Horror is really becoming a huge draw in comics once again. I was recently sent a review copy of this book, which is subtitled: “Investigating the dark, forgotten corners of our world, one monster at a time,” so I just had to tell everyone about this great comic!
SUMMARY
Pros
Fast-paced plotting and art move us quickly through the book.
Monsters, monsters and even more monsters! What else would you want from a horror book?
Cons
You need to place your order quickly to be sure you’ll get your copy.
READER RATING!
[ratings]
DEPT. OF MONSTEROLOGY #1
Writer: Gordon Rennie
Artist: PJ Holden
Publisher: Renegade Arts Entertainment
Cover Price: $3.99
Previously in DEPT. OF MONSTEROLOGY: Officially, it’s the Department of Cryptozoology, Mythological Studies, Parapsychology and Fortean Phenomena. But to the rest of the students and staff at the Dunsany College, baffled by the cloak of secrecy that surrounds the Department and its affairs, it has another, more dismissive, name: The Department of Monsterology. Funded by the mysterious Hampton Foundation, the Dept. operates several field teams that roam the globe on extended research expeditions.
Their brief: to investigate the dark and unexplored corners of our world – the places we’ve forgotten, lost or believe to be mythical. And to study those things that may still be lurking there.
CREEPY IS AS CREEPY DOES
If you also enjoy the following titles, you should be sure to let your local comics shop know you want this one as well! That list includes B.P.R.D., The Perhapanauts, Malignant Man, The Wake, The Walking Dead, 30 Days of Night and Quarantined. I told you horror is on the rise again, didn’t I?
What separates Dept. of Monsterology from the others is that we don’t only see ONE monster or even ONE KIND of monster wreaking havoc. Instead, we see hordes of different varieties of them, and they are being fought in many different places around the world. In my opinion, you can never have too many monsters!
When I was a child, I used to be terrified that a UFO would arrive and capture my family. I couldn’t sleep whenever that thought hit me. I get that same kind of feeling reading this comic, that monsters are very real and looking for prey right around the corner. Yikes!
I also enjoy the variety of characters in this title. Don’t trust your initial impressions! A good example of that is Victor Trondheim on Team Challenger. Just because he doesn’t say much when we first meet him doesn’t mean he can’t wax eloquent when he wants to! And don’t get me started on Harry Wilmington!
I also greatly like Rennie’s fast-paced plotting, which has a LOT of action interspersed with some dialogue necessary to move the story along. Most horror books rely on suspense, which Rennie does at times. But he doesn’t give us much time to wonder what’s happening, something I love in a comic!
THE ART FITS THE MOOD AND PACING OF THE BOOK
Whether we’re looking at creepy underwater beings or on urban settings, I always felt Holden’s art was up to the challenge. Like the plots, Holden conveys a quick, fast-moving feel that is fun to dive into, pun intended.
Also, I appreciated the use of full-page layouts when they helped the story instead of simply being used to take up space. When we discover Harry’s secret, a full-page set-up is used, and it really shocked me! I always enjoy that.
BOTTOM LINE: DEPT. OF MONSTEROLOGY IS THE “NEXT BIG THING” IN HORROR COMICS
By utilizing multiple groups and dangers, Dept. of Monsterology shines by seriously exceeding our expectations. You think you know what’s going on? Not a chance! Humans and monsters alike have secrets that will surprise you, and it takes horror to the next level for comics fans. We always want MORE, don’t we? This book delivers!
It’s really important that you place your order at your local comics shop right away so they can make sure to have the copies you want when they are available. The first issue will be released on Wednesday, October 16, and the next three will arrive each mid-month after that. They have the art already completed, so I wouldn’t expect any delays. Also, a trade can be expected next year and, if this series sells as it should, we could get another mini-series not long after that!
If you want to read a comic that delivers bigger and better horror, Dept. of Monsterology is just what you’ve been looking for! Be sure to get in on the ground floor!
To check out a sneak peek of the issue!
