This one-shot is a bit of a celebration and promotional effort to spotlight Dark Horse's new horror line, and it merits the extra attention from readers. I've been quite pleased with what we've seen from this horror line so far -- notably The Blackburne Covenant and The Devil's Footsteps -- and this horror anthology hints are other standout efforts to come. There's a fun film noir theme that runs through all three stories here, but each has something different to offer as well.
Niles and Templesmith offer up their best Cal McDonald story yet here. They make the most of the short-story format. They tell a simple tale that makes the most out of the history of Las Vegas while filling new readers in on everything they need to know about the supernatural private eye. The main character's rough and crude nature shines through, and Templesmith's hazy but angular artwork remains as strong as ever. I love the contrast between the living and the dead here, and the cruder linework that makes up the backgrounds.
I've got a couple of issues of Dark Horse's new Goon lying around here, but I haven't had a chance to delve into them yet. My mistake, if the second story in this volume is any indication. Powell's artwork boasts a strong Mike (Hellboy) Mignola riff here, but I also see some Kevin (Tomorrow Stories) Nowlan influence at play. It seems to me that Powell would be an excellent choice for a future fill-in job on Bill Willingham's Fables. The story itself is fairly straightforward. The creator's tongue is planted firmly in cheek, as deliciously lame puns and Jack Kirby-esque action fills the panels.
I haven't cared for TV writer Brett Matthews's stories for Marvel Knights (Spider-Man/Daredevil and Spider-Man/Wolverine), but it seems that once he's in his element -- namely, the Buffy-verse, he shines. Actually, one of the elements that most impressed me here is the story's independence from Buffy continuity. Matthews simply plays around with the vampire archetype here. He transforms a villain into a hero... and the victim.
Sean Phillips's artwork on the "Buffy: Tales of the Vampires" segment is stunning. His work here puts one in mind of Gene (Tomb of Dracula) Colan's style. The sketchy approach brings incredible texture, depth and atmosphere to the story as well, and I love how he uses color sparingly to achieve the greatest effect in the rare panel where color does play a role.
