Nailbiter Returns is the new follow-up to Image’s wildly successful Nailbiter series, which takes us back to Oregon to investigate a series of copycat killers who are replicating the work of the original Buckaroo Butchers. This time around Agent Nicholas Finch has to partner with the daughter of the infamous nailbiter killer in order to get to the root of the new killings in Portland. Overall, Issue #1 is a serviceable and intriguing entry point for the new series but lags a bit in its need to establish context early.

The book opens in a horror-themed bar, where a group of friends is discussing their favorite horror movies until one of them broaches the topic of favorite real-life serial killers. This serves as a handy way to recap some of the major players from the original series, but the introduction is laid on just a little too thick. They kind of hammer home the fact that this is a horror series for horror fans, and it feels like the author is trying just a bit too hard to establish a rapport with new readers. I’m sure some readers will appreciate it, but it feels about as kitschy as it sounds.

After a bit of drama in the bar regarding Alice’s parentage, she heads home to discover that her mother is missing and that their bathroom is covered in blood. Meanwhile, Agent Finch has been called to a multicar collision in Portland, where a nasty surprise is waiting for him in the trunk of one of the wrecked vehicles. This is where the book picks up, as the disappearance of Alice’s mother prompts her to seek out Finch and the two are dragged into a new serial killer mystery. Without spoiling anything, there’s a cool reveal near the end of the issue and the last few pages are promisingly creepy, building on the eyeball motif amidst an interesting monologue from an as yet unknown villain.

Visually, Nailbiter Returns #1 is great. The recurring eyeball imagery and the other gory bits are worth the read– Alice’s blood-drenched bathroom is a particularly striking scene, and any panel featuring the Buckaroo Butchers is a visual treat. The character designs for the Butchers still feel fresh and the final pages are cryptic and full of compelling little details. Colors are top-notch and the settings feel especially well realized. Once you get past the recap this is a fun little book, and the fact that Nailbiter Returns #1 is just a tad bit longer than a normal release goes a long way in making up for that. The series is off to a promising start, and I’m sure future issues will have a lot to offer.

Rating 7 out of 10 Eyeballs