Accent Uk 2012
Written by Dave West
Illustrated by Gary Crutchley
After the first issue it’s safe to say I was intrigued for the second. The American Old West as a setting for a book by a couple British gentlemen and then they threw in the supernatural and some gadgetry to make it even more unique and interesting. Plus I have to admit I feel like Dave really nailed the whole travels the landscape loner thing down when it comes to Josiah Black.
Last issue Josiah learned that the world contained creatures that DO go bump in the night and after killing of a hunter was recruited to take his place. Mr. Caligary isn’t a man you really say no too though I think if Josiah hadn’t been convinced he’d be the only one able to. Now one of Caligary’s men catches up with Black and gives him an assignment. It’s all terribly secret agent style stuff much like one of my favorite series the Wild Wild West.
In the Louisiana bayou is a priestess who goes by the name Pontipee. Far from civilisation she worships the elder god Sobek, whom I always associated with crocodiles not alligators though since they are cousins it still fits. Supposedly she consorted with the Alligators in vile and despicable acts that resulted in seven births. His job is clean the land of these abominations.
The American Continent is still new so that we’re getting a look at someone using the Elder Gods of old civilisations is interesting stuff. He’s not going after a Native American so it makes sense that old Egyptian Gods still play a large role in how people go about their lives. Though now I have to wonder how she gave birth to these creatures and if they can change much like a were-beast can. Regardless the curiosity has been piqued and the setting set so how Dave tells this story is delightful.
In order to experience what Josiah does you have to read the story itself. It’s macabre, dark and fascinating and full of the odd wonders you’d expect to see in a supernatural western style thriller. Heck there’s even a damsel in distress thrown in for good measure. Not to mention that Priestess Pontipee hasn’t stopped at her seven children and heaven only knows what her true plan is.
It really is a rather genius and fantastic story, well written with great characterization and some frighteningly nasty creatures that are made to haunt your nightmares.
Gary’s interior artwork is the perfect compliment for the story as well. Josiah is rough, impressive and rather ugly till he puts his hat on then there’s that mysterious quality about him that makes him attractive. Still he cuts an impressive figure. The ceature’s are wonderfully done and work better than anything some FX studio could come up with. Though for as terrifying as the hybrids are it’s the Priestess herself that’s the most fearsome character around. Incredible work here truly. There’s also a tree growing in the swamp that’s unique and has this almost sacred feel to it that is used and the imagery is quite powerful.
Fans of Westerns and the Supernatural need to have this in their lives.