CRIMINAL MACABRE: THE THIRD CHILD #1 Review


How will Cal handle the effect that the events from The Eyes of Frankenstein have had on him? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

Cal’s changed . . . and maybe not for the better. Locked away and drowning himself with booze and aspirin, Cal feels the evil consuming him. Will he be able to withstand its pull or will he become the monster war’s greatest weapon of destruction?

Criminal Macabre The Third Child #1 previewCal McDonald returns for yet another for part story, and following the shocking events of The Eyes of Frankenstein I know I for one have been looking forward to the release of Criminal Macabre: The Third Child. Getting off to a decent start, the opening issue shows demonic babies turning humans into killers. It is however Cal tackling his demons that captured this fanboys attention, with the sequences being both intense and emotional.

Steve Niles has been impressing me with his work on Army of Darkness, but it’s his work on Criminal Macabre that I’ve enjoyed much from this writer over the years. Giving a nice look back at how Cal first got into the world of demons, Niles allows new readers to ease into this tale. He then quickly transition to the present, with Cal’s emotional state regarding his current change being the highlight of this issue. Despite this I did feel the demonic babies needed more attention, as though the script as whole captivated me, the story itself has still to do so.

Umbral artist Christopher Mitten also returns to the world of Cal McDonald and Criminal Macabre, creating yet another set of stunning artwork. The way that Mitten’s rough, intense art fits the world of the mystic and occult has really captivated me, with his darker, more gory edge throughout Criminal Macabre being very appealing. Joining Mitten we get magnificent colours from Michelle Madsen, with the toning of her work, and dark palette working perfectly alongside this tale.

Criminal Macabre: The Third Child may have some way to go plot wise, but the mystery nature behind this tale, along with Cal facing his inner demons and the sudden return of Jason Hemlock definitely have me excited for the next issue. Highly recommended.

OUR RATING
8.5
  • + Cal has to come to terms with his change.
  • + Steve Niles gives a very character focused opening.
  • + Christopher Mitten always excels in the realm of the mystic.
  • - Needed more time spent on the demon babies.

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