Comic Review: Bone Parish #1

Bone Parish #1

BOOM! Studios

Writer: Cullen Bunn

Artists: Jonas Scharf & Alex Guimaraes

While Cullen Bunn isn’t the most consistent of writers, he usually shines with horror titles. With excellent series such as Harrow County and The Damned under his belt, Bunn is beginning to look like a modern master of horror comic books. Bone Parish #1 is a chilling addition to Bunn’s resume.

In Bone Parish, a new drug is taking the streets. This drug uses the ashes of the dead to allow the user to experience someone else’s life. The issue opens with someone experiencing the life of a dead rock star, feeling a high like no other. The rest of the issue is a steady stream of crime drama, as multiple crime families negotiate and discuss the distribution and selling of the product. Bunn’s script is familiar outside of the supernatural angle but is still fun to read. None of the characters really stand out yet, but the dialogue is strong enough to maintain interest.

The book’s atmosphere is where it really shines. The presentation is exceptional, as the creative team allows the reader to understand not only the high and the politics of the drug but also the production and even a little of its science. The issue is dark and dramatic, and the final few pages are especially haunting, giving readers an idea of what happens during a bad trip.

Jonas Schard and Aled Guimaraes complement the dark story. The characters look great and are surrounded by spooky settings. Most of the art’s success in this issue is in the chilling linework and appropriate coloring. The art doesn’t do anything especially wrong or shines anywhere outside of the well-established atmosphere.

Bone Parish #1 is a great debut with an eerie premise, strong script, and effective atmosphere.