Comic Book Review - Basilisk #3

Rob reviews Basilisk #3...

Basilisk has gotten off to a real start over it's previous two issues. It's got a hell of a lot going on, and each issue seems to top the last on the "bloody massacre scale". Basilisk #3 is no different and ups the ante even more. Even with its horrific violence and gore, the story continues to stay the more memorable - not an easy thing to do! 

This time out we catch up with the ever mysterious Chimera as they slowly make their way towards Regan and Hannah. While we still don't know the true origins of these beings, we are being shown their powers. This time around the massacre goes into more detail as we see Vannessa, Manny, Jimmy-Boy, and Cara deal with an unsuspecting roadside rest stop. It's a great choreographed scene as the foursome deal with the unsuspecting rest stop patrons. 

Even with their horrific powers are the Chimera monsters? There's a somewhat God-like quality to their powers, and it's certainly something the group themselves believe in. Within the opening issue, we saw the cult-like mentality that surrounds the group. They're not merely killing because they have to, they're killing to make their presence known, leaving one sole survivor each time to further spread their horrific gospel.

Out of the main Chimera group my favourite so far is Cara. She's got a somewhat adolescent quality to her. She's a bit nieve and child-like when compared to the other Chimera - she's the "hippy" of this dysfunctional "family". Her power however is anything but child-like. In a more Poison Ivy way, she's able to manifest plant like roots within her victims - which I can imagine is extremely painful. However, as the story goes on I've got a feeling Cara - and Jimmy-Boy - are going to be the more problematic for Regan and Hannah 

While the bulk of the issue centres on the Chimera, we do catch up with Hannah and Regan. They're in the middle of nowhere as Hannah starts to put her plan into action. We learn a bit more of her backstory as we see Hannah encounter the aftermath of her family's slaughter. She also lets loose that at the time of the attack she happened to be in the hospital  "drugged up and chained to a bed", although Cullen Bunn doesn't go into detail as to why. Regan also mentions that her "brother" is whispering to her, so the Chimera knows exactly where they are, and that the killings are their way of punishing Hannah for her unwholesome worship of them - even if Hannah sees it as revenge. This is also something Regan delves into as to why the Chimera let Hannah live on that fateful night. 

What makes Basilisk a great read is a way that Bunn brings plenty of characterisation to his characters. There's plenty of exposition too which flows naturally as the story progresses. Pacing is also spot-on as we're thrown from scene to scene. These changes never feel forced and much like everything else they just flow from one to the other. 

The artwork is also spot on with artist Jonas Scharf and colourist Alex Guimarães delivering some amazing visuals. That's another trick that Basilisk does well. It's a horror tale that's not filled with dark brooding shadows. It's a horror that's happening in broad daylight, inside rest stops or diners, these are real people who are going about their business. Granted, the past scenes between the Chimera and Hannah play out within a stylised night setting, but the rest of the book is in bright glorious sunshine. 

With its blend of horror/revenge, Basilisk is shaping up to be a real treat for horror fans. It's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets Little House on the Prairie, with a bloodthirsty family of supernatural killers who each ooze with style and plenty of characterisation. Even with its gratuitous violence, Basilisk has a rich story. And it's one well worth your attention. 

Rating: 10/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev