Review – Rougarou #1 (Uncharted Wilderness Studios)

Posted on September 27, 2022 in Small Press Reviews

Publisher: Uncharted Wilderness Studios
Writer: Giles Clarke
Artist: Jose Rondon
Colorist: Felipe Obando
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Release Date: 28th September 2022

Rougarou is Western horror one-shot from Uncharted Wilderness Studios set for release this week. Set on a ranch in 1860s Colorado, it sees a young girl attacked by a mysterious beast and badly wounded. As she fights for life, and with her family rallying around her, a U.S. Marshall arrives the following morning, explaining that he has been tracking the creature all the way across the country, and recounting the story of the terrifying “Rougarou” and how it came to be.

Perhaps the first thing that struck me about this comic is that artist Jose Rondon’s artwork is remarkably well polished for a small press title, and I mean that in the least condescending way possible. Packed with emotion and depth, and benefitting greatly from the equally polished colour work of Felipe Obando, Rondon brings the story to the page with a real flair, from the tense attack in the opening pages to the haunting recollection of the Marshall, all the way to the shocking finale.

Another thing that really shines through here, aside from the aforementioned artwork, is the truly immaculate structure of the story. Writer Giles Clarke has an extensive film and television background, and that definitely comes to the fore here with his cinematic approach to the storytelling.

As with all good horror stories, there’s a sting in this particular tale, and without delving into the realm of spoilers, is one I absolutely did not see coming – a true rarity for this particular cynical, world-weary reviewer.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable Western horror one-shot from a creative team that are now firmly on my radar, and is certainly well worth a look if you can get your hands on it.

[PREVIEW ARTWORK – CLICK TO ENLARGE]