Comic Review: Purr Evil #1

Image Comics
Writer: Mirka Andolfo
Artist: Laura Braga & Bryan Valenz
Colorist: Bryan Valenz
Letterer: Fabio Amelia

In Purr Evil #1, readers are introduced to a mother, Rita, and her daughter Deb, each with their own enigmatic pasts and mysteries yet to be unraveled. The story kicks off with an unnerving sequence that reveals that Rita has no qualms about taking lives, and some voices in her head don’t mind.

Mirka Andolfo‘s writing features well-balanced pacing, neither rushing nor dragging, allowing ample room for the mystery and subtle horror to seep into the narrative. Andolfo’s signature ability to blend humor with horror is evident throughout this debut, with a few clever gags, including the mention of a comic called Chainsaw Lady, which pays homage to one of the best manga out today.

The characters in this debut issue are still in the process of being fully fleshed out, as expected for the first issue. However, the two children, Deb and her neighbor Rob stand out with their chemistry and bond over shared interests in video games and comic books. Their dialogue feels natural and genuine, though some lines may require closer attention on the first read. Steve, the landlord, and Rob’s father, serves as a passenger who unwittingly finds himself entangled in a conspiracy.

The art by Laura Braga is visually captivating, and the characters’ facial expressions are consistently well-rendered, effectively conveying emotions and enhancing the storytelling. The use of colors by Bryan Valenz enriches the atmosphere, especially during harrowing scenes, with intense reds and ominous purples. Deb’s character design is particularly striking, with vibrant colors that make her pop off the page.

The simplicity of the panel layouts, though unassuming, proves highly effective in conveying various scenarios, whether it be character interactions or action sequences. Braga’s ability to stage action scenes enhances the flow, contributing to a seamless reading experience.

Fabio Amelia’s lettering is tactful and efficient, with an emphasis on the right words through bold formatting and the successful conveyance of sounds through well-designed sound effects. It doesn’t astound, but readers will have little confusion hearing this issue thanks to Amelia’s work.

Purr Evil #1 marks the beginning of another captivating and mysterious comic by Mirka Andolfo. While the premise may not cater to all audiences, the series shows promise with its intriguing characters and compelling mystery. For those drawn to enigmatic tales, Purr Evil has enough substance to warrant anticipation for the next issue.