Abe Sapien #12

by stephengervais on May 14, 2014

Writer: Mike Mignola and Scott Allie
Artist: Max Fiumara
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Cover Artist: Sebastian Fiumara
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
 

After a month off Abe hits the comic racks with a story which will linger in your mind long after you are done reading it. The creative team behind Abe Sapien #12 deliver one of the finest issues of this ongoing series to date. Writers Mike Mignola and Scott Allie’s spine tingling story gets more and more intense with each panel. Add in the stunning artwork by Max Fiumara and you have one heck of a chilling tale.
 
 
The first thing that struck me about this issue upon completion was that there was no dialogue throughout. The entire story is done in a narrative format with almost a thought-bubble feel to it at times. I found it actually made each panel all that more intense. Not only are you reading the narrative more carefully but you’re also scanning the art to capture all the details of the story. The prose and art complement each other perfectly without unnecessarily repeating any of the elements of the story. In no way does it come off gimmicky in fact I can’t imagine this issue told any other way.
 
 
The story itself is told from the perspective of the three main characters, a man, a woman, and Abe. We get a series of flashback sequences from both the unknown man and woman as well as the present action from them both and Abe. The artist, Max Fiumara, and the master of color, Dave Stewart, do a perfect job in guiding the reader throughout the issue making sure we know exactly where we are with each panel. There was no point where I questioned whether I was reading a flashback or current event.
 
 
This issue is a standalone story but I do believe that we will learn more about the unknown woman later on. This really is a terrific issue and I’m excited about the direction the series is taking. This is one of the most suspenseful stories I’ve read in while with just enough flashes of violence to probably give me nightmares tonight! I can’t wait for the next issue.

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside