Bunny Mask #1

Bunny Mask #1

Aftershock Comics 2021

Written by Paul Tobin

Illustrated by Andrea Mutti

Lettered by Taylor Esposito

Sealed in a cave before the dawn of man, released by a crazed madman, Bunny Mask walks our world once more. But for what dark purpose does she use her unnatural powers? And what’s her connection to Bee Foster, a young girl murdered by her father fourteen years ago? In order to save his life – and his sanity – one man will have to discover the truth of what waits behind the mask.

I had no idea what this was going to be like and this wasn’t anything like what I was expecting. I was caught up in this from the get go because the opening here really caught me by surprise. Paul just lets loose right away and I have to say that that he really finds a way to get under your skin with everything that we see. If you don’t like horror than I’m not sure what kind of person you are but but if you like a good thriller mystery than you really need to be picking this up. The way this plays out shows some of the most complex, interesting and depth to be seen in a story in a while.

I am loving the way that this is being told. The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well. The character development that we see is beyond incredible thanks to the dialogue, character interaction as well as how they act and react to the situations and circumstances they encounter. The pacing that we see is amazing and as it takes us through the pages introducing us to the characters, the story and this world they live in we’re left gasping for more.

I am totally loving how we see this being structured and how the layers being to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen. The plotting and how we see the story unfold and the bits of characterisation are where the book shines and how all these things work towards reinforcing the main arc. It’s pretty bloody genius to see in action. Then how we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is incredibly well achieved.

The interiors here are utterly gorgeous! Andrea is such a master storyteller and the work here shows this. The linework we see is utterly phenomenal and how we see the varying weights and techniques being utilised to create the detail work is magnificently rendered. That we see backgrounds utilised throughout the way we do from the caves to the gallery not only does it enhance the moments but it also works within the composition of the panels to create the depth perception, sense of scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the story. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows that masterful eye for storytelling. The watercolour painting style really allows for layers of colour to really shine through and create the depth and complexity in the work.

The ending here threw me for a loop the size of Texas! There are several moments throughout this book that capture the readers attention, makes them pause and think the classic “WTF” moments along with new things that are completely unexpected and mindbogglingly brilliant! I understand how this is a mystery series tangled up in the horror part and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next and it’s equal parts creepy, horror crazy girl and equal parts of having to see what comes out of the ending.

This is bloody brilliant and from conception through execution of the writing, interiors and lettering is what makes this as highly esteemed as I think it to be. I haven’t read through everything yet but I’m pretty sure this’ll remain in my #1 spot it is that good and that out there.