By Svetlana Fedotov
Comic anthologies are hard to pull off, especially when all it takes is one bad story to drag the whole thing down. I’ve read plenty collaborated works consisting of a mixed bag of good and bad art and good and bad script, which, unfortunately for the entire publication, will force what could’ve been an A+ project into a C+ “at least they tried.” With the revival of Creepy by Dark Horse Comics, I am proud to say that this horror compilation has solid consistency in both the written and illustrated aspects, creating an all-around solid read. With contributions from underground talent, old school monster creators, and sexy, foreign artists, Creepy brings back the horror anthology to what it should be: original stories of the most lurid nature!
Creepy #18 is no straggler when it comes to tingly tales of terror, opening up on a strange little story exploring the death of Edgar Allen Poe and his real-life rival Rufus Wilmont Griswold, who spent years tarnishing the Poe name only to make the man much more famous in his death then he ever was in life. Following that is a story of one-upmanship that ends poorly for both competitors, hilariously drawn and written by indy legend Peter Bagge. Soon, we creep onto a new story by Swamp Thing visionary Len Wein about a man and his slave as they traverse the wild desert, which leads into the next vile tale of the shortest villainy reign ever seen on paper. Of course, always eager to end on a strong note, the issue’s last tale, “Over the River to Charlie” – well, it’s just too gruesome to spoil. I would hate to ruin the surprise.
As stated, this work is a perfect example of the right talent and the right writing working together to provide a collected vision of the macabre. While no art or writing style is alike, each unique voice is fully developed and only adds to the “taste test” vibe of the comic. All the contributors are already recognized as solid creators in their own right, so it’s pretty awesome to see them all come together like this. Also, I love the fact that they got some of the older, original talent on the beast, such as Len Wein and Luis Bremejo, who helped originate this type of moralistic, Goth horror in the first place. It’s nice to see that talent has no expiration date; it only ages, like cheese or wine!
Anyway, if you’re looking for some old school vibe with some new (and vintage) school talent, hustle down to your local comic store and pick up the latest Creepy. Every issue will bring you new and exciting tales to titillate you late into the night! Bwa ha ha!