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emberology
Oooh. Me likey.
A lot better than the first one that I still think was a bit too on the nose, and although I still haven't completely warmed up to the characters, I was more at home with this second volume. Bitch Planet is a slap on the face instead of a subtle examination of women's rights, so if you don't like an aggressive, loud and hyperbolic approach to these things, you won't like this. I, however, am still full of adrenaline from the events of President Bitch, particularly the ending. An exciting launch of a new situation, and with a real rumble. I particularly liked the twist with. I can't wait to read her story!
A lot better than the first one that I still think was a bit too on the nose, and although I still haven't completely warmed up to the characters, I was more at home with this second volume. Bitch Planet is a slap on the face instead of a subtle examination of women's rights, so if you don't like an aggressive, loud and hyperbolic approach to these things, you won't like this. I, however, am still full of adrenaline from the events of President Bitch, particularly the ending. An exciting launch of a new situation, and with a real rumble. I particularly liked the twist with
Spoiler
Kylie
Very uneven, felt like filler, and Hannah Christenson's art in issue #12 was way too rough around the edges (almost juvenile). Turns out, I enjoyed the one-offs the most (the butcher one was particularly good, and I'm going to check out if the artist has more work available). Loving the idea of mini ghost stories at the end of each issue.
Loved the folksy Southern gothic horror of the first volume, but now that the world has been established, we get a hackneyed and predictable plot about an evil twin? Yikes. I still like the art and the overall atmosphere, but the tone of Twice Told is just flat and not as creepy. These are still perfect bedtime stories, but I'm hoping the next volumes will move on to something more strange and twisted, something that would fit the art and the spirit of Harrow County.
Horror doesn't necessarily always have to have that same old dark and menacing milieu. It's refreshing to see when someone explores the genre from another angle, and Harrow County has the kind of artwork that elevates the story to another level.
The use of watercolors accentuates the linework in all the right places and makes for moody and eerie - but also simultaneously kind of ethereal and beautiful - visuals. The gloomy color tones are amazing, creating interesting textures. The landscapes are like paintings and the people are drawn in this very simplistic style, almost in the style of some children's books. All the fire stuff, like the flaming haints at the cemetery, glows brightly on the pages looking exactly what they are, like from another world of nightmares and hell fire. All this matches the horror elements, because the contrast is interesting and definitely unexpected.
In a way, a simple and traditional story like this needs that extra something to feel like worth the time, because witches and curses have been explored so many times that it's difficult to see what new the topic might offer. However, Harrow County isn't necessarily what it seems to be at first glance, especially regarding the decision of Emmy when she finds out how she's connected to the past events. The plot just never seems to take the usual turns and avoids enough clichés to keep the story flowing in an engaging way.
There's a boy's skin that speaks, a spooky tree, an ancient creature living in the woods, idiotic townsfolk, and lots and lots of whimsical, dark, and dreamlike atmosphere, but in a more subtle package than you'd expect. Despite the highly traditional approach, Harrow County still feels fresh. A good ol' Southern Gothic creepy tale to read by the fire on an Autumn evening.
The use of watercolors accentuates the linework in all the right places and makes for moody and eerie - but also simultaneously kind of ethereal and beautiful - visuals. The gloomy color tones are amazing, creating interesting textures. The landscapes are like paintings and the people are drawn in this very simplistic style, almost in the style of some children's books. All the fire stuff, like the flaming haints at the cemetery, glows brightly on the pages looking exactly what they are, like from another world of nightmares and hell fire. All this matches the horror elements, because the contrast is interesting and definitely unexpected.
In a way, a simple and traditional story like this needs that extra something to feel like worth the time, because witches and curses have been explored so many times that it's difficult to see what new the topic might offer. However, Harrow County isn't necessarily what it seems to be at first glance, especially regarding the decision of Emmy when she finds out how she's connected to the past events. The plot just never seems to take the usual turns and avoids enough clichés to keep the story flowing in an engaging way.
There's a boy's skin that speaks, a spooky tree, an ancient creature living in the woods, idiotic townsfolk, and lots and lots of whimsical, dark, and dreamlike atmosphere, but in a more subtle package than you'd expect. Despite the highly traditional approach, Harrow County still feels fresh. A good ol' Southern Gothic creepy tale to read by the fire on an Autumn evening.
That's it, all the available volumes of Harrow County have now been devoured by yours truly. As you've seen from my ratings, I haven't been as excited about the series as I was when I first encountered it. However, apart from one or two missteps (most of these have had something to do with guest artists or unsatisfying plot points), most three star ratings are more like 3.5.
When I said I didn't like the evil twin thing in Vol. 2, I can now sigh from relief, because my wishes have mostly been granted with increasing creepiness and visceral and twisted events. Many have pointed out the jarring contrast between the supernatural elements and the idyllic Southern countryside depicted with soft watercolors, and that I think is the most successful aspect of the series. It sets it apart from straightforward horror comics and creates an unusual gothic atmosphere that is hard to explain. The childlike innocence is constantly being tainted by ominous things lurking in the shadows, and in Vol. 7, darkness is about to swallow Harrow County whole. The storm clouds are gathering for an epic battle, and it ain't gonna be pretty.
P.S. Priscilla is the cutest little critter I've ever seen. Although I have to point out that I'm also one of those people who considers the Eraserhead (1977) baby an adorable munchkin, so don't just take my word for it.
When I said I didn't like the evil twin thing in Vol. 2, I can now sigh from relief, because my wishes have mostly been granted with increasing creepiness and visceral and twisted events. Many have pointed out the jarring contrast between the supernatural elements and the idyllic Southern countryside depicted with soft watercolors, and that I think is the most successful aspect of the series. It sets it apart from straightforward horror comics and creates an unusual gothic atmosphere that is hard to explain. The childlike innocence is constantly being tainted by ominous things lurking in the shadows, and in Vol. 7, darkness is about to swallow Harrow County whole. The storm clouds are gathering for an epic battle, and it ain't gonna be pretty.
P.S. Priscilla is the cutest little critter I've ever seen. Although I have to point out that I'm also one of those people who considers the Eraserhead (1977) baby an adorable munchkin, so don't just take my word for it.
