Never underestimate the pessimist … sometimes they might surprise you!
Creative Staff:
Writers: Ralph Tedesco & Pat Shand
Artwork: Julius Abrera
Colors: Jorge Cortes & Slamet Mujiono
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
In this all-new horrifying tale of a mysterious haunting, the Spirit Hunters investigate an apartment building where local women are disappearing. However, as they get closer to finding out the disturbing truth, one of their own vanishes… Don’t miss this thrilling installment of Zenescope’s monthly dose of paranormal investigation!
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
After the trauma of the previous case, Ellen is still shaky from her experience, so Dr. Chase decides to send the rest of the team to the latest event in Montana. He believes if there is any type of supernatural activity, he can handle the situation, rather than subjecting her to any more stress. It is a haunted apartment building in the city of Missoula, but of course, when Vera tries to explain the circumstances to Curtis and Ferguson, the former begins to chime in with his own skepticism; he starts to wonder if their resident spiritualist is faking her condition, however the ex-cop stops him before saying something he might further regret. It is only by recalling the wounds on Ellen’s arms does the boy begin to lament his foolish remarks.
But once they arrive at the location, it is only then does the crew realize something strange is occurring at the structure. Cell phone signals are poor or non existent, one of the neighbors is a bit too friendly and there seems to be a presence here, which even an inexperienced Vera can sense. When the guys interview the only witness, her father is hesitant to allow any outsiders from bothering his daughter, but the mother welcomes the guests. The teenager didn’t see anyone with her in the elevator, but did feel like something was watching her; as she left the chamber, it seemed as if someone was calling her name, but when she didn’t answer, a force hurled the poor girl across the hall. While she wasn’t hurt, the victim also could tell that the apparition did not mean her any harm, even after such a violent confrontation. However, once they arrived at the rented room, Vera wasn’t there, which was unusual since she said would be ordering dinner and checking in with the doctor. It is only now that Ferg and Curtis began to get worried … and perhaps with good reason.
In Summary:
This issue is one of the more gratifying stories from the series: we finally we get to see that cocky kid humbled and put in his place. And it is all thanks to Ralph Tedesco and Pat Shand that we as the audience get to see Dr. Chase’s nephew, the resident skeptic of the team, unveiled to what happens on the other side of the cases. From the very start Curtis was the naysayer of the group, the only one who the others questioned as to why he had joined them, aside from an excuse of him staying with his relative. Everyone else had a connection with the good doctor, either from attending one of his lectures or being a close friend from past experiences, but this boy was the odd one out. Although now, after this little escapade, perhaps the pessimist will have a more open mind … either that or he will be even more dubious as to the investigations after to this event. Whatever the outcome, this character was and is still the anchor of the group, casting a shadow of doubt on everything they see – in a way, shining a light of reality upon the supernatural. While he can be annoying sometimes, it is that same openness of thinking which is refreshing, but also can be discouraging for his friends and to the readers themselves.
But whichever way you might think of the story, it is Julius Abrera’s beautifully elaborate artwork which brings this narrative alive … so to speak. His attention to detail draws the viewer into the tale, while the expressiveness that is etched upon each character’s face communicates the emotion of the scenes without unnecessary words. Each panel is a delight to see as he focuses on a factor from the scene, bringing out the most tension without being too gory. However, when that crimson splatter is needed, it is thanks to the talents of Jorge Cortes and Slamet Mujiono that nothing is left to chance. They bring a decisive mood to the issue, all thanks to their skill in wielding the digital paintbrush, casting a shadow where needed and highlighting the appropriate element to bring out the best of an actor – whether it be a sadistic grin or the bright red of Vera’s rose tattoo. But of course, the best parts of the issue were the phantoms: the ghostly sinisterness which Abrera created with these ghoulish specters is so eerie and yet, they would be nothing without the thoughtful lack of color by Cortes and Mujiono; too much tone would spoil their deathly pallor, but at the same time, not enough emphasis on what mattered in the scene would have ruined the unearthly presence which Abrera worked to hard to illustrate. It is this balance which brought the right amount of creepiness to the narrative and the staying power to remind the reader that there might be something that does go bump in the night.
While the main characters of Ellen and Dr. Chase were missing from the story, this issue proves that a well crafted tale can overcome even those deficiencies. Vera, Ferguson and Curtis have always been backup to the dual protagonists of this title, but now that it is proven they can close a case without their help, maybe we will see more of this trio? Or if that is too much, at least allow us to see them develop more than just sitting on the sidelines, waiting for someone to interviewed or request for information. That is boring and with people this appealing, an absolute waste.
Grade: A
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: February 15, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
