Review – October Faction #3 (of 4) (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing
Story: Steve Niles
Art: Damien Worm
Released: 10th December, 2014

Since we last caught up with the October family, Doloris has now let the skeleton out of the closet – or in this comic the skeleton is Robot Face. Merle, Frederick’s arch enemy has beaten Doloris to a pulp and the comic opens with the hospital visits. The tragic turn of events bring about a healing within the family. Frederick and Doloris finally speak to each other and reconnect. Thankfully for the children who have begged Daddy to get back into the Monster Hunting business, Frederick seems to be coming round and after Vivian is attacked by Robot Face, things are coming to a head.

Interestingly in the midst of ancient history catching up with the family, a new strand – Geoff’s ‘friend’ Phil is weighted down by various hauntings – is screaming IMPENDING DOOM!

And honestly, who screams impending doom better than Niles and Worm? I have spoken lovingly of the gothic grime of their work together but I wanted to draw attention to the frames in which Vivian is attacked by Robot Face. In contrast to the usual fire and brimstone colouring of this book, we get sub-zero blues and whites. I shivered. Silhouettes of trees and park benches are stark and sinister. Great stuff.

Rating: 4/5.

The Writer of this piece was: Hazel Hay