Dark Horse Comics 2015
Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated & Lettered by Tyler Crook
Well now that Emmy has discovered the truth about herself it seems that the scary has gone away. I have to say Cullen hasn’t wasted much time in transition between her old life and her new one. Then of course there was the woman we saw last issue as well and learning who she is and what role she’ll play remains to be seen.
There’s a part of me that loves seeing father and daughter getting along so well as if they’ve finally connected and have that whole family thing going. Then of course part of me has to wonder if this is an illusion something she’s forced after her declaration. Is her father really this caring man who raised Emmy all these years or is he nothing more than a construct in need of control.
Even the bodiless skin that now seems to talk freely to Emmy doesn’t creep me out anymore. Since her self discovery and her very forceful speech it seems there is less to think of creepy and i’m kind of sad about that. The skin is like a protector for her though she honestly she doesn’t need one. There to warn, comfort and ultimately remind her of who she is and there’s both comfort and danger in that.
Emmy’s service to the townsfolk in dealing with the Haints may not be what they want but it’s what they are getting. She’s definitely not Hester and has more compassion and understanding with these creatures than she does the people, then again that does sound pretty much just like Hester so perhaps she’s not as different as she’d like to believe.
Of course this is a different time than when Hester lived and the townsfolk that she created have had their own free will making them just as human as can be. Complete as we see with jealousy and hatred towards each other. This raises questions about her state of mind and just what she’s truly capable of to me when dealing with these folks.
It really is a transition issue as we see become more comfortable with her new life and trying to make amends and smooth things over with all the people and creatures who inhabit the town. The creepiness of not knowing has been replaced by something else here and it’s not quite anxiety but maybe uncertainty as if she may not be able to pull this off but is still trying.
One of the best talks she has is with Bernice. She raises the question we’ve been wondering if her Grandfather was someone Hester dreamed up what does that make her? A whole new set of questions to explore and a world to truly discover await us as we continue to be mesmerized by the way Tyler brings this world to life. Cullen may have switched gears on us but the intrigue remains in new and exciting fashion. Plus the last page well yeah that’s another great twist and explains one thing.
I love that the book is evolving, changing and becoming so much more. It’s still fascinating and a lovely look at something that shouldn’t exist. Doors close others open keeping us moving along guessing and thinking and that’s what a good story does.