Review – Plastic #1 (Image Comics)

Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Doug Wagner
Artwork: Daniel Hillyard, Laura Martin
Release Date: 19th April 2017

Paper or plastic? If you’re into your hard copy collections, then you’re getting both with this new series from Doug Wagner and Daniel Hillyard. Wagner isn’t one to shy away from excessive violence – as can be seen from his Russian Mafioso caper The Hard Place (with Nic Rummel) and the exploitation explosion that is Gun Candy (with Brian Stelfreeze). Plastic is no exception; it’s a heady mix of violent horror and depraved comedy.

The premise of the plot is simple; Edwyn is a serial killer. Or, rather, he was. He’s remedied his murderous ways now that he’s found love. Virginia, and her apparently insatiable sexual appetite, has curbed Edwyn’s need to kill. Quite a sweet story, really. All Edwyn wants is for the couple to be left alone, but life doesn’t always go to plan. For starters, Virginia is actually a sex doll. When she is captured by a Louisiana millionaire who wants to use Edwyn’s particular skill-set in exchange for her release, Edwyn has little choice but to revert to his old ways.

Wagner’s writing straddles the right side of horror and humour. Though the dialogue and narrative is sleazy as hell, the comic reigns in the exploitation with lighter comedic moments. Hillyard’s artwork captures this dual tone perfectly, with the superfluous violence bursting from the pages – thanks to Laura Martin’s sallow, earthy palette splashed with acidic primary colours.

This initial issue ends on a sinister note, hinting at much darker instalments as we journey into Edwyn’s psyche, and his fragile façade begins to fracture. One for horror hounds with a penchant for darker and more gruesome fare, it’s a promising start to the series.

Rating: 3/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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