Comic Book Review - Thistlebone Book Two: Poisoned Roots

Rob reviews Thistlebone Book Two: Poisoned Roots...

Thistlebone is one of those tales that shows just how diverse the storytelling of 2000 AD is. On the surface, Thistlebone comes across as a typical supernatural horror. Dig a little deeper and you start to venture into the cult territory, with plenty of local folklore and the legends that surround them. 

Book one focused on journalist Seema Chaudry who was investigating the story behind Jasper Hillman and his Thistlebone Cult. In doing so Seema convinces cult survivor Avril Eason to return to the cult's former location in the woods of Harrowvale. What then followed was a slow build-up of horror and madness as Seema and Avril ventured deeper into the Thistlebone nightmare. Now, 'Poisoned Roots' sees Seema drawn back to Harrowvale as she attempts to finally uncover the truth behind the myth.

Set one year after the events of the first book, Seema is still haunted by those events. She's seeing things that couldn't possibly be real and to cope she's turned to alcohol. With Thistlebone haunting her at every moment, her journalist instinct takes over as she starts to investigate the story behind Hillman's cult and the wider Thistlebone mythos. 

Before too long Seema uncovers links to the local loner, Malcolm Kinniburgh. Kinniburgh not only knew Jasper Hillman before he founded the Thistlebone Cult, but he was also a member of a boy scout trip that ended in death back in the 80s. With a firm push by her agent, Seema finds herself returning to Harrowvale, and back in the horrific embrace of Thistlebone. 

With 'Poisoned Roots' TC Eglinton manages to recapture what made the original great, to then expand upon it in every way. The slow pacing is utilised extremely well as Eglinton delves into the minds of both Seema and Malcolm. There are a lot of spine-chilling moments here which show that everything isn't quite right, yet Eglinton plays those cards close to his chest. It's a story that will keep you engrossed right up to then cursing its conclusion as there isn't (as yet) a third party - it's that good! 

Away from the narrative and Eglinton creates a great cast of colourful, yet psychologically damaged characters. Arguably the best character work comes from Malcolm Kinniburgh who goes from local oddball to a really troubled individual. While the Thistlebone legend remains in Harrowvale's folklore, Kinniburgh is its physical manifestation. He's a troubled man that you could say has manipulated the events right from Hillman's cult to the present day. Either way, Kinniburgh is a character who'll creep under your skin and will remain there long after you've finished the book. 

Thistlebone: Book Two - Poisoned Roots wouldn't be what it is without Simon Davis. The artwork here is just phenomenal as Davis perfectly sets the mood and tone within each scene. There's also none of the usually structured cell patterns either as the art flows from the page, with the occasional use of the landscape to create a natural feeling border.

Things take on a softer tone (a term I use very loosely!) when the narrative heads back to that scouting trip. Here Davis uses a completely different style as these events take on a watercolour effect. The change in style and tone does a great job in adding the child-like innocents of the event, whilst retaining that ever-present evil lurking in the shadows. 

All in all, 'Poisoned Roots' is one of those books that grabs you to then not let go. It's a perfect sequel which not only enhances your understanding of past events but also gives plenty of time to set up its future. It's a dark brooding horror that doesn't rely on cheap scare tactics or half-baked horror clichés. 

What we get here is a beautifully crafted, slow-build story that takes its time in making its characters and location feel real.

Eglinton perfectly grabs the essence of a quintessential English village, to then play around with local folklore in some pretty macabre ways. Davis then completes this horror show with some astonishing artwork that truly amazes with each page turn. 

Is it perfect? You bet it is! 

Rating: 10/10

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