The notion of horror-comics writer Steve Niles offering up a cute, all-ages title is not something I or Niles's fanbase would have ever expected, but when one realizes the characters are monsters, it makes more sense. Sure, they're cute, Little Archie-esque monsters, but monsters nonetheless. The other reason for the Little Archie comparison is the short-form for all of the stories included in this first issue. The ideas, characters and circumstances are entertaining and charming in their own way, but as I made my way through this book, I was nagged by the same thought over and over again. I wondered if Image has a need for The Cryptics when it already has Death Jr. (which also features young, cute versions of freaks and ghouls).
They're the best of friends, four boys who attend elementary school together, play war games and imagine themselves on fantastic adventures. They're Drac Jr., Sea-Boy, Jekyll Jr. and Wolfy, and the only thing that can put a stop to them is a firm tone from a parent. The Cryptics celebrate life by tormenting others and each other, but always with an eye on fun and friendship. The challenges they face along the way range from surprise tests to Christmas icons on a bloodthirsty rampage, but the rewards are laughter and a sense of belonging.
Man, that description came off way too schmoltzy. Believe me, The Cryptics doesn't come off as some kind of after-school special, no matter what I may offer up as a synopsis of this first issue. I realize the gimmick of the mini-monsters is what's meant to draw the reader into the book, but it's just their imagination and friendship that really had me smiling. The gags about their monstrous nature elicit a brief smirk or two, but the characters are far more grounded that one might expect.
Roman's art is highly enjoyable. This time, the Little Archie comparison is of no use to me, as the artist uses sharp, angular lines to bring the characters to life. There's still a cuteness to be found in them, but there's also an edge that makes for a nice contrast. The character designs are striking and memorable, and while seemingly simple in tone, they're also full of detail. The colors are vibrant, but like the art, there's a slight edge to them as well, as the various colorists employ some muted tones to separate this from pastel, primary-color kids fare.
This series of short sequences really don't allow for much in the way of actual plot, and that's where the book falls short for me. This is about joke-telling, not storytelling. The short length of the segments also allows little time for Niles to develop and explore these characters, and that's a shame, as they're clearly full of personality and potential. I think there also needs to be a clearer sense of adversity for the Cryptics, perhaps a rival group of girl ghouls. 6/10
