You remember those nights when you and some friends just got in the car and drove? You ended up going places and seeing things you never anticipated. You made a few wrong turns and a few truly inspired bad decisions that ended up going down in your personal history as the best parts of the night. There was no plan, no agenda; you were just out challenging an otherwise boring night to show you the adventure it had to offer. “Dark Horse Presents” #27 captures the feeling that those nights had.
Written by David Lapham, Steve Niles, Peter Bagge, Michael T. Gilbert, Ron Randall, Phil Stanford, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Jane Epenson, Andrew Vachss, Mike Richardson, Donny Cates and Eliot Rahal
Illustrated by David Lapham, Peter Bagge, Michael T. Gilbert, Ron Randall, menton3, Patric Reynolds, Steve Reynolds, Steve Lieber, Karl Moline, Dominic Reardon and Melissa CurtinDavid Lapham’s Juice Squeezers take on an army of giant bugs! Peter Bagge takes a comical look at American history in Founding Father Funnies! City of Roses returns with another grim crime tale from the mean streets of Portland! Read the dramatic conclusion to Billy the vampire slayer’s tale in a Jane Espenson–penned, Karl Moline–illustrated Buffy story!
Meandering through the 80 page volume, it seems that the stories and the art used to tell them are as varied as they are engrossing. That’s the joy of anthology, with the beginning of each short story you find yourself plunged into a whole new world. There is an urgency in the pacing of these tales, that engages readers immediately, and truly strives to hold their interests. The issue has a comprehensive fascination with the grotesque, or the strangely or fantastically distorted. Each story tugs at the boundaries of reality, poking holes in the sense of security that envelopes everyday life.
This theme is evident in “Founding Fathers Funnies: Mr. Unpopularity” by Peter Bagge, a highly animated short that exposes the absurdity of the American idealism. Following Alexander Hamilton through the process of national genesis, Bagge shatters the romantic mythos that has come to be associated with the founding of America. Distorting the common perception in a fantastical way, the unbridled silliness of Bagge’s work makes it clear that divisive politics and hypocrisy are as American as apple pie.
Another bold and brash alternate history comes through in “Hunter Quaid: The Only Thing We Have to Fear…” written by Donny Cates and Eliot Rahal illustrated by Melissa Curtin. A time-spanning adventure following the exploits of the title character, this short quickly finds its feet. In a brief introduction the creative team is able to find a humorous bravado that sets the voice of this story off from the rest of the volume immediately. Turning history on its head, the art and the narrative are fresh, expressive and energetic. The sketchy but elegant style of Curtin’s art gives creates a signature for this story as indelible as the unique tone.
“Mr. Monster: Dark Stearn” by Michael T. Gilbert offers a “Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde” style adventure for the superhero set. Gilbert’s art captures the joy of Eisner-era comics, finding a joyous reverence for the origin of sequential storytelling. Like “Hunter Quaid,” the story is off to a running start out of the gate. Confounding expectation, we watch as Mr. Monster tries to rid himself of darkness, only to realize that despite his good intentions he has unleashed a plague upon the city he strives to protect.
An equally strong narrative with an entirely different tone can be found in Andrew Vacchs’ “Underground” scripted by Mike Richardson and illustrated by Dominic Reardon. “Underground” melds the tone of the classic short story, “The Lottery” with the free-for-all, every-man-for-himself dynamite that powers the best post-apocalyptic thrillers. Creating mystery, suspense and plot twists in an incredibly brief window, the story makes use of every second it’s given, truly immersing the audience in this gritty, dangerous world. This story represents another instance of dissonance between perception and reality; in this anthology nothing is as it seems.
“Trekker” by Ron Randall is a decisive highlight within this anthology. A space opera with a spy thriller edge, this short is a testament to the power of discernible intention and deliberate storytelling. There is a refinement to Randall’s craft and subject matter evident in his artistic renderings and engaging dialogue. A standout piece full of drama and poise, “Trekker” echoes the theme that drives the entire volume. This story literally collapses expectation and reality, as the lead character realizes she has been intentionally mislead by those she trusts.
Continued belowWhile every short featured in “Dark Horse Presents” #27 distorts reality and inspires the audience to consider alternate perspectives, none does so with such fervor and eloquence as “Nosferatu Wars” by Steve Niles and menton3. A sumptuous re-imagining of the human response to tragedy, this story examines Europe’s experience with the black death through the lens of those who could not be consumed by it. Following a pair of vampires through the confusion and panic of this time in history, Niles and menton3 artfully communicate that there are things far more frightening than monsters. Black and white and gorgeous all over, menton3’s art is hauntingly beautiful.
Comic books have always been an escape; taking us on adventures we could not have, and giving a voice to the things we dare not say. “Dark Horse Presents” #27 reminds us why we love the genre. Full of creative passion and unique perspective, this volume is well worth exploring.
Final Verdict: 7.9 – No matter what you want from your comics, you’ll find it here.
