HAUNT #1

Writers: Todd McFarlane, Robert Kirkman

Artwork: Greg Capullo (layouts), Todd McFarlaine (inks), Ryan Ottley (pencils)

Publisher: Image

Greg's Review:

        To paraphrase the cover blurb: “Here comes McFarlane again” – but not solo McFarlane, this time. “Haunt” is a story from Todd McFarlane and Robert Kirkman, with art by Greg Capullo [layouts], Ryan Ottley [pencils] and – would you believe (hard, isn’t it!) – McFarlane on inks. Colour is by FCO [yeah, that’s right: “FCO”] Plascencia.

        The characters are quickly introduced (in good storytelling mode) by their actions. We first meet Daniel Kilgore (a disenchanted – for what reason we don’t know at this stage – Roman Catholic priest) and then his brother, Kurt Kilgore, a secret Government undercover operative. Kurt fails in his mission of capturing a sadistic scientist, Dr Shillinger, from “the enemy” by the simple fact that he kills him instead, because of the disgusting experiments the scientist has been conducting on humans. This action ultimately seals Kurt’s fate.

        Subsequent to his return from the mission, he is pursued by “an organisation” (origins unknown at this stage) and ultimately killed when he will not assist them to recover the dead scientist’s notebook. This notebook, it appears, has been recovered by an seemingly “enhanced” female operative: she could be either the product of one of Shillinger’s more successful experiments or from some other unknown organization. [Only time will tell!]

        Unfortunately for our disenchanted priest Daniel, Kurt’s “ghost” comes back to haunt him, and in a time of danger, the two brothers merge to form the title character, “Haunt.”

        “Haunt” wreaks havoc on those trying to kill Daniel and capture Kurt’s wife, Amanda: decapitations and blood abound. Yes, Todd McFarlane is definitely back!

        The concept is great, and I can’t wait to see where the story is going.

        Artwork is seriously good: there are hard black-ink lines and soft grey-ink lines that help to establish a softness that contrasts with the harshness of the story. FCO (apparently a guy) has used colour well to create mood and setting changes.

        The cover by McFarlane and FCO is basic; it smarts of previous imagery seen: a Spiderman pose is one that comes to mind. If this is the biggest fault I can find with this comic, I don’t think I have too much to worry about!

        Bring on “Haunt” # 2!

Story: **** (out of 5)

Artwork: **** (out of 5)

Concept: ***** (out of 5)

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