Witchfinder in The Gates of Heaven #1
Dark Horse Comics 2018
Written by Mike Mignola & Chris Roberson
Illustrated by D’Isreali
Coloured by Michelle Madsen
Lettered by Clem Robins
After foiling a witch coven’s plot to kill Queen Victoria, Edward Grey was knighted for his services in protection of the Crown and Queen. His investigations into occult goings-on in London and beyond earned him the title Sir Edward…...while sceptical Londoners mocked him with the nickname Witchfinder. Now, when London seems to be plagued by occult events left and right. Sir Edward is most surprised to learn that he is not the only one conducting supernatural investigations.
This really is one of Mike’s more interesting creations. To me it has elements of Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes with a little bit of H.G. Wells and then set it in 1884 and viola the stuff of legend is born. Sir Edward is one of those rare characters that meet and think I know him from somewhere and it’s that kind familiarity that really increases his appeal. That fact that he’s somewhat aloof, see full of himself, does help matters but it doesn’t hurt them either. He is an utterly delightful character to see running around London parts doing what he does. Although he really needs to work on acquiring a network so he’s better informed about events around town.
I like the way this book is structured from the beginning to end there is a fantastic ebb & flow to the proceedings. The opening itself is something to see and as the Beefeater’s on guard are witness to something extraordinary. Of course with such an event at the Tower of London Sir Edward is called into service. What we see is spectacular and it feels like the Tower of London has it’s own version of this supernatural style museum. Trinkets and trophies from all around make something so interesting.
The way the guys are able to bring a modern sensibility to this era is astoundingly fun. We tend to think of the past more negatively than we should, we may be more technologically advanced but in reality we wouldn’t be if nor for our forbear’s we wouldn’t be where we are they deserve a lot more credit than we give them. I like that the guys spotlight that here and show they were a lot more advanced and knowledgeable than we knew and add into that their acceptance of the supernatural or occult, which was a huge topic in London back them and widely accepted makes them a lot more intelligent than we come across today. Well at least more open to the world.
D’Isreali does some amazing work on the interiors here. I love his sense of style and sophistication that he brings. Also that he can bring this to the brink of all-ages and maintain that whole attention to detail and edginess is really impressive. The way he’s able to bring the Beefeater wear to life is fantastic as well as the clothing they wore all of it just FEELS right. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcase an extremely strong eye for storytelling. I am also a huge fan of the way backgrounds are utilised here they really do add to the story in all the right ways.
The characterisation here is totally on point. With the introduction of the British Paranormal Society and how Sir Edward reacts it’s so well done. Miss Honora Grat too is one to watch her uppity start means she will not welcome any intrusion by Sir Edward and honestly I cannot wait to see them cross paths again.
When it comes to pure enjoyment and entertainment you can never go wrong with any Witchfinder story. There is this whole effortless feeling from the creators that bleeds through the pages and seeps into your soul. The supernatural never seemed as much fun as it does here.
Dark Horse Comics 2018
Written by Mike Mignola & Chris Roberson
Illustrated by D’Isreali
Coloured by Michelle Madsen
Lettered by Clem Robins
After foiling a witch coven’s plot to kill Queen Victoria, Edward Grey was knighted for his services in protection of the Crown and Queen. His investigations into occult goings-on in London and beyond earned him the title Sir Edward…...while sceptical Londoners mocked him with the nickname Witchfinder. Now, when London seems to be plagued by occult events left and right. Sir Edward is most surprised to learn that he is not the only one conducting supernatural investigations.
This really is one of Mike’s more interesting creations. To me it has elements of Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes with a little bit of H.G. Wells and then set it in 1884 and viola the stuff of legend is born. Sir Edward is one of those rare characters that meet and think I know him from somewhere and it’s that kind familiarity that really increases his appeal. That fact that he’s somewhat aloof, see full of himself, does help matters but it doesn’t hurt them either. He is an utterly delightful character to see running around London parts doing what he does. Although he really needs to work on acquiring a network so he’s better informed about events around town.
I like the way this book is structured from the beginning to end there is a fantastic ebb & flow to the proceedings. The opening itself is something to see and as the Beefeater’s on guard are witness to something extraordinary. Of course with such an event at the Tower of London Sir Edward is called into service. What we see is spectacular and it feels like the Tower of London has it’s own version of this supernatural style museum. Trinkets and trophies from all around make something so interesting.
The way the guys are able to bring a modern sensibility to this era is astoundingly fun. We tend to think of the past more negatively than we should, we may be more technologically advanced but in reality we wouldn’t be if nor for our forbear’s we wouldn’t be where we are they deserve a lot more credit than we give them. I like that the guys spotlight that here and show they were a lot more advanced and knowledgeable than we knew and add into that their acceptance of the supernatural or occult, which was a huge topic in London back them and widely accepted makes them a lot more intelligent than we come across today. Well at least more open to the world.
D’Isreali does some amazing work on the interiors here. I love his sense of style and sophistication that he brings. Also that he can bring this to the brink of all-ages and maintain that whole attention to detail and edginess is really impressive. The way he’s able to bring the Beefeater wear to life is fantastic as well as the clothing they wore all of it just FEELS right. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcase an extremely strong eye for storytelling. I am also a huge fan of the way backgrounds are utilised here they really do add to the story in all the right ways.
The characterisation here is totally on point. With the introduction of the British Paranormal Society and how Sir Edward reacts it’s so well done. Miss Honora Grat too is one to watch her uppity start means she will not welcome any intrusion by Sir Edward and honestly I cannot wait to see them cross paths again.
When it comes to pure enjoyment and entertainment you can never go wrong with any Witchfinder story. There is this whole effortless feeling from the creators that bleeds through the pages and seeps into your soul. The supernatural never seemed as much fun as it does here.
RSS Feed
