NECTAR #1 (VAULT COMICS)
An evil horror is about to descend into the comic shops.
A small town not far from Salem, Massachusetts in 1837 sees an outbreak of a different type of plague. Butterflies are biting people. Yes, Butterflies.
The special species have something wicked behind their attack. It causes “The Dancing Plague” which can only spell danger for its victims.
NECTAR #1 by Jeremy Robinson, Annapaola Martello, Francesco Francini, Steve Canon & Jim Campbell (Vault Comics) kicks off a unique horror tale.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what is transpiring here.
NECTAR #1 by Jeremy Robinson, Annapaola Martello, Francesco Francini, Steve Canon & Jim Campbell (Vault Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Campbell ties in classic horror with a very distinct take for this debut. The opening sequence is morbid with someone digging up a grave. Readers see what is unleashed with a sense of fear behind it. Butterflies aren’t considered dangerous by any means. Seeing a swarm like this will definitely catch attention. For the residents of Misery Island, the is the case.
Readers watch as Doctor Amos becomes the center of attention in town. Even from the beginning, Amos is curious about the horde of butterflies circulating in the skies. The writing keeps him very steady in conversations, even the most small cases. His calm personality deals with a girl’s bite from the butterfly. Caught up in the moment, the writing shows his keen interest in this mystery. The bite doesn’t take long to show its’ effect as the books speeds to close. Pages leave a haunting look at what is en route and its’ nothing nice.
The art dabbles in the horror element early in this story. Salem’s landscape is fitting for the evil unleashed. Readers watch as the winged predators are unleashed in a terrifying full page image. This moves the story to Misery Island. Panels show a quiet town with nothing really shaking things up. Doctor Amos comes across a man enamored with nature. These pages lead into the two girls interaction and eventual bite. From here, the quiet town slowly starts slipping away from its’ stat quo.
Another full image of the horde of ‘flies is an eye catcher. The visit to sew up the bite spins a few looks into the mystery growing. Panels never blink in keeping Amos focused on what’s at hand. The pages see a shake-up once the bite’s spell takes hold. Seeing the young girl crying sends a loud message of the sinister attack. This leads into the closing pages with Amos. His encounter with these creatures looks to be more than bargained for. The final page leves readers on solid ground, trying to comprehend what all went down here.
FINAL GRADE: 8
A unique horror story spreads its wings with a steady introduction. Campbell constructs a very direct horror tale with room to grow. The art team offers a eerie feel to the pages while establishing this unique threat. It’s a different element of horror that genre fans will want to check out.
Let me know your thoughts on NECTAR #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
