At the intersection of the fantastic and the ordinary, a lonely outpost in the middle of nowhere (somewhere in South Dakota, to be more precise), a new title stands poised to take hold of hearts and imaginations. “Drumhellar” #1 by Alex Link and Riley Rossmo strikes the perfect balance of relatability and reverie.
Written by Alex Link
Illustrated by Riley RossmoDRUMHELLAR tells the story of a paranormal detective who receives shock-induced visions that drive him to a small town in South Dakota filled with werewolves, demons and his ex-girlfriend. The first issue features a cover by Riley Rossmo and an alternate cover by Roc Upchurch, artist of RAT QUEENS.
In a world where werewolves can break your heart, or ruin your recreational vehicle, just as readily as they can cause you lasting bodily harm; one might expect to find a slightly more animated version of reality. That’s exactly what “Drumhellar” #1 offers. Drum Hellar, seeker of the supernatural, finds himself facing down the unseen forces of the universe and ghosts from his own past in a small Western town. Embracing a thoroughly modern sensibility, visually and within its text, this new series spins the worlds of romantic comedy and mystical suspense together seamlessly.
Let me pause here to clear one thing up, the romantic comedies being referred to in the previous statement are those like “Annie Hall,” “Say Anything,” “Knocked Up” or “When Harry Met Sally,” if you are looking for something to mirror the feel-good giggle-fest of “27 Dresses,” look elsewhere.
This unique tone allows readers to fall for Drum, our guide to this new reality; his supporting cast, a varied and well-realized group that give the series an undeniable vivacity; and the tricks the creative team has stored up their sleeves; which are numerous and unpredictable. Shifting focus between interpersonal relationships and surprising communions with the supernatural seems effortless in “Drumhellar” #1. The team approaches commonplace conversations with the same whimsical exuberance with which they take on fantastic encounters, embracing each event within the story as a significant moment, ripe with possibility and potential entertainment value.
Rossmo and Link are able to juggle the normal and the paranormal with such ease in this issue largely due to the depth and likability of the cast of characters they have created for this series. We are willing to jump on board with this group, they make us feel all ‘Fox Mulder…’ like we want to believe. At the center of all the conflict and chaos ensuing in this premier issue, is the titular character, Drum Hellar. Though he seems disenchanted with enchantment, the bedraggled protagonist remains dynamic and intriguing. Drum seems to be an intelligent fellow who cannot seem to avoid the world’s proverbial rabbit holes, falling face first into mystery again and again. Powered by a well balanced ratio of curiosity and cynicism, his willingness to explore the unknown and make fun of himself in the process make him a charming leading man. Offering a strong counterpoint to Drum’s devil-may-care attitude is the brazen and astute character, Padma. In addition to being Drum’s ex-girlfriend and a naturopath, she serves as the voice of reason on several occasions, before the undertow of Drum’s ineffable connection to the supernatural pulls her under the swirling tempest of bad decisions that power this issue. Not to be overlooked is Drum’s right-hand…man? Harold. When we finally get to see this sidekick, about midway through the “Drumhellar” #1, you may find yourself wondering how this came out of the same illustrator who first depicted Madder Red. A harbinger of humor, Harold represents the strength of Drum’s connection to the bizarre.
Link’s dialogue sparkles with authenticity. The character’s relationships are clearly established and full of weight after just a few lines pass between them. Articulating idiosyncrasies and illustrating three dimensional personalities with ease, the witty, sharp writing draws the audience deeper and deeper into the world with each passing balloon. Link obviously possesses a real command of, and connection to, these characters, that makes them a joy to become acquainted with.
Rossmo’s art is a force to be reckoned with in this new series. Expressive and innovative, the visual elements of “Drumhellar” #1 are truly fantastic. Some page layouts have hearty amounts of negative space, this choice allows the audience to feel the stillness of this small town. Rossmo is able to recreate a concrete reality in a stylized way, that gives every page of this book a identifiable voice. Rossmo readily allows that clear, quite realism to melt away in a beautiful dream sequence that occurs late in the issue. Clean lines and realistic tones give way to punch drunk colors, amorphous shapes and potent symbolism. This sequence clearly establishes the artist’s ability to reproduce the disorienting experience of dreaming, and the sensation of powerlessness that sometimes comes with that experience.
This book should be on your pull-list. After that, it should be in your hand, and then in your brain, and if that all happens, it will surely find its way into your heart.
Final Verdict: 9.5 – Damn near perfect, don’t miss it.
