I’ve said quite a few times on this site that I’m not much of a horror fan. My interest in the genre tends to be vary narrow preferring tension and psychological scares over gore. So, it’s always interesting to me to see what horror I find myself enjoying. This is one that has stood out for me and Dark Ride #3 is a solid example as to why.

Written and co-created by Joshua Williamson, the series is about a family whose father has made a deal with some devil to create a horror themed park. His two kids, his apparent heirs, squabble with each other over how to right the park whose popularity has waned over the years. They’re unaware of the dark presence that hangs over their family. Dark Ride #3 focuses on that family aspect. Sam, the brother that runs the day to day of the park, has seen tragedy as his daughter attempted suicide hearing the dark voices that call for the family. He’s clearly the center of the series, we can assume a generally good person caught up on crap. It’s the family drama that’s the draw. With Sam arguing with his sister, both seeking the approval of their father who has plans of his own. Then there’s Summer, whose brother went missing in the park on his first day working there. She’s on a mission to find him. Summer and Sam eventually run into each other as the series begins to tease what’s really going on.

Co-created by Andrei Bressan, the art for the series has been great. With color by Adriano Lucas and lettering by Pat Brosseau, the comic does a great balance of tension and gross scares. The series has generally built up the tension, and it’s not until the final moments of the comic do we get the gross aspect. And that’s partially why the art has been great. It could easily do disturbing flashes of images but instead there’s a clear focus on building things up visually and in a way disarming the reader with a horror park that has some comedic aspects to it. It’s mascots, clearly some sort of demons, look goofy and comical, making the reader drop their guard. Until they start to scare the crap out of you. It’s an ominous tone the comic builds and the visuals deliver on.

Dark Ride #3 is another fantastic issue ending at the perfect moment when the scares begin and maybe we get some answers as to what’s going on. It’s a fantastic read that balances the build up and the scares and leaving readers wanting to find out exactly what’s going in.

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Andrei Bressan
Color: Adriano Lucas Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle