Something monstrous stalks Jessa and her friends, with only the light of their phones as meager torches against the darkness. Between dead signals and dead friends, Harrower #2 has fun with horror movie tropes putting our crew at a party that’s a perfect kill zone.
I feel like a need to say it when reviewing the genre, but I’m generally not a horror fans. There’s some specific franchises I enjoy but overall, it’s just not my thing. So, when I like a horror story, it’s kind of a big deal as I generally go in with a negative view. The first issue of Harrower blew me away, reminding me a bit of Scream and other more modern horror franchises. Harrower #2 continues the fun and delivers some new ways to up the body count.
Co-created by writer Justin Jordan and artist Brahm Revel, Harrower #2 plays off a lot of horror tropes. The group of kids wind up at a party. There’s drinking. And they ignore every warning sign. But, what’s different about Harrower #2 is that they at least notice the warning signs, and honestly not sure if that’s better or worse. The second issue shows there’s some brains in the group but pear pressure seems to outweigh wanting to stay alive.
Jordan and Revel deliver some quick hits as the depth of the characters and world expands through the issue until what we know is coming hits. The bodies pile up in new ways that show how well planned the Harrower is before the killing begins. It’s an interesting twist to it all that could easily have just been hack and slash murders but also adds a lot to the story and the mysterious killer. Something more is going on than just some difficult to kill being.
Revel’s art is part of the fun. With lettering by Pat Brosseau, it doesn’t go over the top with gore but instead there’s an almost comedic aspect to the chaos. When the Harrower arrives at the party is a highlight as it delivers a fantastic punch in an unexpected way, even with us expecting something. That’s part of the fun of the issue’s visuals as it slowly visually reveals what’s going on like a symphony of death. There’s a mechanical, almost check list like quality of how things go down, like everyone is playing into the Harrower’s exact plans.
Harrower #2 is another fantastic issue that’s a must for horror fans. There’s a lot it plays off of but also delivers so much that’s new and interesting showing it’s marching to its on beat. There’s still a lot of questions out there and far more raised with this issue that hints at an exciting series.
Story: Justin Jordan Art: Brahm Revel Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation; Buy
BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
