I am learning with each review to make them more mobile-friendly.
The cover art for Spectro was enough to convince me to take it home. I now know what “neon noir” is. This will be my first time reviewing something from Aftershock, but by far not my last. I enjoyed this sci-fi horror anthology so much. Existential dread laced with fear and isolation wraps you up in four unique stories exploring social pressure, betrayal, and cosmic spectrums.
Published May 2022 by Aftershock Comics, and created by Juan Doe, you get to see how versatile his talents are. From writing the story to drawing the art, he showcased the perfect blend of dark tones, and texture, lit up by his signature style. Immersive visuals are all through this oversized magazine format. His having full control of this creation gives a unified vision for each story to deliver cohesive narratives. Doe has been involved in many projects like Bad Reception, and American Monster to name a couple. Spectro is my first introduction to his work and I am going to be adding more to my collection.
All four tales poke holes in the way you think about your presence in life.
- The Scale: A man is confronted with the worst and best versions of himself to learn the responsibility of balance.
- Pluto: Arrogance leads to the controversial demotion of Pluto and karmic debts get paid.
- Mons: Does ambition fuel you? A cautionary tale of legacy at any cost.
- Overview: Human explorations reveal poisonous intentions.
My personal favorite was Pluto. The cut throat story was everything I enjoy carefully woven into a quick read.
This might be a one-shot, but it sticks with you long after you put it down. If you’re a fan of psychological horror you’ll want to get a copy. A trip to your local comic shop or eBay are my favorite resources.
I was looking into Aftershock Comics and found this recent article stating that they are returning to stores after filing for Chapter 11. Their website says “Two and a half years after voluntarily filing for Chapter 11 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, AfterShock Comics has emerged from bankruptcy protection restructured and fully prepared to meet its financial and contractual obligations – while initiating plans to reclaim its place as one of the most dynamic independent publishers of high-quality creator-owned comics in the industry.“
I’m excited to see what new creations come from Aftershock and Jaun Doe going forward.
What did you think? Answer in the comments box below and be sure to subscribe or follow my socials!
- Which of the four tales stood out to you the most, and why?
- Do you enjoy one-shots?
- If you could expand one of the stories into a full series which one would it be?
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