Footprints is an interesting and unique story published by 215 Ink from author Joey Esposito and artist Jonathan Moore, blending the noir genre with the world of cryptozoology. The world’s most famous cryptozoology wonders have made themselves known publicly, and now after living among humans for many decades one of their own has been murdered. It is up to Bigfoot, The Jersey Devil, Nessie, Chupacabra, and Megalodon, to find out who has murdered Yeti, the brother of Bigfoot. In addition to unraveling a government conspiracy, involving the military’s interest in cryptids as weapons.
Randomly I came across this title while I was looking for something new and different to read, and a story about a group of crime solving cryptids is about as different as one could ever hope for. The writing is really well done and perfectly keeps the noir vibe alive despite being such a melting pot of genres, an aspect I really appreciated as big fan of the sub genre. Joey Esposito does such a great job at giving each of the cryptid human like personas, my personal favorite being the rude, no apologies attitude of The Jersey Devil, who also speaks in heavy 40s/50s slang further adding to the noir vibe. I found myself continuously laughing throughout this first issue, but at the same time completely focused and captivated during serious portions of story, a testament to Joey Esposito’s ability to seamlessly blend multiple genres. Easily, Footprints #1 is one of the most creative entries into the noir genre to ever be created perfectly blending the genre with shades of comedy, mystery, and horror, this book is sure to leave a lasting mark on anyone who reads it.
Jonathan Moore’s artwork holds a pivotal role in the books ability to keep its noir feeling strong over top of all of the other genres that are present as well. A nice array of illustrations using a color palette of black, white, and grays flawlessly brings the story to life. Moore’s interruption of each of the cryptids based on popular beliefs of how they look are all spot on, I love how human like Bigfoot and Yeti both appear to be as if they were in fact the missing links.
There is really something for everyone in this debut issue, and I recommend going out and picking up a copy, it is currently available at various comic stores as well as at the official 215ink store and digitally via Graphic.ly. This would make a great stocking stuffer for that cryptozoology or noir fan in your life, or just a fun read for yourself, either way I for one loved this first issue.
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