Skip to content

THE BALLAD OF HALF-HANGED MACNAGHTEN

Written By:

Tony Jones
halfhanged

COMIC BOOK REVIEW: THE BALLAD OF HALF-HANGED MACNAGHTEN / AUTHOR: DANIEL MCLAUGHLIN / ARTIST: ADAM PESCOTT, DANNI COYLE / PUBLISHER: UPROAR COMICS / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

The Ballad of Half-hanged MacNaghten is a short (36 page) grey-wash comic based on the urban myths surrounding Anglo-Irish gambler and ne’er-do-well John MacNaghten who lived between 1722 and 1761. It was produced by Uproar Comics, a publisher based in Derry, Northern Ireland.

The story follows MacNaghten living the high-life at Trinity College before succumbing to the lure of gambling, drinking and womanising, before frittering away his inheritance. He escapes Dublin to return home to Derry where he tries to settle down, finds love, and exploits the generosity of his friend Andrew Knox. Of course there is more to the story and MacNaghten is a rogue who it is hard to find lovable – hard that is for everyone except for Mary Ann, the daughter of his friend.

Everything ends badly and MacNaghten is tried for murder. Why is he called half-hanged? You’ll have to read the story to find out.

Visually the style is fully fleshed-out and evocative; some of the artwork reaches out and pulls the reader into the story, which moves along at a pace. The characters show real expression and the story is a decent read. The grey-wash adds a particular effect: rather than shades of black, the artwork has the effect of suggesting illumination rather than shadows and several frames look illuminated creating a distinct style.

The Ballad of Half-hanged MacNaghten is well-priced in print and an absolute steal as a digital download.
 

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW OR ON TWITTER @STARBURST_MAG

Find your local STARBURST stockist HERE, or buy direct from us HERE. For our digital edition (available to read on your iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows 8, Samsung and/or Huawei device – all for just £1.99), visit MAGZTER DIGITAL NEWSSTAND.

CLICK TO BUY!

MORE FROM AROUND THE WEB:

Tony Jones

You May Also Like...

First-Look Images and Sizzle Reel for Disturbing Shocker CARA

You can now get your first look at the upcoming disturbing kitchen sink horror film CARA, directed by Hayden Hewitt (Lips) and starring Ellie O’Hara, Johnny Vivash, Laurence R. Harvey,
Read More
chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More