Review – The Squidder #3 (of 4) (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing
Writer/Artist: Ben Templesmith
Release Date: 3rd September 2014

Anyone who’s enjoyed Templesmith’s solo work, such as his retelling of “lame” werewolves in ‘Welcome To Hoxford’, will know that he’s got a real gift for reinventing deceptively simple premises. We’re so accustomed to alien horror in the Lovecraftian mould that it can seem a bit samey after all.

So Templesmith’s Rogue Trooper tinged Squidder is a thing of not only spectacular, eerie, grizzly beauty but of brilliant storytelling also. The narrative complexity has built beautifully over the run so far, and his pacing is faultless: plenty of reveals and explanation of motivations, a smattering of ultraviolence, unimaginable multi-dimensional horrors, and a spot of genuinely creepy sex on top. He’s setting up the finale so well I’m finding myself desperate for the month to come around. There’s time for a little more of the Squidder’s backstory, beautifully monochromed and agonising in its reveal. And now that our hero has something to live for once more, his inevitable demise (hey, it’s the mythos!) seems all the more poignant. Stylishly crafted.

So what’s not to like? It’s only got one more issue! Boo, rubbish, etc. Although sometimes, things can drag on, so maybe, just maybe, this is another strength rather than a weakness. A cracking read, and long live the Squid!

Rating: 5/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK.

[Click thumbnail for full size image]