Review: ‘Mine Is A Long, Lonesome Grave’ TPB Starts Off Strong Then Fades

If nothing else, Chris Shehan knows how to grab your attention.

The artist on Mine is a Long, Lonesome Grave, which is now available in trade paperback form from Oni Press, starts off with Harley Creed pounding railway spikes into another guy’s eyes. Yes, Shehan’s artwork is literally eye-popping.

That strong work continues in the second chapter, which opens with a head being disintegrated by a bullet, a chorus of demonic beings egging on the shooter, and another victim impaled by a tree branch.

It’s all part of Harley’s journey — though it is difficult to call his tale a hero’s journey. After being released from prison for killing his wife, Harley finds that he’s been cursed by an Appalachian witch and has only days to live. As written by the accomplished Justin Jordan, Harley, goes on a violent and gory killing spree to save his daughter and himself, leaving most of his wife’s family slaughtered. But when he reign of terror ends, he realizes that the antagonist is not who he thought it would be.

While the first half of this revenge tale is very strong, the back half falls off considerably. Even Shehan’s artwork suffers at the end, during an overly confusing final battle where it’s difficult to tell who is winning and who is losing. It’s like the creative team had a good idea, but lost their way partway through the execution.

On the plus side, unlike some comic writers who relish stringing their audiences along, Jordan knows how to finish a story. He provides a definitive ending — albeit one that may divide readers. But give the team props for having the courage to take a stand and stick to it.

Mine is a Long, Lonesome Grave TPB is now available in comic book stores from Oni Press.