The Bowman Clan Faces A Whole New Set Of Horrors In Redneck #14

After the events of last issue, Bartlett will forever be a changed man. Can the Bowmans and July’s family ever co-exist? And what in the hell is the Parliament of Elders?

Redneck #13 ended on an explosive note. Bartlett’s dead. He’s been dead the better part of two centuries, though. He’s still kicking. A shot to the chest from an ex will definitely put a damper on your day, but it isn’t one of the tried and true ways to end a vampire’s existence. Whether that’s a blessing or a curse remains to be seen, as the Bowmans’ world gets blown wide open in Redneck #14.

The premise of Redneck has always made perfect sense. I mean, vampires are immortal, yeah? Of course there’d still be a clutch or two tucked into backwoods little towns like Sulfur Springs. What we haven’t explored, until now, is the likely existence of other, bigger, more organized, connected houses. Meet The Parliament of Elders, y’all. It’s exactly as pretentious and puffed-up as it sounds. There’s a reason, probably several, why JV has kept his little brood out of this circle.

This has been one of my absolute favorite series since it kicked off last year. Donny Cates continues to deliver a highly emotional and compelling story that, while it centers on a brood of vampires, is all about love, loyalty, family, and coming to terms with the past. Every time you think you have this thing figured, he peels back another layer and exposes a whole new dimension to the story.
The art shifts gears in this chapter to keep up with the script. There isn’t nearly as much gore, and Bartlett and Perry’s wounds are all cleaned up and bandaged. Lisandro Estherren’s loose line work still plays surprisingly well in this new environment. Things are about to pop off again soon, though, so get ready for more of Estherren’s signature blend of hideous and beautiful.

While this is clearly a bridging chapter between arcs, there’s a lot of information to take in. While Bartlett’s previous relationships came as a shock (and a 12 gauge to the chest), JV’s history runs through much deeper and darker waters, and we just get a taste here. Viking vampires? Oh, my god, yes. Show me more of that.
Redneck #14, published by Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment, released 22 August 2018. Written by Donny Cates, art by Lisandro Estherren, color by Dee Cuniffe, letters by Joe Sabino.