Comic Review: Autumnal #1

Autumnal #1

Vault Comics

Writer: Daniel Kraus

Artist: Chris Shehan

Critically acclaimed writer Daniel Kraus and independent artist Chris Shehan have teamed up on this Autumn-themed horror mystery series. Kraus is best known for co-authoring The Shape of Water but also has several horror comics under his belt that were all very well received. Shehan is just coming off of his one-shot comic, Deadbeat, with Jed McPherson which was released earlier this year. This issue sets up our main characters and alludes to the horrors that are to come.

Autumnal #1 follows a pretty normal formula for a horror mystery. However, it does it so well it’s exciting the entire way through. In short, we learn about our main charters who have a unique but tragic flaw as they move to a new town where things aren’t what they seem. To top it off, there’s even a creepy nursery rhyme that some of the children in the town would sing. On paper, it’s a pretty ordinary story but Kraus knows what he’s doing. He has a very fleshed-out image of the world and slowly gives you more information to understand what’s going on. Every page has some new detail that paints a better picture.

As much as I enjoyed the writing, the art is where this issue really shines. The vivid and blotchy coloring feels real but still maintains the unsettling atmosphere. Torn edges and imperfect lines around panels instill a sense of unease. As our character’s move from the dark and gloomy city of Chicago to the bright and sunny town of Comfort Notch, the art seamlessly flips the mood on its head. Despite the gritty style, Comfort Notch is as gorgeous as the characters insist it is. I genuinely look forward to futures issues just so I can see more pictures of the gorgeous town.

Fans of horror mystery comic like many of the book coming out of DC’s Hillhouse imprint then this series is for you. This isn’t a groundbreaking issue in its genre but it’s definitely better than most. I don’t need every comic to change the way I think about comics. There is a spot for solid storytelling and art that doesn’t break new ground and Autumnal #1 fills that spot perfectly.

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