The debut issue of The One Hand by writer Ram V, artist Laurence Campbell,, and colorist Lee Loughridge has hit big with readers who were instantly gripped by this brand new, procedural crime caper. This premier issue sold out completely at the distributor level and returns to shops this week, March 13, 2024, with a new haunting cover by Campbell.
In The One Hand, Neo Novena detective Ari Nasser is about to retire with an enviable record, until a brutal murder occurs, bearing all the hallmarks of the “One Hand Killer”…which should be impossible, since Ari already put him away—not once, but twice—in the years before.
What follows is a deadly cat-and-mouse game as Ari pursues his quarry down the rain-soaked streets of Neo Novena. Ari will stop at nothing to unravel the secrets and ciphers of this case, but each revelation only leads further into the dark heart of his future-metropolis and Ari’s own beleaguered soul.
Famed detective Ari Nassar caught the One Hand Killer twice in the neon metropolis of Neo Novena years ago. Ready to turn in his badge and retire, Ari puts his plans on hold when the seemingly imprisoned One Hand Killer resumes their bloody body count. Can Ari finally close this part of his life and move on, or will he fall deep into the murderous rabbit hole? The One Hand #1 by Ram V and Laurence Campbell launches an exciting thriller miniseries from Image Comics.
The series oozes with plenty of confidence and style within its writing and art. With plenty of Venetian blinds, a brooding detective lead, and a rain-soaked city, the comic steeps itself firmly into neo-noir tropes while combining it with a more stripped-back futuristic science fiction setting. Granted, I had no preconceived notion of the story taking place in the future, but I was pleasantly surprised by this decision to help distance itself from similar narratives. Even though it takes place in 2873, Neo Novena still feels familiar to the modern-day while being far enough away to have its technological quirks. Ram and Laurence craft a fascinating world that feels alive and can stand independently.
Considering how cliched the close-to-retirement detective trope has become, Ram avoids it with the character of Ari Nassar. While capturing the One Hand Killer serves as the narrative, Ram utilizes the case to examine Ari and how he sees the world. This strong viewpoint coincides with how the mystery unfolds due to uncovering clues simultaneously as Ari. A good mystery requires strong pacing and structure and watching how the detective investigates and discovers the threads to pull.
Campbell’s gritty and grounded art complements the tone and world. There’s a grit and lived-in nature to how he draws the characters and the world that helps make it more tangible. And his penchant for shadows and deliberate lighting choices contribute to the atmosphere. Considering the story takes place in the future, Campbell never has Neo Novena and its inhabitants feel too alien from our current times. More important lies in his paneling and layouts, where he demonstrates Ari’s industrious and inquisitive nature by using close-ups of objects and items in the scenes to showcase how he decides his next course of action. In one of the more horrifying moments, Campbell slowly and tensely reveals the killer’s mo and latest murder. Also, Lee Loughride‘sdark and moody color scheme pairs well with Campbell’s art and helps the city come to life. Lastly, Aditya Bidikar‘sphenomenal lettering ties in well with the established noir aesthetic and brings visual character to the dialogue.
However, The One Hand does not exist in a vacuum and co-exists with The Six Fingers by Dan Watters and Sumit Kumar, which serves as a sister series focusing on the killer. This decision provides a fascinating opportunity where not only is the killer’s identity known, but it also makes the mystery more about how Ari will discover the killer and capture him. Ram and Laurence provide an original and suspenseful mystery you want to take advantage of.
Story: Ram V Art: Laurence Campbell Color: Lee Loughride Letterer: Aditya Bidikar Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Read
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
The One Hand #1 is in stores February 7, and you can pre-order at your Local Comic Shop!
Neo Novena detective ARI NASSER is about to retire with an enviable record, until a brutal murder occurs, bearing all the hallmarks of the “One Hand Killer”…which should be impossible, since Ari already put him away not once, but twice in the years before.
What follows is a deadly cat-and-mouse game as Ari pursues his quarry down the rain-soaked streets of Neo Novena. Ari will stop at nothing to unravel the secrets and ciphers of this case, but each revelation only leads further into the dark heart of his future-metropolis and Ari’s own beleaguered soul.
Grippingly written by award-winning writer RAM V with hauntingly atmospheric art and covers by LAURENCE CAMPBELL and LEE LOUGHRIDGE, The One Hand is a miniseries that will keep you guessing until the very end.
First teased at New York Comic Con earlier this month, two new series from White Noise Studio members Ram V and Dan Watters will each launch new five-issue Crime drama miniseries in February 2024 from Image Comics.
First, The One Handteams Ram V with artist Laurence Campbell and colorist Lee Loughridge in an unrelenting procedural that will have readers guessing until the very end.
Neo Novena detective, Ari Nasser is about to retire with an enviable record, until a brutal murder occurs, bearing all the hallmarks of the “One Hand Killer” …which should be impossible since Ari already put him away not once but twice in the years before.
What follows is a deadly cat-and-mouse game as Ari pursues his quarry down the rain-soaked streets of Neo Novena. Ari will stop at nothing to unravel the secrets and ciphers of this case, but each revelation only leads further into the dark heart of his future-metropolis and Ari’s own beleaguered soul.
Next,The Six Fingers will showcase Dan Watters paired with artist Sumit Kumar and Loughridge coloring, in an equally confounding mystery that will have readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.
Neo Novena archaeology student, Johannes Vale, has always been so very in control of his life. But when he commits a brutal murder, using the M.O. of an historic and notorious serial killer, everything begins to spiral out of control… primarily as Johannes doesn’t remember doing it.
What follows is a deadly cat-and-mouse game as Johannes seeks refuge in the rain-soaked streets of Neo Novena. He will stop at nothing to unravel the secrets and ciphers of what he did and why he did it; but each revelation only leads further into the dark heart of his future-metropolis and Johannes’ own heartbroken soul.
The One Hand #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, February 7 and The Six Fingers #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, February 21.
Writer Rob Williams and superstar artist Pye Parr team up for a pedal-to-the-metal, action-packed sci-fi series in the upcoming Petrol Head. This all-new ongoing series is set to hit the pavement this November from Image Comics.
In a climate crisis-ravaged future metropolis, an old, grumpy, obsolete, smoke-belching, cigar-chomping, hotrod-racing robot is one 12-year-old girl’s only hope. Together, can they outrace the chasing Robo-Cops with an invention that might just save humanity? Readers will jump straight into the non-human race with this robo-gorgeous launch issue featuring 42 story pages.
Petrol Head #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, November 8:
Cover A by Parr – Lunar Code 0923IM323
Cover B by Parr “Green” – Lunar Code 0923IM324
Cover C by Parr “Purple” – Lunar Code 0923IM325
Cover D by Laurence Campbell – Lunar Code 0923IM326
(W) Mike Mignola, Rob Williams (A/CA) Laurence Campbell In Shops: Apr 13, 2022 SRP: $3.99
The Sword of Hyperborea appears in the unlikely possession of an up-and-coming blues musician in Chicago, 1952. Even for a talented musician, Elijah Bone is a little different, and the strange voice that whispers to him has its own plans for him to fulfill. Delta blues, supernatural creatures, and secret societies collide in the conclusion of this Mignolaverse saga!
New Mignolaverse lore, written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola with collaborator Rob Williams, and featuring the art of Laurence Campbell with colors by Quinton Winter.
(W) Mike Mignola, Rob Williams (CA) Mike Mignola (A/CA) Laurence Campbell In Shops: Mar 16, 2022 SRP: $3.99
An expert diver is faced with the extreme dangers of the supernatural and the real when he’s forced to retrieve a mysterious artifact from a crashed zeppelin in the English Channel. How many second chances is one man allowed to have, even when wielding the sword of Hyperborea? Hellboy creator Mike Mignola gives us a new tale from the world of Hellboy, cowritten by Rob Williams and featuring the art of Mignolaverse veteran Lawrence Campbell in an all-new series of Hellboy lore!
(W) Mike Mignola, Rob Williams (A) Laurence Campbell (CA) Mike Mignola, Christopher Mitten In Shops: Feb 16, 2022 SRP: $3.99
The Sword of Hyperborea continues its trek through history, blessing the chosen ones who wield it with incredible power. When it appears at a pivotal moment during WWI, will the blade be used for good or for evil? Spies, supernatural creatures, and secret societies collide in this fast-paced continuation of the sword’s saga!
(W) Mike Mignola, Rob Williams (A) Laurence Campbell (CA) Mike Mignola, Christopher Mitten In Shops: Feb 16, 2022 SRP: $3.99
The Sword of Hyperborea continues its trek through history, blessing the chosen ones who wield it with incredible power. When it appears at a pivotal moment during WWI, will the blade be used for good or for evil? Spies, supernatural creatures, and secret societies collide in this fast-paced continuation of the sword’s saga!
The Sword of Hyperborea #1 is the first installment of a four issue miniseries centered around a titular sword that has had an impact on the Mignolaverse from the dawn of time (From its name, I can deduce it’s connected to Robert E. Howard/Conan stuff.) to the apocalypse aka Ragna Rok. On paper, this sounds pretty fucking cool like Hellboy meets Highlander, or like Michael Walsh’s Silver Coin, but sword and sorcery. However, in execution, this new comic from Mike Mignola, Rob Williams, Laurence Campbell, and Quinton Winter is far from it. With the exception of the opening sequence which establishes BPRD Agent Howards’ relationship with Liz Sherman as well as his duty as wielder of the Sword of Hyperborea, this book is a confusing mess that will only resonate with hardcore Mignolaverse fans. There are bits and pieces that are coherent like one of Gall Dennar’s fellow tribe members saying that his strength only comes from the sword and paying the price, but it doesn’t come together into any kind of satisfying whole, or even slice of a story.
And this is a shame because Campbell and Winter’s visuals are damn good. Laurence Campbell’s style is a hybrid between Mignola and Andrea Sorrentino while Quinton Winter’s palette is suitably apocalyptic with clashing pitch blacks and lights. Winter brings an elemental approach to the coloring of the book with lots of green, reds, and whites fitting for a story that is set, for better and worse, around the dawn of humanity. (The one line in Mike Mignola and Williams’ script that I actually smiled at was Liz calling Howards, “Captain Caveman” before he jumps into action.) This works well with Campbell’s thick, sketchy lines that show the struggle to survive in prehistoric times, and how something like the Sword of Hyperborea can turn the tide. On the other hand, Laurence Campbell takes a simpler approach to his monster: all tentacles and straight lines like a kind of end point to humanity.
The Sword of Hyperborea #1 is centered around a simple idea: one day humanity will be destroyed by monsters. It’s hard not to connect to what Mignola and Rob Williams have put in their script with a deadly pandemic raging, income inequality soaring, and the climate rapidly changing. I definitely get that foreboding from Campbell and Quinton Winter’s art, but it doesn’t come through in the story, which is structured like some vignettes (Howards fighting monsters, Gall Dennar’s tribe succession, Howards/Dennar going into a deep dark cave) combined with trailer type images that will either be fleshed out down the road, or are already familiar to Mignolaverse fans. There’s repeated mentions of Chicago and modern imagery juxtaposed with the cave/apocalyptic stuff, and without context, it reads like generic foreshadowing.
Also, I don’t get a feel for either Howards or Dennar as characters beyond they have a magic sword and are going up against monsters that end the world. It looks cool, but I don’t care about these guys at all, sorry. Also, the apocalypse doesn’t have much build up beyond tentacles and lightning. It’s all very vague and reads like a Xerox of a Xerox of Robert E. Howard’s ouevre: all keywords and bad things happening and not even fun purple prose. Honestly, if this wasn’t connected to Hellboy and BPRD in some way, I wouldn’t even tell the hardcore fans to check it out.
Laurence Campbell and Quinton Winter bring some compelling prehistoric and high fantasy settings to life in The Sword of Hyperborea #1, but Mike Mignola and Rob Williams’ script is too bogged down in lore to make Agent Howards or Gall Dennar compelling leads. By the end of the issue, I just know that Dennar is a strong guy with a sword who doesn’t have much of a personality beyond beating his rivals and monsters with the aforementioned sword. If I predict correctly from the ending, subsequent issues are going to jump into different time periods and introduce additional characters, who are hopefully fleshed out more, but that’s a path I would only recommend for the Mignolaverse completionists.
Script: Mike Mignola and Rob WilliamsArt: Laurence Campbell Colors: Quinton Winter Letters: Clem Robins Story: 5.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 6.0 Recommendation: Pass
Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
