Comic Review: Last Stop On The Red Line #1

Last Stop On the Red Line #1

Dark Horse

Writer: Paul Maybury

Artists: Sam Lotfi & John Rauch

Last Stop on The Red Line is a psychological horror written by Paul Maybury, who is still a newer creator in the industry. The series’ writer has mainly been an artist so far, working on titles such as Sovereign and Valhalla Mad, so this is his first foray as a writer on a major title. So how does it go?

While it is labeled as a horror story, I never found myself scared or even creeped out by the first issue of Last Stop on The Red Line. The title focuses on Detective Migdalia Torres’ investigation of a cruel murder in a subway car. Without any leads, she finds herself needing to rely on a drifter to find the monster that is terrorizing Boston. The concept has some fine horror elements to it, but this issue feels more like a mystery with thriller elements to it. Those who are looking for a truly spooky experience won’t find much of that in this first issue. Still, there is quite a bit to enjoy in Last Stop on The Red Line.

For starters, the character interactions are fantastic in this first issue. The dialogue is natural, and most of the characters seem to be likable enough. There are some weird, out of place moments here in there, particularly during some inner monologues, but nothing takes away from the experience too badly. The mystery itself is interesting but isn’t really fleshed out yet, which is to be expected. The first few issues are somewhat difficult to follow, as the action doesn’t quite flow as well as it should. After the introduction, things get much easier to follow.

Artist Sam Lofti does a fine job at giving this series a unique aesthetic. I mentioned earlier that this doesn’t quite feel like a horror book, and a big part of that is due to the art which has a lighter tone to it. The animated characters and bright colors by John Rauch make this a beautiful book, it’s just a little less scary because of it. Still, I can’t help but adore this book’s aesthetic. The characters are as gorgeous as the colors, and everything is composed so well. When the grotesque happens in a panel, the cartoonish style is almost more disturbing because it stands out that much more. Again, this first issue works much better as a thrilling mystery and when viewed through those lenses, this is a delightful book to look at.

I do have a few issues with the lettering, especially a certain blue text that is placed in front of panel backgrounds. It’s kind of hard to see, at least on a digital platform, and removes the reader from the action for a brief moment. A book like this requires total immersion, so it’s a shame when these kinds of moments happen. Still, the lettering is fine in most other areas of the book.

Last Stop On the Red Line #1 is off to a good start as a mystery series, but not as a horror one. The pacing and art style mostly removes the scary elements. Still, I can’t help but enjoy what I just read. Paul Maybury’s characters and premise are solid, while the artistic team has created a charming world to look at. I’m not sure if this tone will continue onto the second issue, but for now, Last Stop On the Red Line is worth checking out.