Riley, a horror-obsessed podcaster with a slasher villain fixation, is seeking a new career path: Helping her favorite legendary slasher, The Hopton Valley Killer, regain their long-lost notoriety while learning the ropes herself. The Slasher’s Apprentice #1 kicks off an interesting concept that plays off the popularity of true crime podcasts with a twist.

There seems to be a resurgence of the slasher genre lately both in film and comics. In comics especially, the concept has taken some interesting directions by adding new concepts to the concept. The Slasher’s Apprentice #1 is an example of that blending the popular horror type and adding in an obsessed true crime podcast aspect. Co-created by Justin Richards and Val Halvorson, the comic is an interesting start that, like the resurgence of the Scream franchise, updates details for today’s modern world.

We’re introduced to Riley and her podcast as well as the trauma and experience that led to it. Riley focuses in on serial killers who have more in common with Freddy and Jason than they do the real world versions of them. As the story progresses, it’s clear that Riley is more than obsessed with her latest subject, discussing history, but also tracking down likely targets, and then the killer him/her/itself. Riley uses simple technology to track the killer and narrow down where they likely are so that she can go and confront the killer. Not to stop them, but instead to be their apprentice. Riley isn’t the “final girl” in the traditional sense but might instead be the killer’s latest tool. Richards hints as to why Riley might be interested in joining her obsession in killing but true motivations aren’t quite laid out.

Val Halvorson delivers a murderous glee in the slasher’s actions as we get to see creative and over-the-top deaths that work in comics but wouldn’t in another medium. The violence is almost comical at points in that it’s excessive but also devoid of reality. The kills are excessive but that’s what makes them entertaining. Halvorson’s style too makes it all come across as quick and fast focused more on the aftermath than the action. The color by Rebecca Nalty delivers a slight dour feel with lots of browns, reads, and oranges. It’s not a bright and happy color palette. Buddy Beaudoin‘s lettering also emphasizes the action and terror.

The Slasher’s Apprentice #1 is an interesting start. It quickly throws readers into the death and destruction and deftly sets up what’s to come. There’s likely more to Riley’s motivation that’ll come out in further issues but she comes off as a cold and obsessed person that might not have issues killing people. It’s a nice start overall that fans of the horror and slasher genre will want to check out.

Story: Justin Richards Art: Val Halvorson
Letterer: Buddy Beaudoin Color: Rebecca Nalty
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle