Written and Creation By: John Rozum
Illustrated By: Jesus Saiz
Inks By: Jimmy Palmiotti
Letters By: Ken Bruzenak
Colours By: Noelle Giddings
Separations By: Digital Chameleon
Vertigo
I’m always on the look out for new takes on any kind of monster: demon, vampire, werewolf, ghost. I just can’t get enough! Even the crap ones manage to impress me in one way or another. In a recent hunt for more, I came across Midnight Mass: a fast paced, comical, and obscure take on an already insane fantasy world. And despite it’s decade passed release, thus far, it still proves quite relevant and entertaining.
Julia and Adam Kadmon come from a long line of supernatural fighters. They help protect the world from that which they do not understand or even know of. Their recently hired assistant, Jenny, is given a warm welcome in town but, is clearly warned of the dangerous life she was walking into. Her reality changes instantly as she crosses into the Kadmon’s lot and finds her car smashed by the ghouls she was told of. Creepily enough, this ghoul only fell onto her car in escape and fear of the Kadmons.
There are only three monster appearances in this issue but, they are all immensely well thought out and maimed. Considering this is only the introduction, I can only imagine what is to come after this. I mean, what other creatures could Rozum possibly think up? He’s already given us an exploding imp-thing, creepy forests stuffed with eerie ghosts and most intriguing of all a three armed, no headed assassin with a hit on a dead man. (Julia’s brutal and resourceful disposal of the creature makes this issue worth the read in and of itself.)
The art team does an amazing job with the action sequences, making them come to life on the pages through vivid colours and clear movement between panels. Some of the issues funniest moments took place visually and it’s simplistic, expression focused art reflected and enhanced it’s funny moments greatly – Adam’s background beating is top notch comedic enlightenment.
I appreciate the inclusion of the humorous tone because it makes the reader and Jenny feel safe among the beasts. When the time comes, however, and I’m sure it will, all that humour may come back and slap us in the face with death and horrors unknown. But, until then I choose to embrace it.
These guys are like those ‘real life’ paranormal hunters on crack. They aren’t listening out for quiet knocks or dead whispers, instead they find and face freaks of a calibre you or I can’t even imagine. Not to mention that tiny fact that they tend to win. Midnight Mass has thus far been a lot of fun and I hope that in continuing the series I find more laughs and ghouls to be had!
4/5. If you are looking for a unique and fun read that doesn’t require to much of your attention to understand or enjoy, give Midnight Mass a go. It may surprise you.
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