The Crow, IDW

With the holidays just around the corner, The Crow: Hark The Herald (IDW Publishing) is an effective survival thriller that expertly juggles the themes of hope and despair. Not only does the one-shot special bring fresh and creative ideas into the franchise, Hark The Herald dives into what holiday classics are all about!

Every year, a group of six people gather for Christmas in a cabin in the far North Woods of Wisconsin. But this isn’t your average bickering nuclear family—these are six of the most prolific killers in North America.

Here are 5 reasons why you should read The Crow: Hark The Herald:

5) Cecilia Rite!

The Crow: Hark The Herald

I’m going to keep saying this till my throat hurts! In order to rejuvenate the franchise, The Crow should be female! Just like Iris Shaw in Flesh & Blood, Hark The Herald presents a strong female with Cecilia Rite who seeks violent retribution. Cecilia Rite stands out in her own way as she uses her bow and arrows, instead of guns, in the narrative.

4) The Writing!

Writer Tim Seeley jumps back and forth in the timeline, displaying Cecilia Rite’s personality before and after her resurrection. Using the holidays as the backdrop, Seeley twists the revenge thriller and asks a philosophical question, Does forgiveness matter? Letterer Will Cook  spotlights each personality of the six assassins, providing them with their own voice.

3) The Art!

Artist Meredith Lexton uses the winter setting to the story’s advantage. The imagery of Cecilia aiming her arrow, with the snow falling in the background, heightens the dramatic effect. Notice how the jagged lines on Cecilia’s face serve as a metaphor for her mind being cracked. 

2) The Colors!

Colorist Katrina Mae Hao uses the white tones to emphasize the coldness of Cecilia’s black heart. The blankets of snow remove the primary tones and bring a darker edge to the story. Before Cecilia was murdered, the colors are bouncy and bright, along with the Christmas decorations. 

1) A Thrilling Read!

A stylish revenge thriller, The Crow: Hark The Herald brings a whole new level of supernatural  and action to the franchise. There are so much more stories to tell with The Crow.

The Crow: Hark The Herald is in stores now.

By Jorge Solis