Comic Book Review - Skullfucker #3

Rob reviews Skullfucker #3 from Warwick Fraser-Coombe…

Much like the mysterious drug that plays a big part in its plot,‘Skullfucker’ is a comic that’ll grab hold of you within its twisted embrace. It’s a story that both haunts and intrigues it’s characters - and readers - into delving deeper into the murky depths that Fraser-Coombe is taking them to. And if you’ve previously experienced The Shadow Constabulary and Revenger - Friendly Fire, then you already have a pretty good idea to the depths that the writer is willing to go. 

For those of you who’ve not experienced the world of ‘Skullfucker’, let me attempt to fill you in. 

Taking place within a modern interpretation of London, we follow journalist, Max as he investigates an incident involving the construction of London’s cross rail. We learn through his interactions that Max is a pretty shady characters. He’s someone who Rupert Murdoch would no doubt love to have a chat with, and he uses the darker side of hos profession as a way to fund his lifestyle. Not content with attempting to blackmail the cross rail construction company over their missing drilling machine, Max stumbles onto a bigger conspiracy thanks to friend - and corrupt police officer - Ian. 

Ian, is investigating a series of murders that all involve a mysterious drug. The police are not sure who’s supplying it, and it’s victims tell of strange hallucinations that have seen them all eventually go mad. So, when Ian approaches Max with the case file - it’s the bait this journalist fish couldn’t resist. As max delves deeper into the origins of this drug, he soon discovers that the Cross Rail accident could be linked to the drugs creation. With the criminal underground touting horror stories of lost cannabis farms, hidden Cold War bunkers, and nuclear waste all buried under the streets of London, Max crosses into a whole different world - one he’s not entirely prepared for! 

Skullfucker #3 takes place immediately after the events that concluded the previous issue. With no more leads to follow, Max resorts to desperate measures. It’s this act that leads him deeper into the depths of his own sanity as his search for answers takes a new meaning. To say anything else will really sour what Fraser-Coombe has in store for the issue, but it’s definitely one that’ll make you come back for Skullfucker #4! 

Much like the writers previous works, this comic is aimed directly towards adult readers (if you couldn’t guess by the title!). As such, Skullfucker does feature plenty of abrasive words, and leans on some very “adult” themes. That being said they’re not something that the writer relies on to tell his story. Much of the narrative comes from Max’s own investigation and need to find answers. Every time he discovers something new, it’s also the reader who discovers it too. We’re never given any exposition into the other side of this world, and aside from a brief moment when Max trails someone connected to the drug, it’s still a complete mystery. As such it gives plenty of room for unexpected twists and turns to come at us, and plenty of red herrings. While I’ve got my suspicions as to where Fraser-Coombe could be leading us, I’m fully expecting to also be totally wrong. 

Away from its writing and Skullfucker #3 continues to be a beautiful comic too. Wether it’s monsters made out of hands, drug-fuelled nightmares, or simply someone watching television, Fraser-Coombe brings his brand of rough and detailed line work to the forefront. With the series being quite character driven, to sell everything the characters themselves have to be believable. Thankfully this is achieved with plenty of detailed facial expressions which really help to ground the dialogue - even if there’s a roaming monster made of human hands in the same scene.

Overall, Skullfucker #3 is Fraser Warwick-Coombe at his very best. It’s a brutal assault on the senses that grabs you with all of its hands from first opening the page. With a very adult look and feel, Skullfucker isn’t for the faint hearted. But, fall into its narrative and you’ve got an incredible mystery that’s unveiling underneath a suburban horror-fest. 

Roll on issue #4! 

Rating: 10/10 

You can purchase back issues, and Warwick’s other work over on his website by clicking here 

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Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on Twitter/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, and TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews.