The big selling point of this series -- doubtless the one that Dark Horse Comics is counting on -- is that this limited series reunites the creative team behind the small-press sleeper hit of 2002, 30 Days of Night. Those who can't wait until this summer's sequel -- Dark Days -- can turn to this title, but they won't find the same cutting-edge quality that made 30 Days such a success. Still, they will find a fun mix of film noir and horror, and the always impressed distorted and dark imagery of Ben Templesmith.
Cal McDonald, a private eye who often finds himself mixed up in affairs of the supernatural underworld, has moved to Los Angeles, and it hasn't taken him long to make his mark on the City of Angels. While investigating a vampire case, he witnesses what can only be described as a summit of monsters, as vampires and werewolves discuss common goals. And on a "consulting" gig with the LAPD, he learns of an unusual theft. He also meets up with an old friend, who's also looking for his help.
Templesmith is the heir apparent to the legacy of comics legend Bill Sienkiewicz. Templesmith's twisted, sketchy artwork elicits easy comparisons to Sienkiewicz's work, just as Sienkiewicz's early artwork (see the original Moon Knight series from Marvel for an example) elicited comparisons to the style of Neal Adams. A mish-mash of lines converge with textured colors and blotches of inky darkness to bring an urban underbelly to life. The quieter, more mysterious moments are a little hard to make out, but Templesmith makes up for it with a rich and creepy atmosphere.
Initially, McDonald's tough-guy, noir narration and dialogue didn't really work with the supernatural elements of the story. It felt a little forced, and it even contradicted itself. Cal's seen-it-all attitude didn't jibe with his confusion and contentions that certain things just didn't happen. But when his ghoulish friend turns up later in the book, the odd mix of genres just seemed to click. I also remain pleased that McDonald continues to be an addict. Cal's not a hero, just someone playing an unusual role in an unusual world.
The most interesting aspect of this script is the plot. Niles has managed to establish an effectively foreboding atmosphere, and convinces the reader of the magnitude of whatever's about to happen. I love the notion of a coalition of monsters, and a biohazard conspiracy plot was an unexpected -- but intriguing -- plot development.
