Comic Review: Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy: From the World of Black Hammer #1

Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy: From the World of Black Hammer #1

Dark Horse Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artists: Tonci Zonjic and Dave Stewart

Every time one of these Black Hammer spinoffs rolls around I expect it to be the one that marks the series’ downturn. Surely with this pace and quantity of releases, the quality can’t possibly hold up, can it? No, it can. I’m wrong every time.

Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy is a book that Lemire himself describes as his “love letter to Frank Miller”, and it shows. From the tone to the content, all the way down to the paneling and coloring recalls Miller. It stands up as more than a tribute, though, as Lemire and Tonci Zonjic weave a tale that’s entirely compelling at its core.

I think that’s what makes these various spinoffs special even after all this time. Each one of them comes from a place of love. Not just that, but a different place of love. Lemire’s love and knowledge of the many different corners of superheroes is on full display in Skulldigger. The book’s not a fantastical space adventure or a grounded detective romp; it’s a violent and somber tale. I suppose that doesn’t sound so appealing on the surface, but somehow it is. Perhaps if all of the ­Black Hammer-verse was as dour then Skulldigger wouldn’t work so well, but considering the oftentimes whacky and whimsical nature of the other books; this one works quite well as an additional flavor. It also helps that it’s got a razor-sharp script and a killer art team.

With Tonci Zonjic on pencils and Dave Stewart on colors, Skulldigger is an artistic tour de force. Dave Stewart, as usual, stands out with his genius storytelling choices, particularly in his decision on where to not use color at all. Additionally, I really like the choice to never have the Skulldigger appear in a panel with light colors. Instead, he exclusively appears shrouded in darkness and mystery; reflecting his own character.

Tonci Zonjic is a name I’ve never seen before but am immediately a fan of. His figures and backgrounds are all distinct and well-proportioned, but what really gets me is his layouts. They effectively homage Miller at times, but never in a way that’s distracting. Plus, his storytelling is stellar all the way down to the details he places around a room or in the background. It’s a deceptively simple style that’s entirely clear and beautiful to look at.

Story-wise, this issue is effective at doing exactly what a first issue needs to. It introduces our major players, showcases their character as much as possible, and then swiftly moves those pieces around to put them in direct opposition of each other. It sets up conflict from about four different interesting angles and ends with a very strong hook. It’s a tight structure that could only come from a creative team that’s perfectly in-sync.

Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy is another radical entry in the Black Hammer Universe. It places its foot directly in the Miller-era of superhero comics and pulls it off flawlessly. With an incredible art team and a writer with a strong and cohesive vision, this book is just begging to be read.