Written by Pat Shand
Illustrated by Renzo Rodriguez
Published by Black Mask Studios
This is a new horror series from Black Mask Studios! The first issue is pretty much all set up, but what a set up! Once it gets going it becomes a thrill a minute!
The story starts off with an introduction to Scout Turner. She is a cryptozoologist who examines and makes notes on supernatural creatures.
In the opening scene, she is picking up her Albuterol inhaler from a pharmacy. It’s a nice introduction to the character. Shand was smart to begin the book like this. It tells the reader a lot about the character with one simple scene.
Then we see Scout arriving to work. There is a bit of dialogue with a security guard. The dialogue isn’t forced.
In fact, it’s completely natural. Shand is a smart writer and really makes his book flow easily. Nothing feels stilted in the dialogue. Some other comic book writers should take note on how it’s done. Shand does a great job and it should be mentioned.
The book continues along until Scout starts to examine a new breed of monster. She finds out that the venom in this particular creature is actually the cure for asthma. Talk about raising the stakes and making it personal!
Scout then finds herself on the run quickly thereafter from the monsters and from Kenilworth Pharmaceuticals. After the first issue, it becomes very fast paced.
Issue two doesn’t let up! The opening sequence is Scout trying to escape from a monster. It’s a scene that is so exciting I was reading it on the edge of my seat! And the second issue ends on a high note leaving you wanting the rest of the story as soon as possible!
The story is very good and the art by Rodriguez is pretty damn solid. I’m not sold on the creature designs (it looks a little too much like Giger leftovers for my tastes). That minor complaint aside, this is a solid series that I will be reading until the end!
RATING: B+
