Writer- Tom Ward
Artist- Luke Parker
Reviewed By- John Amenta

Kickstarter has changed the way comics can find their way from a creator’s mind to the racks at the local comic shop. Ideas that may have been passed over by small or large publishers can find life with a little help from friends(and their money). UK based creator Tom Ward used the crowd funding site to make his unique concept a reality. The first issue was funded by Ward himself, and he turned to Kickstarter to complete the next three books in the first story arc. Ward and artist Luke Parker weave a tale that can best be described as revisionist history meets pulp horror.

Joseph Merrick, the infamous Elephantman of England in the late 1880’s, has been under the care of Dr.Frederick Treves. Living at the Royal London Hospital, the good Dr. has agreed to keep him safe and try to learn more of the never diagnosed reason for his severe deformities. This is historical fact. Now we get into the revisionist section of our story. Treves is part of a nefarious secret society that is trying to harvest the DNA of Merrick to create a race of soldiers as strong as elephants. Merrick himself is relying on information from Treves to find Carlo Ferrari, the freak show owner who stole his money and marooned him. In this issue Treves’ cruelty starts to seep through his kindly demeanor, and he and his society mates set Merrick on his revenge against Ferrari, to see what he is capable of. The masked Merrick proves himself to be superhumanly strong and bulletproof to boot. At issues end Merrick has Ferrari in a very precarious position.

Merrick is a hard book to describe, but that is a positive. The historical aspect is obviously well researched, while the fantastical portion is imaginative and fresh. Ward and Parker  are heavily influenced by the works of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, in story tone and art as well. At no point does any of it feel like a bad imitation though. To me it felt more like a book that could easily be part of Mignola’s HB universe itself. I really felt the whole package works very well, the historical and fictional elements combining to provide an incredibly entertaining read.

If you’re looking for a comic that provides you with a unique story, I recommend Merrick heartily. Ward and Parker managed to create a book based on an odd figure in human history, and give it an even odder fictional twist. Also remember to check out Kickstarter, you may find the next unpublished gem that you can help get out into the world.

4 Broken Mirrors of 5