Looking at Texarcanum #1, I think it was probably a supernatural thriller in the heart of Texas. You’re half right. The main character, Avery Bell, is dressed like a modern cowboy, and has enough supernatural artifacts and knowledge to rival John Constantine and Hellboy, but this is a comic about the horrors lurking in American stories and its history.
The creative team of Christopher Monfett and Miguel Martos launched Texal Canum #1 in a prologue that takes place in the early American era, showing what happens when a group of unsuspecting settlers violates a group of vampires. This is a cold prelude that shows what Bell deals with throughout the series, but also touches on the myths that Monfett built the country, and often hides bloodshed and atrocities.
As for Bell himself, Monfett writes him somewhat of a code. He is in a bad mood, but he learned with good intentions. Bell’s casual approach to the supernatural events he encounters reads Texal Canum very interesting and sometimes funny as well. If your hero owns a trailer park owned or carry plenty of supernatural trinkets in place of a revolver, that’s when you know you’re there for a weird and wild ride.
Dark Horse
That’s nothing compared to the ominous images Martos cooks. Through Texarcanum #1, he shows the aftermath of the supernatural: the corpse fell to his knees on the highway, its flesh picked neatly by a greedy hornet, and the thumbs of his bones stabbed in by a hitchhiker gesture (readers probably think twice about hitchhiking). The body in the hospital room is floating, her back spilling from her lips, and her inhuman tongue spilling. But the most frightening moments are wearing and watching long horns, what Bell calls “Revenant,” a creature that is a horrifying fusion of two corpses… well, wrong. His arms stick out from his stomach, his second mouth, his eyes are white and blank and angry.
Patricio Delpeche’s color art will go a long way in selling Texarcanum horror elements. It’s all about contrast. The flat, golden plains and vibrant green trees collide with the river of blood and the glowing ear phlegm energy of the supernatural. Michael Heistler’s lettering likewise combines with the colours of Delpeche to create a vibrant shade of red and yellow for the caption on the inside of the bell. Everyone involved in this cartoon works to make it the most eerie and it works.
Texarcanum #1 mixes horror elements and Southern Noir for a unique premise. If you’re a fan of shows like Supernatural and Buffy The Vampire Slayer, it’s definitely worth checking out. Id. If you’re a supernatural/horror comic like Hellboy or something kills kids. It’s a reminder of how you can bump into the night…but people like Avery Bell are there and they’re willing to come back.
“Texarcanum” #1 places “Wild” in “Wild West”
Texarcanum #1
Texarcanum #1 mixes horror elements and Southern Noir for a unique premise. If you’re a fan of shows like Supernatural and Buffy The Vampire Slayer, it’s definitely worth checking out. Id. If you’re a supernatural/horror comic like Hellboy or something kills kids. It’s a reminder of how you can bump into the night…but people like Avery Bell are there and they’re willing to come back.
A story that mixes southern noir with supernatural elements creates a unique reading.
Monfett creates the unique protagonist of Avery Bell.
Martos draws some truly ominous elements throughout this comic.
Colors and text play easily with each other.
