CREDIT: DC/Vertigo
Rating: 5/5 – Each Issue Is Better Than The Last.
by ComicSpectrum reviewer Hank Johnson.
Rock-n-roll is littered with great creators who emerge from the so called ‘indie circuit’ to superstardom. For example, R.E.M. was a favorite on college radio for years before they broke into the mainstream and eventually landed in the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame. If Vertigo is the ‘indie circuit’ for DC Comics, then Caitlin Kittredge and Inaki Miranda are its R.E.M. While that may seem lofty praise for a creator’s first comic series that does not mean it is not deserving. Kittredge has written several prose novels and making the transition to comics can be challenging. The first arc of this series displayed those initial growing pains (particularly in pacing), but the second arc has been nothing short of spectacular.
Kittredge successfully learned the subtle differences between the prose and illustrated story telling, worked out the kinks, and made this arc feel perfect to me in every way. While the first arc had some good character development, this arc takes it to extraordinary heights. The exploration into Eve Coffin’s history in this issue is truly compelling and exceptionally well executed. Each story beat is hit crisply and perfectly with consistent and logical pacing.
What can I say about Inaki Miranda’s art other than it is a match made in heaven for this title. Inaki’s art matches the tone and subtly of the book. Looking at each page I see art that is painstakingly crafted. The addition of colors by Eva De La Cruz and Dave Johnson takes this book to extraordinary heights. This issue fulfills the promise of the book that was shown early on in the series.
Each issue of Coffin Hill keeps getting consistently better. While I am not a horror or supernatural fan, there is something compelling about Kittredge’s style that has gotten me hooked on this title. Coffin Hill is an amazing series and worthy of consideration for comics “best of” lists and awards. Even if you don’t like horror or supernatural series, give Coffin Hill a try and I believe you will be pleasantly surprised at the intricate story and mind blowing art. This is one series that should be on your pull list.
Reviewed by: Hank Johnson
(hank@comicspectrum.com)
https://comicspectrum.com/ Covering the full spectrum of comics culture
ComicSpectrum Comic Reviews 