Review – Prometheus: Fire and Stone #3 (of 4) (Dark Horse)

Posted on November 11, 2014 in Dark Horse Reviews

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer(s): Paul Tobin
Artist(s): Juan Ferreyra
Release Date: 12th November 2014

Following on from the shocking final panel of the previous issue, Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra’s Prometheus hits the ground running here with the stakes being raised exponentially by virtue of scientist Francis Lance’s (seemingly foolish) decision to filter some of the mysterious accelerant through his synthetic assistant Elden. The crew are separated and scared, the Xenomorphs are significantly greater in number than previously anticipated, and there may be another creature on the surface of planet with its own sinister agenda.

Tobin manages to build several impressively cinematic moments into this issue; moments where you can practically hear the orchestral score swelling in the background as the events unfold. Dialogue remains his strongest tool, however, doing an excellent job of allowing us to relate to these characters even in spite of the rapid pace of the story. Once again, the level of intrigue caused by us already knowing how this all ends up – as seen in the pages of both the AvP and Predator series’ already on sale – adds a deeper level of nervous hesitancy to the proceedings. We know things aren’t going to end well, but at the same time, we can’t help but look.

I think I’ve pretty much said all that needs to be said about my opinions on Juan Ferreyra’s artwork in the past, but just in case you guys didn’t get the memo – this guy is hands-down the best horror artist going right now. His moments of calm are expressive and detailed, but when things start to get a little twisted, a little violent or a little gory, there is nobody who can make your skin crawl quite like Ferreyra. His depiction of Elden’s transformation in the early pages of the book is nothing short of stunning, and he maintains that same high standard throughout, particularly in his chilling reveal of the swarming Xenomorphs.

In almost a complete reversal of their cinematic counterparts, Prometheus remains the undisputed crown jewel in Dark Horse’s Fire and Stone event. Compelling characters, tense, gripping situations and – I’ll say it again – the best horror artist on the planet right now, all combining to make something truly special. Highly, highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5.

Don’t forget to check out our Dark Horse: Fire & Stone Review and Interview Hub for all of our coverage of this event in one place.

PREVIEW ARTWORK.

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