp follows the story of a dedicated writer seeking a publisher for his work. A sharp division between two concurrently unfolding story lines adds to its depth, building interest with each turn of the page. Throughout “Pulp” #1, it is nearly impossible to pin down when the events of the stories are happening, but what is occurring in each one is detailed and clear. The foggy timeline pays off in a big way in the end, delivering one hell of a twist.
Pulling off a truly unexpected turn of events is no mean feat, no matter the medium or genre. Should the outcome be too easily predicted, the work is boring; should the twist come out of nowhere, the work loses substance. Here the creative team displays incredible skill, striking the delicate balance required to accomplish a reveal that is meaningful and astonishing.
In “Pulp,” Holt makes it clear that he is making deliberate creative choices. His evident forethought and planning allow him to dole out a story one seemingly ordinary moment after another, only to reveal that he has been building something extraordinary while the audience wasn’t looking. Peterson’s artwork mirrors the strategic quality of Holt’s writing. While the predominantly black and white images may initially seem simple, Peterson is able to capture a great deal of emotion and motion in, “Pulp.” Showing the world a fragment at a time, the scenes coalesce to create a multidimensional world. Like tiles on a mosaic, or dots in a Seurat painting the final pages of this story come together to allow you to step back and see a truly fantastic complete picture.
The central character in this story, a writer named John, is intensely relatable, or at least very recognizable. The coffee, the clicking keys, the hours alone at a desk… all of these elements are familiar, and Peterson captures the monotony in an animated, articulate fashion. The pervasive feelings of repetition and loneliness help solidify a singular effect within “Pulp.” Constantly and subtly escalating tension, this book taps into the best parts of suspense.
Peterson channels vintage advertisements and classic animation to create a unique look for this title. The sparse winter setting is effectively alluded to by the color palette, which is comprised of a pale, steely blue, black and white. Likewise the warm tan that underscores the strong black and white renderings in the office scene touches on the cautious optimism of the character in that sequence. The coloring allows readers to instantly distinguish between the two story lines and helps the book retain its clarity.
“Pulp” is a very successful, entertaining title that tells a great story and showcases the team’s skill.
Take a look at a preview here:
Jeremy Holt will be signing “Pulp” at Brooklyn Comics & More:
493 7th Avenue #A
Brooklyn, New York 11215
Wednesday, October 9th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Directions: F train to Brooklyn — 15th Prospect Park stop.
Adult beverages will be served.
You can also find Holt at NYCC this weekend. Any remaining copies of “Pulp” will be available for purchase and signing.
Saturday October 12, 2013
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Table R6
If you are unable to attend NYCC this weekend, feel free to check the full issue of “Pulp” by Jeremy Holt & Chris Peterson here.
