The Strain #8
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: David Lapham
Artist: Mike Huddleston (cover by E. M. Gist)
Colors: Dan Jackson
Things are getting crazy in NYC…no, that can’t quite cover it. Things are insane in New York City, and only three people seemingly have a chance to stop it. Two doctors and an old man, that by all accounts should be dead, are all that stands between hope and oblivion. Meanwhile, on a police transport, a felon sees exactly what it is that these three people fear. And this felon actually figures out that sunlight can stop these monstrosities. That and a big fire, too. Meanwhile, Goodweather and the others go to his home to tell his son about the goings on, and he actually sheds some light on the subject of what might be the cause. He then tells his ex-wife to get their son and get out of town, immediately. Back at the stronghold of Eldritch Palmer, he’s conversing with the Master about the three enemies that are starting to make trouble. He knows that Setrakian is helping the good doctors, and then the Master gives Eldritch a surprise that he doesn’t see coming.
Another top notch issue from David Lapham! He’s building this up for a huge ending, the likes of which haven’t been seen in a while for a limited series. The doctors and Setrakian are getting closer to finding the answers they need to stop this plague, but will they do it in time? The city has been overrun by these parasitic vampires, and nothing short of sunlight or fire seems to stop them. This book has “movie” written all over it!
The art by Huddleston is also a big selling point for this series, make no mistake about it. He draws very strong characters and very scary vampires to give this book a stark contrast. The colorist, Dan Jackson, is also an integral part of the equation. He’ll have a dark scene accented with bright red or orange that really sets off the panels. When you just look at this cover by E. M. Gist, you get what this book is all about. I can’t imagine how this series will get any crazier, but I have a feeling it’s going to by the end. Rating 4.5/5
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
