ARKHAM HORROR: THE TERROR AT THE END OF TIME #1 / Script by CULLEN BUNN / Art by ANDREA MUTTI / Colors by VALERIO ALLORO / Letters by HASSAN OTSMAN-ELHAOU / Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE / Published by DARK HORSE COMICS
Arkham Horror: The Terror at the End of Time #1 delivers an atmospheric and chilling introduction to the Arkham Horror series, taking us into the heart of a Lovecraftian nightmare. Penned by Cullen Bunn, renowned for his expertise in the horror genre, this issue captures the eerie essence of the universe it inhabits while offering a fresh take on its narrative themes. Bunn, whose previous work includes acclaimed titles like Harrow County and The Sixth Gun, brings his signature style to Arkham Horror, blending the macabre with the mundane to create a story that is as unsettling as it is compelling.
The comic kicks off with a palpable sense of unease, immersing us in a world teetering on the brink of madness. The plot starts as a missing persons investigation involving cult activity, then quickly shifts focus to a mysterious artifact. Bunn’s writing has a deliberate pace, allowing the tension to build naturally and effectively. This is not a story that rushes to reveal its secrets; it luxuriates in the unknown.
From the first page, we’re thrown into the world of a 1920s party. The jazz is swinging, the champagne is flowing, and the people are beautiful and carefree – or so it seems. Enter Jenny Barnes, our plucky protagonist who’s the life of the party but carries the weight of her sister Izzie’s mysterious disappearance like a string of pearls around her neck. Jenny is no damsel in distress; she’s a woman with a mission, and that mission involves uncovering the truth behind her sister’s vanishing act. And let me tell you, it’s not your average missing person case.
Jenny enlists the help of Joe Diamond, a hard-boiled detective who’s as skeptical as they come. Joe’s seen his fair share of crazy, but even he’s not prepared for the dark and twisted path he’s about to tread. Their partnership crackles with tension and wit, reminiscent of classic noir detective duos but with a Lovecraftian twist. Joe is the voice of reason, trying to keep his feet on the ground while the world around him goes topsy-turvy with occult weirdness.
Speaking of weirdness, the comic plunges us headfirst into the shadowy underbelly of Arkham. There’s talk of cults, creepy rituals, and sinister figures lurking in the background. Abigail Olmstead, a name whispered in fear, seems to be at the heart of it all. She’s got ties to a cult that’s wrapped tighter around Arkham than a boa constrictor on a bad day. The suspense is palpable, and the plot thickens like a pot of New England clam chowder.
Artistically, Arkham Horror is a feast for the eyes. The artwork by Andrea Mutti is richly detailed, bringing the 1920s to life with a sinister flair. Mutti’s illustrations perfectly complement Bunn’s narrative, capturing the haunting beauty and eerie atmosphere of Arkham with precision. Valerio Alloro’s colors enhance the mood with a palette that shifts seamlessly between the opulence of the era and the lurking dread beneath. But don’t get too comfortable – there’s darkness beneath that Art Deco facade, and it’s waiting to pull you under.
The pacing is spot-on, seamlessly blending moments of introspection with heart-pounding surprise. Just when you think you have a handle on the situation, the story tosses you a curveball that leaves you gasping for air. The balance between supernatural horror and detective noir is handled with precision, ensuring that neither element overshadows the other.
What sets this issue apart is the dialogue, which reads like a finely-tuned radio drama. The characters speak with an eloquence and rhythm that is both nostalgic and engaging, capturing the cadence of a bygone era. It adds an additional layer of authenticity to the narrative, grounding it firmly in its 1920s setting. The dialogue is more than just function; it serves as a vehicle for character development and adds depth to the already richly woven tapestry of the story.
As Jenny and Joe delve deeper into the mystery, they find themselves tangled in a web of time, where the past and present collide in ways they never imagined. The discovery of an ancient relic adds a tantalizing layer of intrigue to the story. This artifact isn’t just a trinket; it’s a harbinger of the weird and the wild.
The final pages crank up the tension to eleven and throw us headlong into a maelstrom of supernatural chaos, with a cliffhanger that leaves you begging for more. If you’re a fan of Arkham Horror, or if you’re just dipping your toes into the murky waters of Lovecraftian lore, this comic is a must-read. It’s an electrifying blend of mystery, horror, and adventure that captures the essence of what makes Arkham such an enduring setting. The characters are compelling, the story is enthralling, and the artwork is a visual delight. This isn’t just a comic; it’s an experience – a rollercoaster ride through the macabre and the marvelous.
Arkham Horror: The Terror at the End of Time #1 is a triumphant blend of style and substance, delivering a story that’s as engaging as it is chilling. Cullen Bunn and Andrea Mutti have crafted a narrative that stands out in the crowded field of horror comics, offering readers a tale that is both haunting and exhilarating. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator of the occult or a curious newcomer to the world of Arkham, this comic promises to deliver thrills, chills, and a hearty dose of mystery. It’s a shining example of storytelling done right, and it’s sure to leave you counting the days until the next issue drops. Grab your detective hat, keep your wits about you, and dive into the madness – you won’t regret it.
Arkham Horror: The Terror at the End of Time #1 arrives in comic shops on August 7. 2024.