This may just be the best and most original story Steve Niles has written yet: a horror story about a man who loves the fun of horror story. Despite the darkness and sadness that permeates this comic book, ultimately, the tragedy stems from the passion and delight that the title character found in his favored genre. Niles offers up some biting social commentary in the process while celebrating what could be described as the snubbed, red-haired bastard child of American culture. Making this is perfect reading experience is the employment of a new name in comic art (new to me anyway). Breehn Burns brings hazy but rich, moody colors to bear and combines it with some playful pop art. I'm betting Aleister Arcane slipped by even some die-hard Niles fans when it was solicited in Previews a couple of months back, given it doesn't look like the usual, edgy fare the writer is known for. Passing on this book, though, would be a mistake, and not just for Niles fans.
Aleister Green started out his career in broadcasting as a third-rate weatherman and enjoyed the third-rate celebrity status is afforded him in the small community in which he worked. But some Halloween silliness on the set opened his eyes to his real passion in life: the role of Aleister Arcane, master of the macabre and entertaining guru of gore. Soon, he finds himself hosting late-night horror movies in his Arcane role, and his popularity affords him the opportunity to continue in that capacity back in his hometown. A much more conservative audience, though, cramps his style, and criticisms lead to his life crumbling apart around him.
Burns's art here reminds me of the styles of such artists as Phil (Beautiful Killer) Noto and/or Joe (Danger Girl Special) Chiodo, blended with the eerie realism of Dave (Sandman) McKean's multi-media work. The fun finds its way into Burns's work here through the title character's eyes. There's a shine there, full of imagination, showmanship and revelry. The art here is richly textured, and there's an odd mix of lightness and supernatural atmosphere. I never really got into Gloomcookie, Burns's previous work, but this is a thoroughly effort early on in his career; I expect we'll be seeing a lot more from Burns in the not-too distant future.
Niles uses a somewhat distant narrative voice to convey this story, and it works surprisingly well. The script sounds almost like a documentary, but the seeming coldness of the words somehow reinforces the sadness and tragedy of Aleister's story.
It's remarkably easy to relate to the title character here. He's not the villain of the piece; he's the victim. Niles tells the story of how one man's passion for life is torn down by the ignorance of others. It's a touching, grounded tale that celebrates pop culture and our need for people who are a little different.
