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So, this wasn’t on the docket. But after reading it, I asked if I could review it because I think this comic is a good example of what horror can be like in this form of entertainment, having been crafted by people with a proven track record in this industry. And hey, the first story has Batman in it, so it’s fair game.
The Chthonian Dawn
Not again…
Comic horror legend Francesco Francavilla gives us a story in which Batman faces his greatest fear – Not being able to save the day. Abby Arcane deems humanity a failure and unleashes a virus that turns humans into plants. This could end up being goofy, but thanks to the art, the full potential of what such a plan could entail is realized in an appropriately graphic manner.
How are you more effective at this than Ivy?
I’ve been a fan of Francavilla’s art since Afterlife with Archie, but Batman fans will remember his contributions in The Black Mirror. His minimalist coloring style works really well for horror, making the reader feel small as they navigate through a dark world. In this story, his choice of color is red (one of his usuals), with the occasional yellow and gray of Abby Arcane’s hair, which stands out even more due to the environment.
The biggest strength of this story is that you realize that Batman is afraid. His expressions are constantly one of fear, and if the peak of humanity can’t overcome the threat…what hope is there for the rest of us?
Score: 9/10
The Brooding Public
It’s a normal day for Adam Strange. He flies through Rann and kisses his wife before he’s about to leave by Zeta Beam to Earth. Before he does that, his father-in-law Sardath notices some deadly spores on his boots. He neutralizes them before Adam goes to Earth, so it’s fine as long as Adam’s been cleaning his costume regularly…right?
It was at this moment he realized…
This story is written and drawn by Patrick Horvath, who gave us a twisted tale of a teddy serial killer in his graphic novel debut, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees. His art style is what I can best describe as a fairy tale aesthetic meeting a gruesome, gory fate. It works well for the story, as Adam flies through Earth in horror as he sees the full scope of what he’s unleashed. Again, a script where people’s heads start to swell up until it explodes and a tentacle emerges from it could end up looking goofy in the wrong hands. But Horvath makes it work so well.
If body horror doesn’t make you want to puke out your guts, its not doing it right
And hey, there could be a follow-up as we see that the Justice League (at least four of them) have made it so Earth may not be completely doomed. But if this is all we get, I’m more than satisfied.
Well, at least this Batman was prepared
Score: 9/10
Recommended If
You’re a fan of Francesco Francavilla
You’ve read Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees and want more
You like a little horror for the holidays
Overall
As someone who’s been reviewing an anthology series for a while, I have to say DC Horror Presents… #3 does a lot right. Only having two stories gives them a bit more breathing room and provides the reader with quality over quantity. A huge improvement over #2.
Score: 9/10
Disclaimer: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of review.
“}]] So, this wasn’t on the docket. But after reading it, I asked if I could review it because I think this comic is a… Read More