Writer: Cullen Bunn

Artist: Drew Moss with Nick Filardi

With the month of October still looming over us, there’s nothing like having a poker game with the boys and running into a legion of monsters in a dark forest late at night. Well, Cullen Bunn gives you a taste of that in his new comic.

I enjoyed this first issue from Cullen Bunn and reminds me of some old horror films. Small town check, feud between two families check, and supernatural occurrences that happen check. This issue centers on our main character R.F. Coven and gets you acquainted with the characters that live in the town of “Spider Creek”. Even a feud happens between two rival families, the Whatleys and Stubbs, which takes center stage later on in the issue. The story wasn’t that bad and eases you into it while building suspense along the way. There’s a lot of exposition going on in this issue which some people may not enjoy, but there’s enough to know what’s going on and why it’s needed. Also, you don’t get the full story of how or why certain characters have been turned into monsters but by next issue, I hope there’s an explanation on how it happens.

The art by Drew Moss is phenomenal and works well with Bunn’s story. The characters and creatures look very compelling. I know I wouldn’t want to have a massive migration of tarantulas cross my path or living dead frogs in a bucket. You do get a little blood and guts, but it’s more subtle in this issue. Moss does a great job on the scenery and creates some interesting atmosphere. Some of the characters do look a bit off in some panels, but it doesn’t hurt that art at all. Nick Filardi comes in for colors and it works here. The colors he uses, enhances the look and give more depth to the art that’s on display. It certainly makes things a bit creepier.

Overall, this was a good first issue that set’s up our story and characters. The art and colors are great which helps set the tone the story. The issue does lack in scares and there’s a lot of exposition, but I’m curious if the next issue will improve upon this first issue.

4 marching tarantulas out of 5