Publisher: Castle Rock Comics
Writer/Artist: Bob Turner
Release Date: 11th April, 2015 (Edinburgh Comic Con) 

Set to make its debut at this weekend’s Edinburgh Comic Con, DTHRTL (or “death rattle” to y’all at home) is a completely wordless story of a curious cyclops who finds himself faced with Death himself as the apocalypse erupts around him. Courtesy of some quick thinking and a kind of all-ages version of “The Seventh Seal” (when in doubt, rock-paper-scissors is always the best way to go), he manages to save his own life, and boldly sets out on a quest to discover the reason behind the ‘end of days’.

While the story itself is relatively simple, the level of expression that Turner manages to pack into such straightforward illustrations is truly impressive, and the fact that his narrative still flows so smoothly without any dialogue (or words of any kind) is a real testament to the strength of his writing. There are funny moments, sweet moments, and a generally light-hearted vibe that makes this book an utterly charming reading experience.  

Over the course of this first issue, we get to see our nameless hero traversing the seas, climbing mountains, fending off robbers and battling beasts of every description, before finally seeming to have his luck run out in the book’s cliff-hanger ending. Lovers of intricate multi-layered storylines and luscious, detailed artwork are pretty much guaranteed to come away disappointed, but those of us who enjoy a straightforward, upbeat story that raises a smile every few panels are in for an absolute treat.

Possessing humour and charm in equal measure, DTHRTL is a hidden gem in this weekend’s Edinburgh Comic Con that as many people as possible should be made aware of. Roll on chapter two!

The writer of this piece was: Craig Neilson (aka Ceej)
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