Heroic Publishing 2016
Written by Dennis Mallonee
Illustrated by Mark Beachum, Tim Burgard & Chris Marrinan
Coloured by Dick O’Malley
Lettered by Jean Simek & Jim Massara
In the third issue of Psyche the Occult Detective, enjoy three complete adventures, including the thrilling conclusion to "Dark Passion," plus "Demons in the Night," and Psyche's very first solo adventure "Ghost Story." Cover by Tim Burgard.
The first story is very much a kind of wow thing it’s what I think of a precursor to the Vertigo line of DC. it’s got this dark, haunting and sexy look, tone and feel to it that deals with body possession and vampires. When this came out it was very much ahead of it’s time with it’s alluring illustrations and dark subject matter. It’s also one of the reasons why what was then Indie press books were so good.
What i’m really enjoying about these books being released again is that they stand the test of time. This feels very much “now” you’d never know this was a reprint of an older story. The current subject matter has that tone, look and feel of anything “edgy” that you’d see on stands right now. This is what good solid writing does it holds up and remains timeless. The characterisation is flawless and the pacing and illustrations really grab your attention and don’t let go.
Demons of the Night
Written by Wilson HIll
Illustrated by Chris Marrinan
Coloured by Mike Estuck
Lettered by Albert Deschesne
With more traditional comic book artwork the second story delves into a different aspect of Psyche as a group of men are accosting, mugging possibly intending rape, her. She uses her powers to teach them all a lesson but it is our heroine or someone else using her visage? It’s a very disturbing and interesting take on the beloved Occult Detective.
I love the story as she’s called upon to investigate the very “crime” she committed. Though the police don’t know these men deserved their fate or that they were possibly demons masquerading as men. The way this is written even me as a reader isn’t quite sure what they were but i’m riveted because it’s weird and cool and there’s that possibility nothing here is what it seems to be.
Ghost Story
Written by Dennis Mallonee
Penciled by Walt Davis
Inked by Dell Barras
Lettered by Carrie Spiegle
Coloured by Janice Cohen
Loved this story a classic tale of a haunted house. The fashions are definitely eighties inspired but again a timeless story of a ghost living in a house not realising the reality of the situation. It’s incredibly well done.
Heroic Publishing is one of those companies that you should be reading. They have the books that many people long for where the stories are timeless and the plots, characterisation and illustrations are so well done it’s a sheer joy to read. If you long for a time when comics were not so angst ridden or overplayed with gimmicks and want good honest storytelling and interiors these books are fo you!