Unidentified flying objects. Animal mutilation. Terrifying otherworldly cryptids. Countless strange phenomena. For more than 50 years, a remote ranch in the Uinta Basin has been the most significant nexus for the paranormal. Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 introduces us to this rather infamous supernatural location and the strange occurrences that put it on the map.
Written by Zac Thompson, Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 is an interesting start to the series. We’re introduced to Ellen and Tom who have recently moved to the ranch to build their life. With their daughter, they attempt to do mundane farming things, but strange occurrences seem to plague them no matter what they do.
Hunt for the Skinwalker is based on the 2005 nonfiction book by Dr. Colm Kelleher and journalist George Knapp that told the story of the Gorman Ranch for the first time. The book spun out numerous investigations, documentaries, fiction, and now this comic, creating a curiosity about the events. Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 does its best to introduce us to the weirdness but as plotted, the first issue feels like a series of events connected only through its characters. It lacks tension, scares, or dread, and instead comes across as the start of an anthology series with stories focused on the phenomena presented.
Part of the stumbling of the issue is the characters themselves, Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 introduces us to the family, but beyond some money trouble, there’s little to get to know them. There’s a lack of sympathy and the emotional toll of it all never quite comes across. It’s “faceless” individuals dealing with odd events as opposed to characters we fear for and want the best for them.
The art by Valeria Burzo is ok. With color by Jason Wordie and lettering by Joe Sabino, the comic’s visuals never really latch on to the build or tension that should be a part of this debut. Instead, phenomena feel more like sketches you’d see in television documentaries, a bit rough and never really delivering awe. With each event, there’s a lack of a real build up to create the tension for the eventual reveal. It all is just thrown at readers to take as is. And, with each event, we’re just presented with what has happened with little interpretation visually as well. We’re given things as visual facts instead of allowing the reader to make up their own mind as to what may or may not be occurring.
Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 lacks up a build up and the tension you’d hope for this sort of story. Things happen rapidly and presented without question. It’s a series of events as opposed to an ebb and flow of quiet, tension, and then catharsis. It feels like a visual Wikipedia entry, delivering facts above a narrative that would have us buy into the story and care what happens to the people within.
Story: Zac Thompson Art: Valeria Burzo
Color: Jason Wordie Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Pass
BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
