Red Room #1 (Fantagraphics) is undeniably effective as an exploration of timely themes while steadily building its suspenseful tension. Writer/artist Ed Piskor dabbles in cyberpunk, crime, horror, and family drama for a mesmerizing thriller.
Plot: “Aided by the anonymous dark web and nearly untraceable crypto-currency, there has emerged a subculture of criminals who live-stream and patronize webcam murders for entertainment. Who are the murderers? Who are the victims? How do we stop it?”
Here are 5 reasons why you should read Red Room #1:
5) A Love Letter To VHS movie Rental Stores!
In our exclusive interview, Piskor explained the plot: “It’s a comic created from the mind of someone who grew up in VHS movie rental stores, who played lots of Mortal Kombat, and who was hanging out with nerdy friends on weekend nights when Joe Bob Briggs was the host of Monstervision on TNT.”
4) The Writing!
At the emotional core of the story, Davis and Bree-Bree struggle to get along as father/daughter. Davis is out of his league because he depended on his late wife to handle the child-rearing. Bree-Bree is left to grief alone ever since her mother passed away. The relationship between the two feels commonplace in today’s society and relatable.
3) The Artwork!
The stylish look of the splatter punk outlaws come from various influences. Their masks are shaped from a mixture of BDSM, poker cards, and slasher movies. When the page jumps into the chat room, readers get to view the comments section, the camera feed, and the tips all at once.
2) The Colors!
The black and white colors add so much shadowy details to the characters. The face and spikes on Mistress Pentagram stand out because of the black hues. Readers will feel Davis’ sadness at one point when his body is covered in a silhouette.
1) A Fantastic Read!
Red Room #1 will grab the reader’s attention right from the first page. I am already hooked with the characters of Red Room and I cannot wait for the second issue.
Red Room #1 arrives in stores on May 19th.