FILTHY LAMBS #1 (Mad Cave Studios)

The Grimaldi family have done very well for themselves over the years. They are titans of industry and very wealthy. But they have one big secret to their success…they made a deal with the Devil a long time ago. This deal calls for human sacrifice from time to time, and that time has come once again. But this time it’s not business as usual and the family find themselves in some unfamiliar waters. Can they come together and salvage their power and family unit?

Filthy Lambs #1 - Written & Letters By Pallie Paul Allor – Art By Chris Evenhuis – Colors By Sjan Weijers - Edited By Jon Moisan - Published By Mad Cave Studios

Credit: Mad Cave Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

WRITING:

The first issue of this series brings the reader up to speed on the Grimaldi family before flipping the script in the final pages. Pallie Paul Allor crafts an interesting and entertaining world that gives off Ready or Not vibes. This humorful story of a rich family who have sold their souls for what they have really parallels a lot of the world in which we live in. Allor tackles the questions about how the rich got what they have, well also showing how weird and out of touch they are as well. This comes across as satire and is very enjoyable throughout this first issue. The story does bog down a bit in the middle, slowing the pace by quite a bit. But it finishes super strong with a twist ending that no one will see coming. Just when you think you know where this story is going, Allor pulls the rug from out beneath us and leaves you wanting to get to issue two now.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this first issue matches the tone and vibe of the story perfectly. Chris Evenhuis captures the personalities of each of the family members and makes them all relatable. The different designs make sure to highlight the personality trait differences in subtle and not so subtle ways. The setting of the story is also magnificent, taking place in a sprawling mansion gives the world an open feeling, well also keeping it confined. When the violence pops off, Evenhuis doesn’t hold back and makes it gory and fun at the same time. The artwork portrays both humor and horror very well, which should be a great base for what’s to come.

Sjan Weijers’ colors add a great deal to the linework. The colors make the scenes more vibrant and breathe life into the artwork of the issue. The use of brighter colors keeps the pages from feeling dull. Meanwhile, when the violence is depicted on the pages, the colors make it feel gorier well still keeping the playful nature of the story. Allor’s lettering ties the story and artwork together, marrying the theme throughout the issue.

Check Out My Review of LAND OF NEVER #4

Final Thoughts:

Filthy Lambs #1 delivers a sharp, darkly funny debut that blends family dysfunction, wealth satire, and supernatural horror into an entertaining first issue. Pallie Paul Allor establishes the Grimaldi family and their unsettling bargain before landing a strong final-page twist, while Chris Evenhuis’ expressive artwork and Sjan Weijers’ vibrant colors balance the story’s humor and gore. Although the pacing slows in the middle, the issue finishes with enough energy and intrigue to make the next installment an easy recommendation.

FINAL GRADE: 8.5/10

Let me know your thoughts on Filthy Lambs #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!