(Courtesy of Image Comics)
With a jaw-dropping twist, readers will absolutely be raving about Jordie Bellaire and Vanesa R. Del Rey’s Redlands #1 (Image Comics). A great introduction to a shocking thriller, horror fans should definitely get their hands on this chilling issue.
The first installment introduces readers to the sleepy, sunny town of Redlands, Florida. The police are failing to maintain control of their old-fashioned town. Their problems are just starting though. A coven of killer witches plan to take everything from them.
Here are 5 reasons why you should read Redlands #1:
5) Southern Gothic Horror!
The REDLANDS witches take over—#1 rushed back to print same day as launch @whoajordie @VDelRey https://t.co/wfTlc6Im6g
— Image Comics (@ImageComics) August 9, 2017
Writer Jordie Bellaire has put together a thought-provoking tale of Southern Gothic horror. Not only do we get the chills and scares, the narrative carries a biting social commentary. Trapped in one building, check out who is sticking around upstairs and who is hiding downstairs. Notice how the story does not say racism, and actually shows the characters committing these prejudices.
4) The Artwork!
Making great use of its one setting, artist Vanesa R. Del Rey captures the shadowy imagery from a burning tree. Notice how everything is a dark background surrounding the police station except for the one light source. Using just a red tone, I love how Bellaire heightens the suspense when the lights inside the police station goes out.
3) The ‘70s!
Learning to paint in VR pic.twitter.com/sxDkwZ0WYh
— Vanesa R. Del Rey (@VDelRey) March 18, 2017
Interestingly, I feel the comic is perfectly set in the ‘70s. The character designs, especially with the wardrobe and the sheriff’s mustache, fit the time period. The sweltering Florida heat reflects the boiling tensions within the supporting ensemble.
2) The Plot Twist!
I don’t want to say too much about the plot twist, except that it’s definitely a kicker.
1) An Enjoyable Read!
REDLANDS #1—The police are failing to keep control. Killer witches plan to take everything. #NewComicsDay preview: https://t.co/fAlKRPhAyw pic.twitter.com/IIFv4rwCiZ
— Image Comics (@ImageComics) August 8, 2017
A nail-biting read, Redlands #1 unfolds with surprises and scares one page at a time. Now that Jordie Bellaire and Vanesa R. Del Rey have set up their premise, I’m really looking forward to what happens next in the followup issue.
Rating:
Three out of four emojis
Redlands #1 arrives in stores on August 9, 2017.
– By Jorge Solis