Advance Review: Exploring Devil’s Land’s Origins In `Dark Ride’ #5
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
There are lots of twists and turns as Dark Ride explores the history of the Devil’s Land amusement park. Unfortunately, that means there aren’t a lot of great visuals that we’ve come to expect from this series, but there’s enough here to keep readers coming back for more.
Overall
8/10After a few months’ hiatus, Dark Ride is back, this time filling readers in on the spooky park’s dark history.
Readers have seen a glimpse of the park’s legacy in the first issue, but this story arc promises to flesh out that history – likely in a terrifying manner. This issue begins with a flashback to the late 1980s, when park founder Arthur Dante first encounters Rebecca, the woman who would bear his children Sam and Halloween.
Well, maybe she bears them. The story is definitely giving off a vibe from The Omen. Fast forward to the present, and Sam and Summer – whose brother was a new park employee killed in first issue – are exploring the park for clues about its origin.
Meanwhile Halloween seems to be having some Daddy issues. She’s being taunted by devils and demons that aren’t really there. But, of course, they probably are really there. It’s a big shift to see this strong character put into this position. Hopefully it’s more temporary in nature, but in any case, it’s a smart shift from writer Joshua Williamson.
Williamson does a nice job of deepening the mystery of the park and the Dante family. As expected, the issue raises far more questions than answers. It would be nice to understand more about the relationship between Dante and Rebecca.
Hopefully that will come in future chapters. The creative team does expect that you’ve been paying attention, though. There’s no recapping where we’ve been or even who the characters are. After a couple months off of the series, readers could have benefitted from a reminder or two.
Artist Andrei Bressan, supported by Adriano Lucas’ colors, does a reasonable job for most of the book, given he isn’t given a lot of exciting material. But as Sam and Summer explore hidden parts of Devil’s Land, Bressan is given much more to work with – and takes advantage of the opportunities presented to him.
If the creative team is able to give readers just enough answers, this Dark Ride should be able to continue for a frighteningly long time.
Dark Ride #5 will be available for purchase on Wednesday.
