Ghostlore #1
- Writer:
- Cullen Bunn
- Artist:
- Leomacs, Brian Hurtt
- Letterer:
- Ed Dukeshire
- Cover Artist:
- Leomacs
- Publisher:
- BOOM! Studios
- Price:
- $4.99
- Release Date:
- 2023-05-10
- Colorist:
- Jason Wordie, Bill Crabtree
Ghostlore is a new 4-issue horror series published by BOOM! Studios that follows an estranged father and daughter, Lucas and Harmony, after an accident gives them the power to see the dead. The initial promotional tagline for this series, "We've all heard of ghost stories... but what ghost stories do the ghosts themselves tell?" presents a unique, intriguing concept. This first issue establishes the world in an engaging way. The dynamic between Lucas, Harmony, and Harmony's mother -- only ever called Em or Mom in the script -- and Harmony's younger brother, Chris, is the foundation this story rests on. Ghostlore #1, written by Cullen Bunn with art by Leomacs and Brian Hurtt, colors by Jason Wordie and Bill Crabtree, and lettered by Ed Dukeshire, brings heart-wrenching horror to an arresting concept.
The issue opens with Lucas -- a pastor -- delivering a sermon to a dwindling attendance in a rural church. Readers come to understand the lack of cohesion within this family and the general feeling of despair among the congregation. Harmony's brother Chris won't utter a single word, Harmony can't wait to move away as soon as she's 18, and Lucas is losing the faith he just preached about. This is a horror series, so naturally, there's a feeling of unease as readers wait for the shoe to drop and things to turn dire. When the horror hits, it comes with force, physically and emotionally.
Bunn does an excellent job establishing the emotional core of this story before diving into the deep end. Harmony is a character the reader can immediately become invested in, and the family dynamic feels genuine. This investment creates added interest when ghosts start popping up. It imbues the characters with meaning and adds to the impact of key moments later in the issue. Beyond the character work, Bunn takes the premise in a fascinating direction that blows the doors for where this series can go wide open.
Leomacs tackles the art for the majority of the issue, while Hurtt illustrates a flashback sequence that gives some added context to the world. The story is set on back roads, surrounded by trees, and the art brings that mood to life in every panel. Backgrounds carry heavy shadows that create an ominous mood. Character expressions are nailed consistently as Lucas and Harmony go through shock, fear, revulsion, anger, and more.
The ghosts have a unique, tendril or branchlike look that creates some truly striking images. Hurtt and Crabtree do a great job with the flashback pages, crafting a look that feels brighter and more innocent than the present day. That contrast is most easily seen in the colors, with warmer tones in the flashback, while Wordie works with a beautiful cool palette for the bulk of the story. Blue and purple hues dominate the pages, with spots of red popping through.
Dukeshire's lettering is wonderful throughout. It looks mostly normal for much of the issue, which heightens its more eccentric and expressive uses in critical moments. This issue brings another awesome new horror series to comic readers. It's got suspense, an exciting twist on a familiar concept, and a killer emotional core. With Ghostlore #1, Bunn and the rest of the creative team deliver a chilling ghost story.