THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #1 (DC COMICS)
An artifact is missing from the Museum of Natural History in 1941
Ezra Cain is a private investigator with a distinct reputation. Cain’s history as an archaeology student makes him the right candidate for this case. What he discovers makes him wish he never took it.
THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #1 by Chris Condon, Jacob Phillips & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS) reunited the team behind “The Endfield Gang Massacre” for an all new DC VERTIGO series
Let’s see what they have in store for readers!
THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #1 by Chris Condon, Jacob Phillips & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Condon easily takes readers into the gritty pulp style of the 1940’s with this chapter. The opening in Greece in 1913 teases much mystery. As the explorers dive further into the unknown, there is a growing sense of worry. This feeling is justified with wat their search brings. Readers watch as they discover the Anvil of Hephaestus buried underground. The writing dances around its’ true power to keep the audience guessing. This method adds more fire to Cain’s introduction once it gets rolling.
Cain is introduced in an exciting way. Nothing screams 1940’s crime like an old fashioned street shoot-out. Readers will get a fun moment out of an impromptu zip line. The moment leads into a more violent finish. It re-affirms the hard boiled life centered around Cain. Once the fallout starts unfolding, Cain’s demeanor gets back to business. The dialogue searches through inquiries to pick up new cases. The Museum of Natural History leads Cain back to his past in archeology. Condon teases a few avenues before heading to close. This spins into an intriguing finish with more questions than answers. A perfect landing spot to expand a brooding mystery from.
Phillips’ art style is a natural fit for this era. The 1913 segments hint at danger with every panel. A trio of explorers advance with tense movement This is exposed with a fiery page that reveals a hidden room. The sequence leads to a full page reveal. Judging by reactions, the discovery is not processing. This leads into a surprise event before swinging back to the 1940’s. Once int he present, the pages feel right out of a pulp comic. It is a perfect lead in for what’s coming next.
The shoot out does a slow burn until a half panel sees bullets flying. Hijinx ensue as Cain goes on the chase. The previously mentioned zip line scene plays into his awkwardness in chasing. This leads into a game of wills where one ultimately loses. The aftermath of this seems like just another day at the office. Cain’s subtle confidence soars with every interaction. This gets amplified once he shows up at the Museum. His new case taps into a curious side via his reactions. Readers watch as he lights up hearing the historical aspects. This is a big contrast from the closing pages. The dark overtones reveal more than bargained for as the initial outing wraps up. Fans will definitely be wanting more after this one.
FINAL GRADE: 9
A theft of a mythical artifact draws the attention of a determined Private Investigator in a thrilling mystery. Condon crafts a timeless tale of wonder and grit with the writing. Phillips swings big with spectacular art. This debut will have fans wanting more with how impressive the storytelling is.
Let me know your thoughts on THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
