Dark Horse Comics 2015
Written by Chuck Palahniuk
Illustrated by Cameron Stewart
Coloured by Dave Stewart
I have to say that this book with only issue two is without a doubt already better than the movie that spawned it. Chuck’s able to really get into some incredible characterization and express their feelings in such ways that make this the most exciting new series of the year. The tension is palpable and the story while moving along at such a lightning pace is superbly crafted and really just grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let you go.
Cameron and Dave’s work on the interiors is just as powerful in conveying Chuck’s words. The kids in the support group have that poor aged look that kids with that disease have and then Sebastian's humble personage borders on the pathetic and when he transitions to Tyler he’s just so strong, confident and dynamic and the boys are able to showcase and more with what they put on the page.
Chuck’s writing this issue as both husband and wife tell the tale of their son and what’s happened to him and with the house being simultaneously played out page by page was such a great way to demonstrate how they both feel and the fact that they can’t seem to do this with each other. Though let’s face it Sebastian’s shrink has ulterior motives as well with his hypnosis sessions that bring Tyler out to play for a bit each time and then of course she’s been cutting his meds to have her affair and excitement with Tyler too each of them creating that wall which separates the two of them to crumble more and more.
With the Fire Marshall, F.B.I. and the insurance people each evaluating what’s happened we get a bigger and clearer image of what’s been happening with their son, who is no longer considered dead but now kidnapped as the body of a second year med student has been discovered to have been killed and placed in the house to cover the kidnappers tracks. Even more interesting however is who the real kidnapper is. Also as the story continues and the investigation went on we learn more about Sebastian’s home life and his parents and quite possibly the first time Tyler came into his life. All of this makes for that grippingly solid reading that seems to explain so much and yet leaves you with more questions.
It shouldn’t be surprising at how strong the writing is but it does come across that way because you never know how well a person take the movie they wrote and then translate it to this medium. Chuck however has some serious writing chops behind him and seems have had a solid plan coming into this to tell this tale. There’s really some serious characterization happening and everyone but Sebastian seems to have ulterior motives and while he slowly begins to realize that Tyler’s been released more often these days he knows what he has to do to gain control of the situation.
This is a powerful and strong book that is pure enjoyment to read.