Dark Corridor 01 Reviews 

“Dark Corridor” #1 Captures The Essence Of Classic Crime Comics [Review]

By | August 6th, 2015
Posted in Reviews | % Comments

The streets of Red Circle are dangerous and the city filled with crime. Hearkening back to the essence of classic crime comics, Rich Tommaso creates a tapestry of dark mysteries and interwoven stories that begin to explore the depths of human depravity.

Read on below for our spoiler free review of Rich Tommaso’s “Dark Corrider” #1.

Written & Illustrated by Rich Tommaso
From the author of Clover Honey and 8 ½ Ghosts, RICH TOMMASO, comes an all-new ONGOING SERIES set in the fictional coastal city of RED CIRCLE — a city totally controlled by mobsters who, after decades of wielding power, are silently being picked off one-by-one by unidentified female assassins. Like a Goodfellas script re imagined by Quentin Tarantino, this sprawling crime-adventure will keep you guessing and tuning in for more month after month!

One of the most stalwart genres in comics is the crime comic. It’s one of the most long-lasting genres in comics and even the pulp heroes that inspired the likes of Superman and Batman were spawned from crime and detective comics. There have been many a crime comic at Image Comics of late, but none quite like “Dark Corridor”. This comic is a unique beast and one that is certainly different that I was expecting going into the comic. What “Dark Corridor” is is actually something of an anthology comic. However, it’s anthology comic in which the stories are written and illustrated by the same person, Rich Tommaso, and take place in the same city and are subtly connected. Suddenly, the Quentin Tarantino comparison in the solicit makes sense.

The first issue of “Dark Corridor” features two stories that introduce us the crime-ridden city of Red Circle in very different ways. The first is a mystery in which a hitman finds a dog covered in blood and follows it down a dark path in which Tommaos explores the boundaries of human dignity. This is the story that is set to be the main feature of the series for the foreseeable future. It’s a solid story and shows us many different sides of the city of Red Circle and the dangerous and flawed people that live there. The second is a rather unique tale as the crime in question is recanted on a death bed and gives a little more context and depth to the events surrounding the first tale. While this isn’t quite the intricate connections of something like Pulp Fiction, it’s interesting to see Tommaso use a number of different perspectives to build the narrative surrounding a number of deaths in the book.

However, as engaging as the stories of this issue are, one of the biggest problems is the fact that it doesn’t have much in the way of a hook. While the first story ends with a reveal that will likely be followed up on in subsequent issues, the second story ends in a pretty closed manner and nothing in this issue really grabbed me and said “You need to read the second issue now!” That’s unfortunately a big problem these days as such a large amount of comics being published demand our attentions and while the artistry on display here is impressive, there’s not much beyond that to really hook the reader in. That doesn’t mean it’s necess
arily a bad comic. In fact, this feels like a series that will be much more of a slow burn crime drama and will cultivate a small, but loyal following. I, however, will probably only be keeping up with it in trade when more of the story is collected.

Like I said, though, the artistry on display here is definitely impressive. Tommaso has a distinctly retro style, with simple linework that creates exaggerated figures in a very grounded and realistic setting. Tommaso’s writing explores the facets of many flawed characters and in his art he visualises these flaws with exaggerated facial features. This brings a lot of character and personality to the visuals of the issue. The artwork here is definitely a stand out feature and feels like a throwback to the styles of artists doing crime comics in the 30s and 40s. While some may find the very simplified linework and the way Tommaso constructs faces to be off-putting, it’s probably the element of this issue I enjoyed the most. I only wish that the stories presented made me want to come back for more.

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Another element to “Dark Corridor” that captures that feeling of classic crime comics is that fact that the comic seems hand lettered by Tommaso himself. This brings that little touch of flourish to the comic that, along with the fantastic colours that marry a retro-style vibrancy with modern techniques. This is really seen in the way Tommaso colours the hair of the main character in the first story as he uses green to highlight the inked shading to bring highlights to his dark hair. It’s the little touches here and there that impress with “Dark Corridor” as it seems clear that Tommaso has deep love for crime comics of the 30s and 40s and even 50s, however while the overall comic is solid, it just doesn’t have the hook to grab you and keep you on this ride.

It’s hard to really recommend “Dark Corridor” #1 as, while the artistry is fantastic and will probably be loved by anyone who loves Darwyn Cooke’s crime comics, both stories wrap up so nicely that the issue feels like it could be a one-shot. It would take someone really dedicated to the stories being told and Tommaso’s artwork to want to come back for more and, sadly, that’s just not for me. Those people are out there, though, and this isn’t a bad comic to dedicate yourself to, but it’s one that is focusing on garnering a niche audience more than anything else. I just wish I was part of that audience so I could appreciate it more.

Final Verdict: 6.6 – This is a series I will probably be keeping up with in trade and I’d go so far as to guess that will the case for many others.


Alice W. Castle

Sworn to protect a world that hates and fears her, Alice W. Castle is a trans femme writing about comics. All things considered, it’s going surprisingly well. Ask her about the unproduced Superman films of 1990 - 2006. She can be found on various corners of the internet, but most frequently on Twitter: @alicewcastle

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