What is it about horror that pulls us in? Is it the sensation of danger and excitement, or the simple desire of being scared out of our minds? Writers Scott Snyder and Scott Turf attempt to answer that question with their new series entitled, “Severed.” The best horror stories begin with a good mystery, which is something that leaves you wanting more, without giving up too much information. Most stories is this genre, especially those in film, always feel rushed. Instead of a good story, what most people are left with is graphic images of blood and chaos. Horror, in our modern-day sense has become a slew of images meant to shock and abhor, but never truly scare. The greats, like Alfred Hitchcock understood that suspense is all about pacing. I’m happy to say that “Severed” is an excellent example of how pacing can be used to a story’s advantage.
The mysteriousness of the story begins in its opening pages. We are introduced to a man named Jack Garron, who has recently received a letter from an acquaintance he thought never to hear from again. The story then goes back in time to 1916, where Jack Garron in still a young boy, who has decided to run away from home to pursue his own life. The other young man we are introduced to is named Frederick. This is only an assumption, but I believe Frederick may be the acquaintance that Jack Garron received the letter from; only time will tell. Frederick seems to be around the same age as Jack, but is in a different part of the country. The young boy is picked up by a man named Mr. Porter whom I presume to be the villain of this tale. Mr. Porter wants Frederick to be his apprentice as an electrician, but we soon find out that Mr. Porter may have more sinister motives than he’s letting on. I don’t want to give away the ending, but I promise you that it will leave you wanting more.
Attila Futaki’s illustrations give this story the dark, creepy tones that it needs in order to communicate with the reader that danger is never far off. ”Severed” #1 is all about mood, and the creative team nails it. This is old school horror at its finest. If you’re looking for blood, guts and a lot of shock, then this is not the comic-book for you. This story is built off of a mystery, and a sense of constant danger throughout with a wonderful twist at the end. Pick up this issue immediately if you dare!
-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)
Excellent evaluation of what true horror stories, and the best ones, are about Dave. Totally agree
One of the many reasons I am big Stephen King fan. He totally gets this.
As to this comic, who is the writer(s)? Always up for a good horror story.
It was co-written by Scott Snyder and Scott Turf. It's worth checking out.
Great… yet another book to check out… if this keeps up I'll have to start robbing comic book stores for all the required reading ;o)