First published back in September of 1991, issue eleven of Epic Comics’ serial adaptation of Clive Barker’s ‘Nightbreed’ sported the subtitle ‘The Birthing Of That Which Was’.
The first four issues of the ‘Nightbreed’ comics closely followed the storyline of the film, only slightly veering away from it with minor details. The twenty-one issues that followed continued on with the Nightbreed legacy – creating a whole new spin-off storyline that would eventually bring in aspects from some of Barker’s other work.
DLS Synopsis:
Whilst Aaron Boone, under his new guise as Cabal the saviour of the lost tribe, searches for his people’s Promised Land, elsewhere in the world forgotten monsters are growing restless.
In the depths of the darkest jungles, within old ruins of long-forgotten tribes, beasts that were once worshipped by man lurk within the dark shadows. The saber-toothed beast, Tezcatlipoca, has become tired of his forgotten existence in the world. He was once worshipped, feared, a lord who was honoured with sacrifices. Now he hides away amongst the dusty dead in the ruins of a lost temple.
However now that they can sense a great change in the air, Tezcatlipoca wants to rekindle his ferocious past. But his walrus-like companion, the great Izpapolotl, does not agree with his plans. She fears the repercussions for such actions. But Tezcatlipoca is determined.
And with the sudden arrival of a tourist boat along the jungle’s winding river, the smell of human meat is in the air…
DLS Review:
Kick-starting a whole new Nightbreed story, writer Daniel Chichester moves the setting of the comics from the urban concrete jungle of modern America, to the deepest depths of a real jungle; where beasts run wild and the night is alive with a million different creatures.
Chichester quickly introduces his three long-forgotten nightbreed beasts: Tezcatlipoca, Izpapolotl and Troubadour. A textbook squabble ensues, with Tezcatlipoca taking the place of ‘The Beast’ from the original tale and Mulciber from the previous comic storyline.
But what do we need to get this party properly underway? Oh yes…meat for the slaughter. And so Chichester offers up a veritable three course meal with all the trimmings: - a family and a young photographer who are all taking a trip into the jungle with a bunch of rough local guides.
By around mid-way through the comic things really start to get going, and the ‘stranded-in-the-jungle’ scenario is brought to the table. With that we know what’s coming next. Some savage nightbreed slaughter. And Chichester doesn’t disappoint one bit.
However, outside of the intriguing and action-rich storyline, it’s probably Mark Nelson’s incredible artwork that really makes the comic. Tezcatlipoca is shown as a powerful and devastating foe. A ferocious tiger-like beast that can (and does) rip apart a man in the blink of an eye. Through Nelson’s imagery the story truly comes to life. The slaughter is savage. The action is explosive. Even Joe Chiodo’s colouring, which was somewhat sloppy in the previous comic, looks shit-hot when accompanying Nelson’s ink work.
On the strength of this being the first instalment in a whole new Nightbreed storyline – I think we’ve got some real treats in store for us.
The comic runs for a total of 28 pages (plus an additional page for the ‘Breeding Ground’ which in this issue comprises of a letters page).
© DLS Reviews
