Advance Review: ‘Filthy Lambs’ #1 Twists A Standard Horror Narrative
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
Contracts are tricky and trying things. This is especially true for contracts with demonic forces. As three generations of the wealthy Grimaldi family will soon learn. However, what is up with the snapping turtle?
Overall
9.6/10The three high-quality cover designs are the respective creations of artists Chris Evenhuis, Meghan Hetrick, and Caitlin Yarsky. It is worth mentioning that each one of these three designs suggests a different idea of the narrative, while their range obscures any possible spoilers.
The interior visuals come about from the skills of Evenhuis and colorist Sjan Weijers. Oddly, Evenhuis’s style for the story pages resembles Hetrick’s style, at least to an extent. Yet, one cannot, and should not, say that this is a case of plagiarism since they are still clearly different styles. One can clearly see the difference because of both the line work and the execution of character designs. Plus, some of the color palette Weijers uses for select panels displays the obvious lack of swiping by Evenhuis. As for Evenhuis and Weijers’s main effects on the narrative, both exhibit expert-level skills when it comes to creating notable characterization and atmospheres.
Writer and letterer Pallie Paul Allor gives a masterclass in turning what could be a standard deal-with-the-devil tale on its head. He does this while also making it possible for a reader not to care for any of the cast members who could see their end. Although a lack of caring for the characters would normally be a bad thing, in this case it holds to a good rule of horror: misdeeds see punishment. Thus, Allor knows how to craft a horror tale where everyone may have it coming to them, and one can’t wait to see who dies next. When it comes to lettering, Allor does some amazing sound effects with great positioning.
The only real downside to this first issue is that there is a mix of set-up and already being in motion to the narrative. This flaw is most notable in just a few of the interactions, but the problem arguably exists on the gripe level of “give me more” rather than “confusing to read.”
Filthy Lambs #1 sees release from Mad Cave Studios on October 21st. Pre-orders for this comic are available until September 28th.
