Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Wytches #1Wytches #1
Image Comics
Snyder, Jock & Hollingsworth

Scott Snyder is a pretty good horror comic book writer. This is his latest launch with his old collaborator, Jock, on art. This book explores the idea of evil in the woods that will give you anything you desire, whether you ask them or not, but it comes with a very high price. The book is over-sized and priced at three bucks, which makes this a no-brainer as to whether or not you should pick it up.

The comic book centers on a young girl named Sailor. Having been abused by another young girl, her family moves to a new place for a fresh start. Unfortunately, the new house is near some woods and the woods is what got her into trouble in the first place. Sailor seems to be in over her head emotionally and spiritually.

The book doesn't really show the evil. Sure, the trees gobble up some people and there is a scene with a deer that I couldn't make heads or tails from, but for the most part there are no human-looking demons. The terror lies in the unknown. In this case, the unexplained is a killer and it is ruthless. This comic has several surprises that make for a good read.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsThere seems to be a lot of horror comics on the market these days and one of them, Outcast, is one I draw some comparisons to this. Outcast started with a bang in the first issue, but it quickly turned into a very slow-burn story never getting back to the terror revealed in the first issue. Snyder is known for slow-burn stories. If this comic drifts into issue after issue of limited terror then the cast will have to carry the comics and the reader's interest. I have some doubts that they are capable of doing that, much like the cast in Outcast.

Jock delivers some chilling art. The comic doesn't quite drift into the grotesque end of horror but it certainly gives some gore. Since this is more of a thriller than a slasher comic book, the art presents a level of drama and tension. The artwork definitely has its high moments because of the artwork. Jock seems to be the perfect fit for Snyder's story.

Wytches is a book that gives you a very entertaining read for three bucks. The question now is whether this book will go the slow-burn route or if it will quickly explore the horrors in the woods. Time will tell how this comic book does but this is a pretty good start.

3 out of 5 Geek Goggles