Comic Reading – Haunt #1

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Ryan Ottley
Layouts: Greg Capullo
Inks: Todd McFarlane
Creators: Robert Kirkman & Todd McFarlane
Publisher: Image Comics



Well another trip to the comic store this past Monday for the weekly comic book run turned up goodies as always but this title peaked my interest the most. Now this book was announced many months ago now and was met with mixed reaction, mostly negative I believe. As once fans saw the design of this character all they could do was roll their eyes as it looked like a Spawn/ Spider-Man hybrid. Oh did I mention this is the return of Todd McFarlane to monthly comics, well not actually as he did come back and is currently writing Spawn after a very lengthy hiatus. But for me the Todd factor was only one of the reasons to check this one out as the book is written by Robert Kirkman, who I enjoy for his other works such as The Walking Dead and Invincible. So basically I was very optimistic for this book as it could only go two ways either really good or a complete train wreck.

So with books purchased this one was on top of the pile for me to read first which is rare for any Image book. But I find myself looking at more Image titles as of late as the work is really good, Chew and Walking Dead as standouts for me. After getting home and cracking open this comic I have to say this one surprised me a whole lot, one might say came out of left field. As this book was solid all around both in story and art as I found myself entertained from start to finish. Like I mentioned before this was the return of Todd McFarlane to comics but not in the way you think. McFarlane is credited with Co-creator, inks, and cover artist on the book as pencils goes to Ryan Ottley, who is Kirkman’s artist on Invincible.

The story revolves around two brothers one a priest the other a government agent of some sort and their relationship. The agent brother after missions comes and confesses his sinner to his not so typical priest brother, who I could only compare to Jesse Custer, the hero of Garth Ennis's Preacher from Vertigo. Kurt the agent brother recalls his last mission in which he is sent to recover a doctor from a secret compound. After finding out the doctor is conducting not so friendly experiments on people Kurt lets him know what’s up. Kurt is kidnapped by some people who are looking for the doctors note book which they think he has, but this turns out not very good for Kurt who is murdered. Daniel the priest brother starts thinking he’s hallucinating talking to his dead brother but when asked to look after his wife Daniel accepts. Kurt is worried they will kill his wife in order to keep everyone quiet, which is a good call as the bad guys come a calling. The bad guys show up and Kurt tries to protect his brother from being killed but when his spirit combines with his body they find out they forum the Haunt character. Basically ending the issue with Haunt in his entire glory kicking ass and taking names thus setting up for the second issue.


Overall a solid first issue as there was enough story for me to want to read issue two and learn more about the characters in the book. Kirkman delivers a good set up story for things to come in future issues as in the letter at the end of the book it looks like this one is planned to run for a while. I like the design of the Haunt character even though some may say he’s a ripe off of two characters McFarlane is most know for. But the design is cool enough for me so I will continue on with this series to see how Kirkman and McFarlane work to make this a solid overall comic book.

Likes:
- Story
- Art
- Character Design


Dislikes:
- McFarlane only inks the book hopefully he’ll do more art in the future.


So go out and check this book out as it was an overall surprisingly fun read for me and I highly recommend it.