Nailbiter #6 Review

Will this child be the next Buckaroo Killer? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

It’s a serial killer!

When the cover for this issue was first released along with the ambiguous solicit I was more than intrigued. A serial killer baby? Really? How is this going to turn into a great tale that doesn’t scream ripoff or cliche? These were a few of the many thoughts that went through my end. The result turned out to be better than I could ever imagine, with this issue not only being great, but fitting the criteria needed to be a brilliant one-shot issue.

Joshua Williamson ended the first arc of Nailbiter in a phenomenal way, and though I’d have loved nothing more than to dive into a brand new arc, seeing a continuation of recent revelations, I feel it only appropriate to get a one-shot breaker issue. Giving both a quick recap, and the narration for the story, Alice’s diary proves a brilliant way of telling this tale, allowing for a dramatic overtone. The subject matter of this tale also proved captivating, with the crazy woman and her twisted imagination being utterly unbelievable.

Mike Henderson‘s art has been a standout feature in this horror series, and though the horror effect isn’t as intense as before, the look certainly is. Giving a dark and gritty look to the town of Buckaroo, Henderson really allows the reader to get a sense of despair, with the rain only adding to this. The layouts also manage to give a very dramatic and suspenseful tone to the issue, with there being some explosive bursts of intensity as well. Giving the finishing touch to the art is Adam Guzowski, with his colours as ever being both soft and impactful.

Nailbiter is one of Image’s best series out at the moment, and following it’s opening arc it shows it can create fabulous one shot tales. Having some shocking moments, and a thrilling tone, this one-shot tale is as gripping as the series has promised, being a must read. Highly recommended.