Comic Review: West of Sundown #1

Publisher: Vault Comics

Writers: Tim Seeley & Aaron Campbell

Artists: Jim Terry & Triona Farrell

Letterer: Crank!

Both Vault Comics and Tim Seeley have solid track records when it comes to horror, so another series with the two just makes sense. West of Sundown is a historical fiction horror series with a seemingly righteous (ish) vampire in post-civil war America. Writers Tim Seeley and Aaron Campbell come together with artists Jim Terry and Triona Farrell and letterer Crank! To tell the story about this vampire’s journey back home. 

For fans of Westerns with a touch of horror, West of Sundown #1 is a solid debut. Seeley and Campbell have an interesting setting and concept coming together quite nicely. The story is narrated by the man who discovered the vampire in her grave during the Civil War, and has mostly been by her side in the decade plus since his discovery. The man’s monologues throughout the issue are telling, especially because he acts as both a loyal servant and skeptic. Sure, the vampire does some monstrous things, but she only seems to do them to bad people. Is he a monster for assisting her? Seeley and Campbell utilize plenty of opportunities throughout this first issue for the protagonist and readers to explore this. 

The actual events throughout the issue mostly feel familiar, so it’s still difficult to call to West of Sundown #1 groundbreaking. Readers of books like American Vampire might feel very comfortable through their reading. Still, there are plenty of bits of originality throughout the issue. While I can’t say that I’m hooked, I’m certainly still intrigued enough to try a few more issues. 

Jim Terry’s art is excellent throughout, with grotesque gore scattered through the issue juxtaposed with some truly special panel layouts. The character (And monster) designs are exceptional, and the human characters’ themselves are expressive, especially when it comes to fear. Triona Farrell’s color palette is surprisingly bright, but it doesn’t take away from the horror-filled tone. The harsh yellows, oranges, and reds are a constant reminder of the setting while still evoking strong emotions from the reader.

West of Sundown #1 isn’t going to convert anyone who isn’t already a fan of the setting or genre, but it certainly does a good enough job at entertaining those who are. There is plenty of potential for a strong, horror-filled series here that is worth checking out.