Tragic Tales of Horrere is an anthology series much like the classic Tales from the Crypt. Created to shock and entertain whilst also showing off some great talent. Each short story is co-written by Rob Jones and Michael Sambrook, but features a different artist for every tale. These talented writers and artists have created a must for the horror comic fan.
The series kicks off with If You Go Down To The Woods Today… a twist on the bigfoot/yeti mythos; who’s the monster really? It plays with the idea of innocence in a really clever way. Neil Ford’s art is very clean and stark, with very contrasting block monochrome. It matches the simplicity of the story.
Next is The Aufhocker, a mythical and deadly creature, which lurks in the shadows ready to capture its prey at any moment. Alastair McLauchlan creates a dreary and foggy backdrop to this Gothic theme. His use of light and shadow gives his art a very unique look and it is this that makes the story airy and creepy before the very anti-climactic, yet hilarious, ending.
You Are What You Eat is the third story in this horror anthology. Unsurprisingly, this is another take on the zombie apocalypse. The world is evidently plagued by zombies, but the surviving citizens are making the most of it, sort off. This one has some interesting characters that would make it a good ongoing series. The art by Gareth Sleightholme has great detail and layout that makes it striking and fun.
The final story, Grimoire – Baby Bell Jar (chapter one), is actually the first of an ongoing series, in which a mysterious crime is taking place from town to town. It seems to be happening whenever a certain circus hits the ground, at least one or two people wind up dead. When the circus is finally chased up, they discover it’s no ordinary killing and the circus turns out to be more than a freak show. The art by Alisdair Wood is brilliant and what you expect in a big horror comic like The Walking Dead – intense and the character’s features are beautifully captured.
All these stories have a moronic sense of humour deployed in the final twist, making them fun and unique short stories. It claims not for the weak hearted but if you can handle an episode of The Walking Dead, then this is buttercups and daisies in comparison. Despite the lack of actual terrifying intensity, the creative ideas and art is fun, and entertaining enough to draw you in and keep you there. It will be interesting to see where the Grimoire tale will go.
TRAGIC TALES OF HORRERE ISSUE 1 / WRITERS: ROB JONES, MICHAEL SAMBROOK / ARTISTS: ALISDAIR WOOD, GARETH SLEIGHTHOLME, NEIL FORD, ALASTAIR MCLAUCHLAN / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
