SMILE: FOR THE CAMERA #1 (IDW PUBLISHING)

Ivy Munroe has made it to New York City as a new model for the Surface Modeling Agency. This should be a dream come true; however, a dark cursed cloud hovers over her head. When predators of the industry are the least of your worries, you are in some serious trouble.

Smile: For the Camera #1 – Written By Hannah Rose May – Art By Miriana Puglia – Colors By Dearbhla Kelly – Letters By Brian Kolek – Edited By Heather Antos - Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

It’s 2005 and a model named Cami has just arrived in NYC on a flight. Before anyone can depart the plane, a crew member throws themselves into the plane’s engine with a giant grin on their face. Cami witnesses the whole incident, and it truly affects her. Back at the Surface Model Agencies apartment, brand new model Ivy Munroe shows up and introduces herself to the other girls. All the girls meet up with the head of the agency Purple, and they get their marching orders. However, Cami is not her usual self after what she witnessed and is seeing things. As Ivy and the rest of the girls witness the odd behavior, nothing will prepare them for what’s to come next.

WRITING:

This first issue does an excellent job of introducing the reader to the world and the characters in it. Hannah Rose May takes this well-known IP and makes it her own right out of the gate, proving why she is one of the best horror writers in the industry today. May makes us care about the girls in this first issue which helps build suspense as we know inevitably something bad will happen to them. The horror of the smile curse looms in the background of this first issue, giving it an even more ominous feeling. But the biggest props for May in this first issue is making the sleazy world of modeling as terrifying as the curse itself. Showing these women victimized the way they are proves once again that humans are always bigger monsters than real monsters.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this first issue really hits the mark and breathes life into this story. Miriana Puglia nails the look and vibe of this story impeccably. The backgrounds and character designs are spot on and bring this world to life. The horror scenes play out in a gory and creepy way. Dearbhla Kelly compliments the artwork perfectly with the color selections. The colors make the art pop and draw the readers’ eyes to each panel. This art team matches the stories’ energy and captures the essence of the franchise.

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Final Thoughts:

Smile: For the Camera #1 does an excellent job of kicking off this new series and reeling the reader into the world. This issue focuses on making the reader build a relationship with our main protagonist and does a superb job of it. The horrors may be less in this first issue, but what we get is very impactful and makes the reader anticipate what’s to come. If you like horror, this is a must get when you visit the shop this week. After you read this first issue, you will most definitely add this series to your Pull List.

FINAL GRADE: 9.3/10

Let me know your thoughts on Smile: For the Camera #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!