Creepy #5 – Review

By: Timothy Truman, Benjamin Truman, David Lapham, Dan Braun & Doug Moench (writers), T. Truman, Lapham, Lucas Marangon & Mike Vosburg (artists), Nate Piekos (letters), Shawna Gore & Dave Land (editors)

The Story: Uncle Creepy is back with 4 new black and white tales of horror.

What’s Good: There is just something about B&W horror comics.  Because Creepy is an anthology that comes out quarterly, it never has rushed looking art and there is almost never a need for separate inkers.  That means that the art for each story is nothing but the vision of the artist creating the story.  Further, B&W allows the linework to shine through in a pure manner that is not possible with colored comics.  If these artists want a shadow, they damn well better get out the fine nibs and some ink rather than just letting the colorist render a dark spot on the characters.  Creepy is a complete throwback and really makes me wish we had more B&W comics on the shelf.

All the stories in this issue are somewhere between “solid” and “quite good.”  First, Benjamin and Timothy Truman team-up on a story of a tribal shaman who must venture to the underworld to fight a demon and save her child.  This story is probably the artistic star of the issue as the linework is just wonderfully nuanced and Buscema-like.  Next up is the best story of the issue: a tale by David Lapham of how some farmers will go to any length to have a prize winning crop.  Third is a very short interlude-type story about cults in the United States.  And, we wrap up with a Doug Moench & Mike Vosburg story about a man who gets what was coming to him.  All in all, this is a pretty solid batch of stories for a horror anthology.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From the Past Week: Unwritten #23 – This series has now strung together 4 very powerful issues in a row and that puts it squarely back on my A-list of titles.  The art in this issue was wonderful.  Some pages made your hand cramp just seeing the detailed inking.  The revelations about Tom Taylor’s nature are coming fast now and that probably means that this series is building towards a climax.  Grab the last few issues and get caught up!  Runner-up: Bomb Queen vs. Hack/Slash One-Shot

Most Anticipated: Creepy #5 – Bless Dark Horse for bringing back this horror anthology!  I have no idea what kinds of stories we’re going to get this time, but they are always just the ticket if your’re seeking some good, old-fashioned B&W horror stories (often with wonderful ‘Oh, Henry!’ moments).  The only problem with this series thus far is the release schedule.  Why can’t this be a monthly series?

Other picks: Haunt #14, Lorna Relic Wrangler #1, Marineman #4, FF #1, Hulk #31, Neonomicon #4

Ray’s Top Picks

Best From the Past Week: Amazing Spider-Man #656 – Shame on you if you aren’t reading this book. ASM has consistently stayed on the top of my “read first” list. Nine issues in, and Dan Slott has yet to disappoint.

Most Anticipated: Batman Incorporated #4 – After stops in Japan and Argentina, it’s good to finally have the Dark Knight back home. But what I’m mostly looking forward to with this book is his team-up with Batwoman. After word got out this month that Batwoman’s return to the shelves have been delayed once again, it’s nice to know that there will be a Kate Kane sighting tomorrow.

Other Picks: Hulk #31, Batman: The Dark Knight #2, Green Lantern #64, Captain America: Man Out of Time #5, Captain American #615.1, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #156, Uncanny X-Force #6