By: Ben Bergerson
Pivoting from zombies to demons, “The Walking Dead” comic creator Robert Kirkman takes readers for a dark trip in his 2014-released comic series “Outcast.” He and artist Paul Azaceta conjure up striking frames of the traumatic life of the main character, Kyle Barnes.
Kyle has been plagued his whole life by people close to him and he doesn’t know why. His dark past has haunted him until he is approached by his childhood reverend who takes him to visit a boy who the reverend claims is possessed.
What starts as a simple favor turns into the beginning of a search for answers about the strange things that seem to follow Kyle around. Teaming up with the reverend and an ex-cop, Kyle sets out to finally unlock the truth about his past.
“Darkness Surrounds Him,” the first volume, is a perfect read for winter term; it’s scary and a page-turner. Kirkman makes exorcisms and supernatural encounters (which in other works tend to be overdone) incredibly understated. This adds to the mystery and suspense that drives the comic.
Fans of “The Walking Dead” won’t be disappointed with Kirkman’s intense writing. Azaceta takes the tortured words of Kyle Barnes and translates them into harrowing images, creepily staring out from the pages. The mix of deep blue and hot orange on the page evokes a melancholy set on edge.
“Outcast” is a powerful, chilling tale that will make you want to turn on all the lights and lock your doors. Its haunting images and tense dialogue will leave you wanting more.
The comic is published by Image Comics, who also publish “The Walking Dead” and, another personal favorite, “Saga.” You can subscribe to the “Outcast” series directly from imagecomics.com, or you can order by volume on amazon.com.
Grab your holy water before diving in; you’ll need it.
