Comic Review: The Curse of Brimstone #5

The Curse of Brimstone #5

DC Comics

Writer: Justin Jordan

Artists: Philip Tan, Jose Luis & Inaki Miranor

Do you like horror movies? Personally, if they’re well done, I like them, but I’m also a big pansy, so I tend to keep away from them. Especially the ones with the creepy kids, I cannot stand them, they really freak me out. So anyway let’s read this lovely little, family friendly, definitely not containing any horror based themes involving creepy demonic kids, comic and….oh dear.

I’m enjoying the story of Brimstone. Sure, the comic isn’t one of the best out of the New Age of Heroes line, but I have found certain elements of this series to keep me coming back every issue. For one thing, this feels sort of like a 90’s comic done somewhat decent. The dark, edgy, cursed hero, traveling across the states with his sister, taking down these demonic forces that cursed him, while also making friends along the way. I mean sure he’s not overly edgy (well his design kind of is) but you get where I’m coming from. Compared to Terrifics and Sideways, which have a much more ‘feel-good’ and whimsical aura to them, this book has a more burden-heavy, high stakes, doomed vibe. Joe is a man who is cursed with demonic power but wants to do good for all. But at what cost?

The horror aspect of this series comes into play majorly with this new arc. The sinister soundings and just downright creepy character, Slackjaw, is introduced as Joe and Annie come across yet another broken and abandoned town, that sings a somewhat troublesome tune. I feel like Jordan has started getting more comfortable with the writing of this series, apart from the last issue it was kind of feeling like he didn’t overly know where to go. I personally hope Brimstone doesn’t become an outright superhero. Sure, I’m glad he’s saving people, but the character himself feels more like something along the lines of Etrigan or Ghost Rider, who deals with the supernatural demonic threats as Earth’s guardian rather than him fighting some weirdo’s in spandex. While the series is not perfect, I am enjoying it more; especially now that we have a bit more direction. Now we know the characters a bit more, and I’m excited to see where this arc goes, creepy smiling children aside.

Art is by three artists which can be a bit…odd and a little off-putting honestly. It’s not overly bad, I do like each of the styles, but I prefer if a series has a concrete artist for a few issues rather than altering the styles for a few pages.

Overall a decent enough issue. If you’re a fan of the supernatural, mystical, dark and horror mixed with a bit of road trip adventure, then this should be an easy enough and comfy title for you to enjoy. I’m glad to see the series is improving, and where the plot is going and hopefully doesn’t suffer like New Challengers and the Unexpected.