“THE BOOK OF MOTHMAN” Part One

The start of the final arc of season one begins here! Featuring new series artist TRISTAN JONES!

Cryptids begin appearing across the country. Regan joins Donovan to confront a powerful demon in South America. Tensions build and threats heighten, all leading to the season’s powerful conclusion.

In my honest opinion the plot isn’t bad, but this may be a case of potential over execution. The set-up and premise is all here, but its drowned and seeped in drama and unnecessary elements that get in the way far too much. Underneath is a concept and well thought out plot, but somehow that work just isn’t pushing through in the end result.

As far as the writing goes, the dialogue feels uncomfortable. This issue has a lot of tense dialogue and plenty of ‘I can’t tell you but..’ moments where everyone acts like a shady character with a dodgy past. Basically, everyone acts as if they’re the ‘man with no name’, making little speeches rather than getting to the plot. It may sound good until you realize that, honestly, nobody talks like that. The moments where this isn’t the case, such as daughter and mother moments, show off Micheal Moreci and Steve Seeley’s talent much more.

Similar comments can be made for the art. When it comes to long shots, vistas and revealing scenes, T-Rex Jones hits the spot. It also kinda works on the more decrepit old faces at the start of the book. Near the second half, however, you might realise this doesn’t work on younger people – the art looks like a bunch of loose lines over flat colors. I’d prefer some tighter details. As for the color, the issue is very dark. Scenes are either black, brown or – if you’re lucky- some sort of dark blue. Just like the writing, it tries to be far too edgy and broody. There are a few key panels, such as the ones near the end, that better show the potential not being used.

Like I said, this issue is somewhere between execution and unrealized potential. I still have hopes for Hoax Hunters, but this issue isn’t the proof.

2/5