Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Where Monsters Dwell #1
Marvel Comics
Ennis, Braun & Almara
Garth Ennis dusts off some old MAX imprint characters in this Secret Wars spin-off series. To read the comic book you wouldn't realize it is at all related to Secret Wars. Ennis uses strong character work and a good hook at the end to capture the reader's attention and bring them back for more next issue. This comic might not be required reading for Secret Wars but it was very entertaining. I recommend picking this up.
The comic is divided into three parts basically. The first part introduces the reader to the lead character, Karl Kaufmann. He's a sleazy, ex-WWI pilot living in the southeast Pacific Rim. Karl has been shacking up with a native girl who is now pregnant. In true cowardly fashion he lies to the woman's face and then bolts out the back door.
The second part of the comic gives the reader a glimpse into another side of his personality. Unable to pay for parts for his plane, Karl finds a young and attractive woman willing to pay for passage to a nearby city. Karl can't pass up the chance to take someone's money, especially when he owes someone else. He also can't miss out on the potentially to bed another woman.
The third part of the comic book is the chase scene. Things go wrong on the flight and the wide-eyed, naïve passenger, Clemmie, is suddenly not just another damsel in distress. The comic ends with the pair in one of the lands of Battleworld as it relates to Secret Wars.
The comic book is very good. It's a small cast and Ennis provides great personalities to the characters with ease. The book contains ample enough action and definitely presents an interesting fish-out-of-water situation for the characters going forward. It's hard to say what the target is for the book though. If comic sticks with a character-driven comic then the audience potential might be limited. However, if Ennis has other characters waiting to enter the fray then the book might have some legs on it.
Braun is terrific on art. Karl is a slimy character and Braun nails the facial expressions. The range from smirking scam artist to puppy-dog lover boy eyes to sheer shock while flying are a few examples where Braun gives the reader a little something extra in the reading experience. The comic book presents a great chase sequence towards the back of the comic book that is also enhanced with the flow that Braun lays out. The only quibble I would have with the art is that the facial expression doesn't seem to match the scene where the one character appears to be decapitated. I couldn't tell if it was a grimace or a smile.
Where Monsters Dwell may not be on your list this week. It's not one of the marquee comics, but does come with some heavy hitter creators. The comic is a very good one that stays away from Secret Wars as much as possible but links it to those events enough so that it can fit in with the event. Ennis delivers a character-driven story that has plenty of personality, while Braun delivers details and lively artwork that captures the emotions perfectly. This is a comic book that is worth checking out for those curious about what it's all about. Those looking to complete the read for Secret Wars then this comic doesn't appear to be essential reading. I recommend the book regardless.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
