Comic Review: Gutt Ghost #1

Gutt Ghost #1

Scout Comics

Writer/Artist: Enzo Garza

Gutt Ghost #1: Trouble with the Sawbuck Skeleton Society is a one-off story in a new series from Scout Comics. Gutt Ghost started as a character from the mind of Enzo Garza and it eventually rocked the indie scene after being showcased at a couple of conventions in 2016. He would eventually be contacted directly by the CEO of Heavy Metal and asked if he wanted his character in the magazine. Naturally, he jumped on the opportunity and had a 10-page story published in issue #285 of Heavy Metal Magazine. Fast forward to 2019 and Scout comics included a short Gutt Ghost story in their Free Comic Book Day issue. Now, the series is officially up and running with the release of Gutt Ghost #1!

This comic is the kind of story I could imagine seeing on Adult Swim in between episodes of Mr. Pickle and Superjail. It is bizarre, all over the place, and somehow relatable. Anyone familiar with Heavy Metal Magazine should know what they might be getting into with Gutt Ghost. He needs no introduction but for anyone out of the loop, Gutt Ghost is a typical bedsheet ghost except he has a body made out of guts. He lives in a world full of ghouls, ghosts, and the like, works a mundane job, and in his spare time enjoys watching movies with friends. Despite how weird the character is, Garza keeps the story grounded and surprisingly ordinary. That could lead to an uncanny story but it somehow just adds to the charm.

We get to see Gutt Ghost, or just “Gutt” to his friends, having pretty regular conversations with his friends. At one point he hurt the feelings of his friend; at first he doubled down but then he realizes he was being defensive and apologizes. You rarely see human characters acting that human in most comics, it’s pretty refreshing to see here. The art and character design are probably the main reasons most people will pick up this book. There is a good reason for that too. All of the characters are very distinct and unsettling in their own way. The unique and dynamic lettering really sets this comic apart from anything else on your pull list. It’s tactfully sloppy and isn’t afraid to break the traditional structure.

Anyone who likes indie comics with a slightly dark twist should pick this issue up. The next issue is not slated to come out until April of 2021 which leads me to believe it will be a slow-release and mostly centered around one-shot issues. Additionally, Garza has said that he has plans for 12 issues and already knows where he wants to end the character. Until then, you can always go back and read his work from Heavy Metal Magazine.