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A review by lakserk
Black Mass Rising by Theo Prasidas
5.0
Some years after Dracula’s destruction, a pale cleric wanders the lands beyond the forest and discovers that there is evil afoot once more.
Beginning in the best possible way (with a traditional Romanian children’s game), Theo’s impressive graphic novel slowly transmutes into a magma torrent which, despite being a tributary of the Stoker D Opus, still meanders in unexpected ways, twisting and flowing with extraordinary passion. The writing (especially when the religious overtones take central stage later on) writhes with the youthful defiance of heavy metal (look for the Per Ohlin reference early on, it’s not easy to miss; or the slight Rotting Christ tint throughout the words of the later half). On the other hand, Prasidis holds delicately a strong lens upon the three main characters’ inner worlds, examining them in depth – there are both physical and mental wanderings in this Transylvania of his. Of especial note are the two protagonistic female characters which are teeming with strength, self-determination, and initiative – it is pure joy to follow them, even (or especially) in that grim and haunted land.
Jodie Muir’s art is spectacular, lush, full of intricate details and a great color palette. Some of the frames have a timeless, transcendental quality reminiscent of self-sufficient paintings – especially loved the 2-page spread of the cathedral/castle which draws upon the spirit of Zdzisław Beksiński.
Despite a few shortcomings (could be just a bit shorter and it could include a bit more action) this is a tremendous work, a truly worthy addition to the Dracula corpus. Definitely recommended, and keep an eye out for Swamp Dogs, Theo’s ongoing comic, as well as any future projects.
Beginning in the best possible way (with a traditional Romanian children’s game), Theo’s impressive graphic novel slowly transmutes into a magma torrent which, despite being a tributary of the Stoker D Opus, still meanders in unexpected ways, twisting and flowing with extraordinary passion. The writing (especially when the religious overtones take central stage later on) writhes with the youthful defiance of heavy metal (look for the Per Ohlin reference early on, it’s not easy to miss; or the slight Rotting Christ tint throughout the words of the later half). On the other hand, Prasidis holds delicately a strong lens upon the three main characters’ inner worlds, examining them in depth – there are both physical and mental wanderings in this Transylvania of his. Of especial note are the two protagonistic female characters which are teeming with strength, self-determination, and initiative – it is pure joy to follow them, even (or especially) in that grim and haunted land.
Jodie Muir’s art is spectacular, lush, full of intricate details and a great color palette. Some of the frames have a timeless, transcendental quality reminiscent of self-sufficient paintings – especially loved the 2-page spread of the cathedral/castle which draws upon the spirit of Zdzisław Beksiński.
Despite a few shortcomings (could be just a bit shorter and it could include a bit more action) this is a tremendous work, a truly worthy addition to the Dracula corpus. Definitely recommended, and keep an eye out for Swamp Dogs, Theo’s ongoing comic, as well as any future projects.