Review: ‘W0rldtr33’ Vol. 1 Is A Must-Read Horror Book

James Tynion IV has done it again.

The first story arc from one of the newest series by the multiple Eisner Award-winning mastermind behind the hit horror titles Something is Killing the Children, The Department of Truth, and The Nice House on the Lake is collected in a trade paperback. And it is a sight to behold.

In W0rldTr33, the writer takes on the internet, or more specifically, the Undernet – the malicious underbelly of the internet that makes the dark web look like a kid’s party. Videos from this platform are so shocking that they either drive you mad, or you are paralyzed to the point where you watch someone kill you.

When a teenager stumbles upon the Undernet, he feels compelled to kill. Of course, these being the internet, he is also compelled to stream his kills on his social media channels. Meanwhile, a mysterious, naked and tattooed woman named PH34R is watching the action online and leaves her own trail of bodies in her wake.

And just as you think you know where the story is heading, Tynion blindsides you with a complete change in storytelling tact. Instead of keeping with the story we know and milking it for a few more issues, he changes the entire narrative. And the story will likely be stronger for it.

Artist Fernando Blanco and colorist Jordie Bellaire grab the reader on early on. As if a nude woman on a killing spree weren’t enough to capture the audience’s attention, the other trail of bodies as well as some time-skipping later in the volume are feasts for the eyes. Blanco’s illustrations are frightening with plenty of stopping power, but not gory. And his depictions of with his depictions of PHEAR are equally frightening and erotic, which is spot on.

There’s very little wonder as to why each individual issue of this series has been rushed back to print. If you’ve missed the initial print run – or just want a copy of the book to re-read, jump on this collection.

W0rldtr33 Vol. 1 is currently available for purchase.