Review: William R. Davis Jr.
Wayward is a 5 issue limited horror series that can be purchased on comixpress. Issues one through four are now on sale, with the fifth and concluding issue coming soon.
The world of Wayward takes place in a haunted boys dormitory, and this book is as dark as it gets. This is mainly due to the artist's style, that puts the story in an almost foggy, Orwellian, nightmare. There are barely any backgrounds at all, and the characters seem to float like apparitions lost in a pool of black. They are as cryptic as their creator, whose name changes from issue to issue. Although I met the creator of this book personally, he really has no discernible identity.
Until issue three, there are no solid backgrounds at all. It is an innovative concept, but ultimately distracting. While this is a unique book for all of the reasons listed above, the art detracts from the already confused, disjointed story. The book does not tow that fine line between great spartanistic style and a coherent story.
The characters lack development. After three issues I cannot tell you character names, or really anything relevant at all regarding their background. Good horror comics are able to get the reader invested in the characters, and then their untimely deaths actually carry weight. With Wayward there really isn't that much to love in terms of the story. But for the following reasons I will be purchasing ish 5 when it goes on sale.
One: Out of a morbid curiosity, and an appreciation for the uniqueness that this one brings to the table. Two: There is also that crippling OCD of having four issues in a five issue series that I am currently struggling to cure. Wayward is ultimately a dismal effort to date. The issues do progressively get better, but the improvements are minor, and the art was in the ICU unit from jump street. In true HCB fashion, I have to say that it's still not as bad as Before Watchmen. Fuck Before Watchmen.
No comments:
Post a Comment