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Phantasmagoria #1
- Writer:
- El Torres
- Artist:
- Joe Bocardo
- Letterer:
- Juan Torres
- Cover Artist:
- Joe Bocardo
- Publisher:
- Scout Comics, Black Caravan
- Price:
- $4.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-09-07
- Colorist:
- Joe Bocardo
In a medium largely dominated by capes, cowls, and crime dramas, there's always room for more horror in comics. Released under Scout Comics' Black Caravan imprint, Phantasmagoria #1 by writer El Torres, artist Joe Bocardo, and letterer Juan Torres introduces readers to the spookiest side of the Victorian era. With a smorgasbord of fiendish fodder and ghoulish guile, it's a book that's tough to pin down upon first viewing.
The issue introduces the Victorian London setting, the possession of Jane Grantley, and the violent consequences of this unholy alliance. After the initial slaughter spree, she is saved by Professor Francis Hawke. The elderly character is like the Abraham Van Helsing of the story. He possesses infinite wisdom about these events and reveals the truth to Jane about the evil entity that lived inside of her. However, this is only the start of the terror, as the tale unravels further and the threads spiral outwards to generate more questions and possibilities.
Torres' story elements and premises aren't entirely unique here; however, the combination of familiar archetypes and the sequence of events is sure to pique horror fans' interest. While there's a certain familiarity in the horror tropes utilized, such as the Captain Howdy spider-like movements and the creepy porcelain dolls, El Torres definitely introduces some intriguing ideas. It's still too early to tell what exactly is unfolding in Phantasmagoria, but the story does more than enough to inspire the reader to pick up the second issue to find out more.
Bocardo infuses the book with a timeless and haunting art style. The black-and-white approach forces the artist to put more emphasis and boldness on designs, which pays off since the panels and scenes pop with an unbridled vivaciousness. Bocardo's way of showcasing the night's fog, in particular, captivates the eye from the get-go. His version of the Victorian era is reminiscent of the scenic shots from Universal Studios' legendary monster movies, especially Tod Browning's Dracula, which transports the reader to another era of horror.
Without the color, Torres' lettering works even harder, as the sudden spikes in speech design and special effects reel in the audience. For example, the opening page of Phantasmagoria #1 showcases the aftermath of Jane's massacre, with each panel revealing more of the crime scene. Throughout this sequence, there's only one constant on the page: the sound of "bong" from the clock that strikes 12 in the background. It's something subtle and inconspicuous, but it helps to set the mood and lure the reader into the grim atmosphere of the book.
While Phantasmagoria #1 doesn't fly out of the gates with an instant classic feeling or a novel idea that will redefine the horror genre, there are indications that this is a slow burner, and the reader needs to exercise a little patience here. For those who enjoy literary horror tales set in the Victorian era, it will strike an immediate chord. For everyone else, the art alone makes this a book worth checking out.