Children are the key … to both horror and freedom.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Ralph Tedesco
Artwork: Joe Sanchez Diaz
Colors: Jorge Cortes
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
Years ago, detective Jerome Ferguson was on a case that took a turn for the supernatural, permanently changing the way he viewed life, or the lack thereof. Now, years later, that same case has come back to haunt him, in the most literal sense. In this all-new terrifying story, the Spirit Hunters investigate a gruesome mystery at a haunted condo.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
It seemed like a normal afternoon as Ferg checked in with the rest of the team, until he received a call he came to dread. Four years ago when he was still in the NYPD, he and his partner Pete we answering a domestic disturbance call at a local condominium; Jerome had been to the location before under similar circumstances, but when he investigated the home, there was nothing to be found. Now with this current incident, he let his friend take the lead, however this time things were much more unsettling than the previous occurrences. When a scream echoed through the hallway, they kicked the door in and were stunned to see a man’s bloody corpse before them and after looking up, the wife was floating above, asking them to save her child; still too awe struck to react, the two policemen could do nothing as they watched in horror as the woman was thrown against the ceiling and wall, before violently collapsing in an unconscious heap. While Ferg examined the bodies, Pete found a little girl who wandered into the room, but when he tried to comfort her, the unsettled child suddenly flew backwards, as if thrown by an unseen force. Immediately afterwards, Pete found himself gasping for breath, until he and Ferg were pitched about the furnishings of the home like rag dolls, unable to do anything.
When Ferg did wake up, he learned his partner had died, as did the parents, but the little girl was now in a coma and has been since that day. Shortly after being discharged from the hospital, he left the force and returned to that place when he learned a new family had rented the condo. Although he tried to warn them of that strange event, they refused to believe him … until now. It was only when the new tenant’s son started displaying strange symptoms did she decide to call him, but it may be too late. Debra’s husband tried to calm his child, but instead was answered by being thrown out the window; he is now in serious condition, but Nicholas still has yet to recover, even after they took him to several medical institutions and then told they could to nothing for him. She is now desperate and has no one else to turn to aside from Ferguson and the team, but can even they save these lost children?
In Summary:
Finally we get what I was hoping for – the truth behind Ferguson’s open mind in accepting the existence of spirits and a real history behind his traumatic past. Writer Ralph Tedesco has joyously given us the story I have always wanted since this series began, about the man who I considered the big brother of the group; no matter what kind of monstrosity they were facing, Ferg always stepped in and helped, whether it was to save someone or lend an open ear if they wanted to talk. It is his caring personality which I liked most amongst all the characters, he will not judge anyone if they don’t believe in the supernatural, like Curtis, but is willing to give them a chance to prove themselves. This charming persona can also be looked upon like a favorite uncle, always willing to aid no matter the situation, even if he knows it will not end well, he does not hesitate. He is, in short, the glue which keeps them together, and while Dr. Chase may be the scientific backbone, Jerome is the emotional core, allowing everyone their own space but willing to step in if anyone gets out of line, like a certain nephew. Ferg is someone who brightens the room when he steps in, and I am glad to see Tedesco give him equal time with a heartfelt narrative, but only wish he was able to help more than to rely on Ellen and her spirt world empathy.
However, even with this marvelous narrative, somehow what usually saves an issue this time spoils it with what I can only describe as cartoony imagery. It is not a forceful opening page of tragedy that catches your eye, but instead the reader focuses on the bright yellow CRASH, an effect which seems more suitable for a superhero comic book. Artist Joe Sanchez Diaz’s art style is reminiscent of Archie Comics, with cheerfully optimistic faces and forced smiles, but then when you add those over the top effects – it effectively spoils any tension built from previous panels, ruining what could have been a great story. Then add to the tragedy Jorge Cortes’ overly bright, almost at times neon coloring, for an issue which should have used a toned down palette of organic hues. When you think of Zenescope, the impression loyal fans make is a collection of horror tales with somber illustrations, captivating the reader by the use pensive coloring which magnify those powerful images. Even when the tale does require luminous shades, they are never offensive but keep their solemnity by dampening the intensity. That is not the case this time, with misplaced blocks of color for emphasis, sickly intense skin tones, oddly radiant scenes of darkness and the overuse of comic effects, this artistic duo ruins what could have been an insightful story about Ferg and instead turns it into, I am sorry to say, a fiasco.
Jerome Ferguson is a New York policeman who encountered his first supernatural haunting four years ago, and that tragedy now returns to terrify his memories of the present. Tedesco gave us an impressive telling of that tale, but thanks to a lackluster example of ill-fitting art by Diaz and Cortes, what could have been an exceptional story has now turned into a nightmare. I just hope that the next issue will be able to resurrect this promising series.
Grade: C+
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: May 17th, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
