The web of pain and sorrow grows.
What They Say:
The case that Oxel couldn’t give up on has sucked him in deeper as he looks for answers. But why? Not for money, not even for curiosity, so why? What sins can he hope to uncover—or wash away?
The Review: (please note that content portions of review may contain spoilers)
Oxel’s investigation progresses as he meets with the mother of Mike, the boy whose death seemed to have sparked the suicide of his old college friends’ son Curtis. To say the meeting doesn’t go as well as could have been hoped may be a sizable understatement as Mike’s mother is still a bundle of raw nerves, constantly hurt by the events and suspicious that she is going to be made the scapegoat by Steph (Curtis’s mother) as to why Curtis committed suicide. Fortunately before Mike’s mother throws him out Oxel finds what appears to be a heck of a clue as to what may lie behind the events that lead to Mike’s suicide and it increases his desire to talk to Curtis’s grandfather Jeff. But is Oxel going to be able to track down the man who has been living on the streets for some time now and who seems to be having his own break with reality or will Oxel’s line of questioning go as cold as the weather outside?
The first issue in the series wasn’t exactly the best introduction to things as entering from there left one starting at a disadvantage as the series actually starts with a #0 issue that sets up much of the events (which itself collects the three part miniseries that ran in Darkhorse Comics Presents) to the point that a reader starting from there could be forgiven for just dropping the series if all they saw was issue #1. But if one did stop there they are missing being able to watch the second issue as it plays with a depth of human emotions, psychology and drama that is rare in many forms of entertainment today, let alone comics in general that tend to focus more on the splashier aspects that draw the eye than human failings and struggles in their more subtle forms.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect that the comic reveals is found in the intelligence and introspection of its protagonist Oxel. While the idea of a rather intelligent individual trapped inside a deformed body is centuries old few writers go beyond just trying to surprise the audience by not matching the character’s brutish exterior with a similar interior. Arcudi doesn’t just go with the typical route of adding intelligence and observation to his character by the also includes the ability for Oxel to look himself with some impressive clarity while also recognizing how to use that and his other natural talents to get the most out of (some might even say almost manipulate) those around them. Watching Oxel as he deals with those around him is impressive but it is his recognition of his own circumstances that give him an amazing touch that causes the character to really shine.
And it isn’t just through Oxel that the story stands out as watching as he deals with the people around him and their reactions from the disgust some have at his appearance or the reflection they think he is projecting on them but is really their own underlying insecurities popping out makes for a book that shows signs the author really has a fairly firm grasp on humanity and a good deal of its flaws as well as strengths which adds a depth to the interactions between the various characters as they struggle to deal with the ongoing events. When juxtaposed to another character and the break with reality that they seem to be having as well as Mike’s mother and her wild swings when she thinks she is being blamed that reveals just how on edge she is the book delivers a punch with its various characters and their psychological underpinnings that makes for an uncommon yet fantastic read.
In Summary:
Having missed out on the comic that set the stage for the events the first issue created the grounds for the first issue to be a letdown but when it is combined with the second issue events start to come into focus as John Arcudi weaves his tale of sorrow, loss and pain wrapped up in some incredibly human characters with all their foibles as well as the distance they sometimes create between themselves and reality in order to escape the crushing weight it has on them. Having missed the initial set up story I was close to dropping the series after the first issue but with the addition of a second entry to help set a foundation I now find that The Creep has almost reached a point where not only is it in contention to be one of the most poignant stories of the year but one that almost reaches the status of being one of the best titles of the year period- and that is taking into account missing the set up. If Arcudi can keep this level of writing up The Creep is on pace to be one of the gem titles released this year and certainly deserves a look from those with an interest in human stories with a noir like mystery touch.
Grade: B+
