Review: `Who Killed Sarah Shaw?’ Chapter 1 Is A Familiar True Crime Story
by Tom Smithyman
For whatever reason, true crime has captured the imaginations of bloggers, streaming shows and audiences. Perhaps it’s the idea that citizen journalists and listeners can help to track down villains and bring them to justice. Maybe all the Law & Order and CSI shows gin people up. Or perhaps it just appeals to our darker sides.
In any case, the cold-blooded murder of a high school student is sure to play well for lots of audiences – even if the killing occurred 30+ years ago.
Who Killed Sarah Shaw? follows a streaming crew to Hardground, Michigan, as they shoot an episode of “Cracking A Cold One,” (a title they acknowledge as terrible). After four seasons of investigating cold cases, reporters Jesenya and Dave are recording their last episode thanks to sagging ratings.
In writer Frankee White’s story, high schooler Shaw has been dead since January of 1986, the victim on a brutal slaying. A neighbor allegedly committed the murder, but in true real crime fashion, some new information comes to light during their interviews. That, combined with the fact that this could be the last episode the pair does, leads them to lean into the case.
The story is a fine, if familiar one. The would-be valedictorian is killed, though she isn’t as squeaky clean as many remember her as. A best friend is also a rival and may know more than she has let on in interviews. Meanwhile a suspicious-looking man is raking leaves outside of the Shaw’s house. It may not be innovative but, aside from an over-extended basketball game scene, it’s well written and holds readers’ attention.
Adam Markiewicz draws the black-and-white story, which is highlighted by a healthy amount of shading for effect. It works well for giving depth to many of the panels while also adding a touch of realism. Markiewicz also does a good job of differentiating the look of each character. We don’t need to read the word bubbles to understand who is who.
Who Killed Sarah Shaw? Chapter 1 is available on Patreon.
Overview
A decent, if overly familiar story, this first chapter introduces readers to the deceased, the best frenemy, as well as a pair of cold-case storytellers. There’s no new ground being trod here, but most of the story is interesting enough. Some distinct visuals help to differentiate the story.
