Inspired by Poe’s parables, this publication of pictures plus prose provokes provocative proponents of proposed prefabrications predisposed to possessing perceptive plot probes not opposed to perilously exploring the paranormal with panache exposed.
Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death is the penultimate issue for the horror/comedy series from AHOY Comics (previously reviewed HERE). It consists of five short stories about fearsome tales of wonderment. Is it worth a Raven’s feathers or shall we speak of this nevermore?
A Pound of Flesh, written by Kirk Vanderbeek, illustrated by Jon Proctor. It’s about a guilt-ridden, paranoid man named Peter. At the funeral of his friend Noah, he convinces himself that everyone must have deduced he had implications in his murder. Whether he’s responsible or not, he believes his connection is obvious. He introspectively dives deeper into his mind. It’s an intense character study as he reconsiders his actions, eagerly awaiting accusations. I love how the artwork has a film noir feel with drastic shadows drawn with thick black lines with a muted colour scheme using dark browns, oranges, reds, blues and greens. The attention to detail is impeccable. The dry wit didn’t work for me but it’s reminiscent of Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart with satisfying results.
Postal, written by Kirk Vanderbeek; illustrated by Shane Oakley, opens in Redondo in 1974….or maybe 75, as narrator Edgar Allan Poe humorously implies. He introduces Augie Doobin, PI. Visiting a crime scene, Doobin comically compares the carnage to the dinner scene from the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He investigates the body and surrounding area. He finds a letter with a curious stamp on it. Testing a presumption, he licks it. This proved it was acid. Now navigating the effects of the drug is key to closing the case. It’s a fabulously, dazzling array of colourful panels. Its abstract style is captivating to behold but doesn’t distract from the story. I found this more humourous with relatable pop culture references.
Resurrectland is written by Blake Nail, artwork by Dan Schoeneck. Told from the perspective of a child, Jimmy, at a funeral, he’s bored and uncomfortable in his formal attire. Some curious sentences are dropped suggesting it takes place in the future. Jimmy states to his father “No one’s done this since before you were even born. What’s the point?” To which he retorts “Perhaps, to be grateful?” It’s an interesting choice of dialogue. The resolution raises more questions than it answers but that’s all I’ll say about that.
True Tales From the Life of Edgar Allan Poe! Episode Three: The Food of the Gods is written by Norm Fields with Breakdowns by Joel Ojeda and Inks/Finishes by Juan Castro. This is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, cleverly going to great lengths to divert expectations while providing a striking art style with intense visuals to ensnare the eyes using shadows combined with a dull colour palette of blues and greys. The premise is intriguing with whimsically inventive artwork.
The Dope Man Cometh, written by Vickie Smalls, illustrated by Dan Schoeneck, is a delectable tale told from the perspective of the titular Dope Man. He describes a creepy customer with horrid third-degree burns dressed “Like he thinks he’s in the Matrix.” They trade cash for vials of blood before the customer vanishes. Through dialogue, it’s established this has been ongoing and Mr. Dope Man yearns for a new career path. The words vividly look at how he deals with unsavoury characters to earn extra money with a dark atmospheric tone contributing to the unease of the scenario. The eerie tale unfolds at a rapid pace with an abrupt ending leaving me wanting more. That’s a great accomplishment for any writer. This would be a great start to a novel. My only complaint is it’s not illustrated, visuals would enhance that creepy experience.
Overall, as a Poe fan, I enjoyed this well-written/drawn anthology. I highly recommend Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death because each story had memorable attributes. A Pound of Flesh and Postal are personal highlights but it’s a page-turner throughout. I wish more was illustrated to fully enhance some stories but I understand the artistic choice of variety. Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death is worth a Raven’s feathers, a couple of Raven’s claws too. And remember, for tales of mystery and inebriation look no further than this unconventional concoction in a nice tall glass.
9 Out of 10
