Review: Corktown #1

Writer: Mario Candelaria

Art: Scott Ewen

Letters: Zakk Saam

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: May 18th 2016

This week I've been blessed to read another stellar release from Alterna Comics in what has been a fantastic tenth year for them, and for us as readers.

Corktown follows the tale of a ghostly detective, trying to stop her reanimated body commiting a series of gruesome murders. This initial issue sets up the premise and some of the supernatural mythos really well. One of the most common flaws with an opening issue is the level of exposition required, after all generally they set up the story. However Candelaria has crafted a well told story that shows us, rather than outright tells-and that makes for a much more interesting read. Stephen King said you should never assume your reader is less intelligent than you (slightly paraphrased) and Candelaria puts us right up there with him and just tells the story with an exuberance that shines through.

There's some interesting takes on different supernatural myths at play too, namely vampiric and ghostly lore, but I don't want to delve too much into for fear of spiders, but needless to say it works well and adds interesting elements to the book. Torrie is an interesting and compelling protagonist, though I get the sense that there is still a lot more to come from her. 

The comic is set in Detroit, I have never been to Detroit and I'm unsure if I ever will. So it is testament to Ewen's art that he can so vividly bring a city to life to one who has never set foot in its boundaries. That fused with excellent character and sequential art, makes this book a true feast for the eyes. You almost become an inhabitant of Detroit, experiencing this story through your own eyes, as though it was unfolding before you.

I have recently begun to make my own comics, I've been writing for a while and it seemed like logical progression. So I thought lettering them would be a breeze, oh how wrong I was. Anyone who can letter should be immortalised as a genius and Saam is no different, so in my eyes he deserves special mention.

This was a fantastic book to read, wonderful writing with great characters and beautiful art to take in. It's well worth a look and is available on comixology digitally now. So do yourself a favour and give it a go.