David Lapham’s Ferals #6 – The Conclusion to Part 1

By Sharayah Read On July 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Comic Books

Written By: David Lapham

Art and Covers By: Gabriel Andrade

Colours By: Digikore Studios

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To say I have enjoyed the hell out of this series thus far is a major understatement. Lapham has managed to make werewolves exciting and gruesome again by making them half-wolves, if you will. The final piece has finally been added to this magnificent puzzle – there is a chosen one and only he achieves full were-form and spirit. An example being, let’s say, the Feral Dale kills earlier on in the series?

The chosen one is seen as the leader and protector of their cult. He gets women on command and human sacrifice in the plenty – likely both at once if he so pleased, I’m sure – but, when this position is offered up to Dale from Gerda’s crazy ex, he refuses. On a normal day, his refusal would have meant nothing but, today he had two unknown allies on the same trail, rampaging through this freakish town killing it’s disease once and for all.

So they think.

If there is one factor of this series that I couldn’t get enough of it was that of Gerda and Dale’s relationship. These two weren’t written in fates time line to end up together. They met up purely through attraction and sensual beatings, only to later find a common ground amongst the needed death of her husband and friends. After all of the brutality and blood, on that final page, when Gerda and Dale are happy in eachother’s arms, I nearly shed a tear for their freakish, dead woman/feral love and their unlikely success. Lapham has always worked relationships really well into his series’ but, this one stands strongly amongst the best; right beside Danny & Sadie in Young Liars. Their communications seemed effortless, smooth and passionate, despite the obvious torment. Now, with their mission successful and the angry passion gone, I can’t imagine where he can take all of this from here!

When I try to find words to describe Andrade’s art the first thing that comes to mind is horrific but, then again it’s really quite beautiful. It’s bloody but, has a lot of soft background colouring and imagery otherwise. I suppose, the best way to say it is that he has achieved a great mix of shade and light. When it needs to be scary he makes it as such otherwise though, he adds many layers of thick forestry and other beautiful imagery to focus on. This gives an often needed break and moment to refocus from the horrors he and Lapham throw at you throughout each issue.

Honestly and truly, I think this is one of my favourite series’ so far this year. It adds a much needed twist to the lore and also brings forth some memorable relationships, terrifying villains, and dramatic art; all while cracking a few jokes and not taking it’s self too seriously. Lapham and Andrade have really hit this first chapter square on the nose of perfection - 5/5.