
OSSM/Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Brian Buccellato
Illustrated by Toni Infante
Colour Assists by Mado Pena
Each issue seems to keep the mystery of who these children are moving forward in the most unexpected ways. We already know that this cult like commune where one man is the father of all these children led by David is not what it appears. That David has somehow seemed not to age and his demonic actions using his own children in the present have only strengthened our desire to learn more. Seeing the flashback sequences are now important not only for showing us his behavior but now that Jenny has arrived on the scene as his half-sister. There is a lot of layering here in the story and as it continues we see just how much Travis can be like his father.
We see Travis is being targeted by his father and his followers so we know that he has this huge role in things that are to come. The real fun here is watching how the connection between father and son unfolds and learning just how he needs Travis for whatever it is he’s trying to do. That Travis has a history of anger management problems and have put him in the crosshairs of a certain Detective which I hope would help him but it seems that it may hinder him unless he can pull the Detective in and make him a staunch ally.
Plus the flashback enables us to see characters then and are a great re-introduction point for what’s happening now as David finds Henry. What he needs Henry for now is anyone’s guess but since he played a large role in the past i’m anxious to see what he needs him for now, though I suspect it’s for finding his wayward children.
With Jenny worming her way into Travis’ life and trying to gather their family for her own mysterious reasons you’d think it would be the perfect time for him to open up and be completely honest with Melissa. You’d think but who knows why men can be so stupid bottling things up and keeping their secrets. She’s been there for him throughout all this and she deserves better and hopefully he’ll be able to be truthful and keep the best thing that’s ever happened to him. More so since she makes a certain phone call.
Brian has created this slow boiling story that just bubbles enough to make you squeamish but unable to turn away at the same time. With intense and often puzzling characterization focusing on each character that seems to keep us glued to the page. Along with Toni’s just superb interiors bringing all this to life this series keeps getting more involved and interesting with each issue. That crescendo effect like rising up the hill of a roller coaster making the reader nervous about what’s to happen is the kind of writing we live for.
Going back to Toni for a moment he’s got this completely unique style that is captivating, expressive and draws you into the story more fully than you realize.
Finally a horror-esque book that focuses on the story rather than the supernatural makes for one of the most exciting reads around.