Comic Book Review - Decay #1

Rob reviews Decay #1...

Decay is a supernatural revenge thriller that's set within the city of New Orleans. Whilst the city itself is warm and inviting, Decay takes us into its dark underbelly. As we follow the main character 'DK' through a seemingly ordinary night, things soon take a horrid turn which leaves plenty of lives hanging in the balance...

Decay is a story that hits you as soon as you start reading. The first page gives you a striking image of DK standing over his friend whilst attempting to save his life. With no time to digest what's happening - and with chaos unfurling all around - we're then taken a few hours into the past.

What then follows is the build-up to the scenes we've just seen. Writer Anthony D. Stokes introduces us to his main cast through plenty of organic feeling "talking heads" moments. The main narrative follows DK and his friend Marcus as they're invited to a local party in an attempt to gain more exposure for their cocktail business. While DK is unsure if the opportunity is worth it, Marcus attempted to pressure him into tagging along. 

At this point, Stokes introduces DK's sister, and it's from here where DK is given more character building as we learn of his parent's death and his sister dabbling with voodoo. There's a bit of foreshadowing involved as the siblings talk about their jobs, and how easy it could be to bring someone back from the dead. From here we then jump to the party which then leads us up to Decay's opening pages. 

And I won't be spoiling anymore! 

In terms of the overall narrative, Decay works well. The small cast size gives a very intimate story as Stokes takes the time to build up their relationships and motivations while retaining some exposition for future issues. This also works in pushing the narrative forward without feeling forced. The pacing does speed up towards the final act as Stokes re-introduces us to previously seen events. While the crux of this tale happens within a few short pages, it does keep you gripped into finding out what's coming next. 

The art style and colours also work well in bringing this story to life. There's a great deal of close up work that helps portray the emotion behind each character's dialogue. The action scenes are also portrayed similarly, with plenty of focus on the main characters as the chaos unfurls around them. 

Come the end of the issue and Stokes is already laying the foundations for what's to come. Thankfully those of us who are curious don't have to wait long as Decay #2 heads to Kickstarter in May. And if it's anything like this opening chapter, we're in for one hell of a ride! 

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