A comiXologist Recommends
Black-Eyed Kids #1 (Aftershock)
by Joe Pruett and Szymon Kudranski
Maybe you’re like me and you’ve explored certain fringe science websites in the past and have heard about the Black-Eyed Kids. If not, here is what you need to know: if theyknock on your door you SHOULD NOT LET THEM INSIDE! Who would let any human being that had wholly black eyes into their house? Anyway, Black-Eyed Kids #1, from writer Joe Pruett and artist Szymon Kudranski takes this exquisitely creepy urban legend/paranormal phenomenon and gives it the pop culture recognition it deserves–it’s terrifying and we should probably get the word out about this–with a dynamic and intriguing debut!
What drew me (besides my interest in BEK) in was an interesting cover from Francesco Francavilla @francavillarts, but what sold me was the writing. Joe Pruett, whom you may know from his Eisner nominated series Negative Burn, is listed as the creator & writer of this series and his ability to hook you with just enough plot and an over abundance of intrigue is on full display. We’re introduced to a handful of characters in this issue, wisely dropped well into the middle of things, and are asking more questions at the end of the book than we are at the beginning.
Szymon Kudranski’s (Spawn) talent is also readily apparent with clean lines and moody panels heavy with dark chiaroscuro. The layout and inks are superb as mundane panels, like a man watching television, sets the reader on edge due to a low crooked angle and lack of light in the room. It’s clear to me as a horror/thriller film fanatic that Kudranski has seen and expertly adapted a Hitchcockian perspective including what I think is a conscious replication of some shots from Psycho. I also would like to give a nod to Guy Major, the colorist on the book, who makes the wise choice to imply different “lighting” in each scene, which visually relocates the reader in time or location keeping the narrative easy to follow.
I don’t know much about this story and what I do know can’t/won’t tell you, but needless to say, I’m hooked.
Josh Doyle-Elmer is comiXology’s Email Marketing Specialist. He locks his door as soon as he gets inside.