Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra return to the horrific world of “Colder” im this new series that follows the life of Declan Thomas and Reece after their encounter with Nimble Jack. But as they are soon about to find out, there are worse things out there than Nimble Jack. Come check out our spoiler free review of “Colder: The Bad Seed” as we delve once more into the world of horror and madness.
Written by Paul Tobin
Illustrated by Juan Ferreyra
Life goes on for Declan Thomas after his deadly encounter with the psychotic Nimble Jack, but Declan’s strange powers continue to develop, offering him a profound connection with the nature of insanity. Little does he know that the malevolent Swivel wishes to pick up where Nimble Jack left off!
I wonder if I’m repeating myself too much when I say that 2014 is a great year for horror comics. When I can list at least ten really good horror comics being published right now off the top of my head, it becomes less a resurgence of a forgotten genre and more a golden age of horror comics. The newest entry in this renaissance of frights is actually a return of a title that I would say helped kick off this golden age in the first place: “Colder” by Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra.
“Colder” #1 was rather infamous around these parts due to its simply terrifying cover by Juan Ferreyra, but what was soon evident was that the quality was more than just cover deep. The horror genre has always had a rather unfortunate history of dehumanising people with mental illnesses, portraying them as people to fear and keep away from at all costs. What Tobin and Ferreyra did, though, was to create a horror story in which helping and caring for people suffereing from mental illnesses. And it did it while still being utterly terrifying, too.
“Colder: The Bad Seed” #1 picks up some time after the end of the first miniseries and shows that things are going pretty well for Declan and Reece. Ever since their encounter with Nimble Jack, they are closer than ever and even in a relationship. Paul Tobin does a great job balancing bringing new readers up to speed as well as satisfyingly bridging the gap between the two series through the writing of the domestic life of Declan and Reece. It brings a lot of character to the series as we see that these two people have grown since we last saw them and gives Tobin something of a fresh start to chronicle their journey through madness once more. The banter between the two is playful and Tobin writes a clear sense that not only are these two characters that know and trust each other thanks to their bonding throughout the first series, but that they are in love. This is backed up by Juan Ferreyra’s art that shows that he is much more than just the guy to go to when you want to freak people out. His rendering of a bright suburban day is simple in it’s beauty thanks to the detail in the pencils and the bright, vibrant colourwork. When Tobin and Ferreyra aren’t bringing the simplicity of our two main characters’ days to life, though, they are creating a character to easily surpass Nimble Jack in creepiness.
It’s unfortunate that Juan Ferreyra’s fantastic cover to this issue somewhat spoils the reveal of the true nature of the mysterious character stalking the pages of this issue, but it does not lessen the creep factor. He permeates the book with an uneasy presence, like a stalking killer. A scene that really shows the potential of this character (he has a name, but in the interest of the reveal I wouldn’t spoil it here; I like to call him Mr. Fingers, though) comes near the beginning of the book as a two-page spreads shows how he blends so easily into a crowd, watching and waiting, until he strikes without mercy. It’s a true showcase of Juan Ferreyra’s storytelling as the four page scene never truly shows the horror in all it’s gory detail until the last page, instead focusing on reaction shots and panels pulled in tight to only hint at the horror. It’s a scene that works because of its subtlety instead of getting off on how much blood and gore you can get on the page. Even if the rest of the book wasn’t as good as it is, that scene alone would surely make a lasting impression.
Continued belowIf there is only one problem I have with this issue, it’s that the final couple of pages fall flatter than the rest of the book. In a scene that shows the ever-present menace of Mr. Fingers, Tobin and Ferreyra really solidify him as a character to be feared and someone who is much more deadly than Nimble Jack ever was. However, just as the tension builds to the boiling point and breaths are hitched as to what his machinations will lead to… he leaves. And the issue just kind of ends. Compared to the rest of the issue, there just wasn’t that hook at the end of the issue to bring readers back for more. I certainly will be back as I know that the first series lead to some fantastic things and I want to see where Tobin and Ferreyra go with this new menace to Declan and Reece, but I can see how someone would be turned off by how the issue seems to peter out at the end. It’s disappointing, especially considering how well put together the rest of the issue is, but it doesn’t exactly ruin the issue, either.
Despite the unfortunately less than gripping ending, “Colder: The Bad See” #1 is still a triumphant return to horror comics from Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra. The two work together marvellously, balancing the domestic lives of our two main characters and giving readers more than enough reason to care about them and exploring the daunting menace that is the figure that stalks them. This is a solid start to a new chapter in the “Colder” story and I cannot wait to see where Tobin and Ferreyra take us with their exploration of the creepiest horror to exist in comics.
Final Verdict: 6.9 – If you were a fan of “Colder”, you should not miss this one out. If you’re looking to be creeped out beyond belief, then this one is for you.
