Tabby is on the run from something in her life and headed to her Grandmother’s house in Solitude, Texas, where she can be alone in the place she was raised. As Tabby is about to find out, however, things have changed since she has been gone, and her Grandma may not be alone.
Creative Team: Chris Condon, Andrew Ehrich, Charlie Adlard, Pip Martin, Mike Tivey, and Hassan Otsman-Elhaou.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Nobody writes a story that can make you feel textures, grit, and grime the way Chris can. He has a way of crafting stories that both narratively make us feel uneasy and yet captivate us all the same. I’m a sucker for a good horror tale at that, and this is setting us up for something potentially sinister. I couldn’t quite pinpoint exactly what in this issue made me feel uneasy, whether it was Tabby’s interaction with the cop, the suspicious truck as she is attempting to rescue the dog on the highway, or seeing the town population saying 150. From panel 1 onward, as we go through this story and meet our main character, something just feels off, and it’s incredible storytelling from Condon in the way he can create that feeling so effortlessly. Lastly, I already hated basements before, and the final page sealed the deal for me. Thanks, Chris.
The Art and Letters:
There are some simply incredible works of detail in this opening issue. Aiding in the uneasy feeling is perhaps the addition of this issue, making us feel the need to shower. Martin and Adlard set up the scenery, and you just feel hot and as though your skin is covered in sand and sweat the entire time. There is a panel where we get a close-up of Tabby, and the sweat is drawn in such a manner that it almost looks as though her face is melting a bit. They capture the vast nothingness that is this area of Texas well, and the panel with the dog was utterly heartbreaking. Hats off to them for showing the aftermath and not pulling away. Hassan puts his mystique and flavor into the letters, and it’s the way the cops’ words feel lifeless and yet stern, creating a tense scene in the middle of nowhere. The whole team paints a perfect picture of unease, and we are just getting started.
Final Thoughts:
Of The Earth #1 sets the mood instantly, leaving the audience feeling uncomfortable and dirty all the same. This is the perfect way to start a suspenseful horror story, and I’m hooked right away. This book should generate some buzz and be at the top of lists this week! P.S I already didn’t need another reason to stay away from Texas, but this book just adds another.
Overall Grade: 10/10
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