By Karl Edward Wagner, Kent Williams & John Ney Reiber (EP Board Books 2003)
ISBN13: 978-2-70247-888-2
Also ISBN: 1-56389-032-1 (DC hardcover) ISBN 1-56389-088-7 (Vertigo softcover)
Originally released as a DC original graphic novel, this slight but effective urban horror thriller had something of a troubled genesis with Wagner apparently leaving the project before completion, giving John Ney Reiber his “big break†by completing the script for Kent Williams. I don’t know – or care, really – as the real import of this book is the role it played in the separation of the mature imprint Vertigo from the greater DC universe.
At the time of release the company was preparing for its boldest venture in five decades, hiving off its supernatural heroes and embarking on a series of projects targeting an audience that had moved away from, or beyond, mainstream comics. The success of this dark tale of sex ‘n’ drugs ‘n’ rock ‘n’ roll ‘n’ demons would prove the astuteness of the decision to separate.
Minor rock star Michael Sands is recovered and back in London. He’s looking for answers and maybe payback. He especially wants to reconnect with Barbara Flick, to relive that frantic, deadly, all-consuming love they shared. He wants to know if he jumped off that bridge into the Thames, or if she tried to kill him?
Following a dark and debauched trail he finds an overpowering satanic evil thriving in the city’s bowels and in the souls of far too many people. He doesn’t know what it wants. He doesn’t know what he wants. He doesn’t know how it’s all going to end.
Badly, he suspects…
The bleak and despondent story is a vehicle for the controversial art of Kent Williams, whose fans and detractors are equally passionate, and his painterly efforts here will certainly astound or annoy depending on your stance. Indisputably though, he’s at his most typical here, so if you’re not a fan don’t waste your time.
Re-released in 2003 this graphic horror breakthrough is apparently still available and offers something a little different for the discerning adult fan.
© 1992 Karl Edward Wagner, Kent Williams. All Rights Reserved.