Advance Review: `The Lonesome Hunters’ #1 Lacks That Extra Something

Premiere issues are tricky beasts to slay. Writers must demonstrate that they have created interesting and somehow relatable characters without bogging the story down with too much exposition. Of course, some action and intrigue are required to keep the reader coming back for more. It’s an alchemy that can be elusive. Unfortunately for Tyler Crook, his newest creation doesn’t quite discover gold.

It is an interesting premise to be sure. An elderly reluctant monster hunter unexpectedly pairs up with a troubled young girl to fight a magical beast threatening her uncle.

We first meet Howard a century ago as a young boy on his first quest to slay a deer-like creature. The beast and its followers slay Howard’s father and fellow hunters. Howard, equipped with a magic sword, fights the Bambi beast to a standstill as the house burns down around them. It’s unclear how he survived or whether the magical creature is still alive.

Fast forward to old man Howard, who has been kept alive thanks to the sword’s magic. He’s a bitter old man with an upset stomach. He briefly runs into Lupe, the book’s narrator, who begs him to help her uncle who is being possessed by a magpie from hell.

Tyler Crook pulls triple duty in this labor of love – writing, drawing and even lettering the book. Crook’s distinct visuals are a good match for the story, and his muted color palette – especially in flashbacks – set the right tone.

Still, at the end of the issue, there doesn’t feel like there’s enough there. The good news is that there is enough to keep the reader coming back for more. The next issue looks to feature a knock-down fight with the bird beast. That may give readers more of what they are looking for.

The Lonesome Hunters #1 will be available for purchase on June 22, 2022.