Since becoming a Comic Crusader I’ve found myself enjoying the number of comics that have come out that portray historical figures in the fantastic setting of comic books. I’ve seen Teddy Roosevelt, Tesla, The Elephant Man, Elvis. H. P. Lovecraft and Einstein have exciting adventures to name a few. But, this is Edgar Allen Poe we are talking about, a man who’s life could have made Lovecraft’s look sunny by comparison! So I find it appropriate that Poe isn’t having a fantastic escapade unlike the others I’ve mentioned.
This anthology book treats Poe like the Crypt Keeper as he recounts stories of madness and terror which apparently all star himself. It’s a delightful twist on the more typical formula most of these historical hero comics are prone too. Poe begins by discussing a particular alcohol related ritual in artfully poetic fashion before launching into his story of woe. Fans of the works of Poe (like myself) will be delighted by the number of nods to the actual authors works throughout the comic while becoming entangled in a plot of madness and revenge of his own design that reflects many of his works. The idea here being that many of Poe’s stories are inspired by actual misadventures he has personally experienced. Its a fun idea though not one with a great deal of longevity I’m thinking. However, while it lasts its a blast seeing Poe meander his way through his own stories with all of the faults and flaws typical of one of his characters.
Motter handles Poe exactly as if he were one of his own (Poe’s) characters. The mannerisms, dialogue, story structure is all evident for the Poe enthusiast to see and it’s clear that Motter has studies Poe’s works to pick up on all the particular elements of his works.
ART
The art is a pretty mixed bag for me. It’s fairly appropriate for the story, being rather dark and dreary as would befit Poe, but there is an over reliance on photo reference. This is coupled with a rather simplified style, which while it isn’t a copy, I’m sure is meant to evoke Mike Mignola’s art. The colors work in terms of mood and do a fair job of enhancing the uninspiring art.
The cover sticks in my craw a bit as its a direct homage to the Capt America punching out Hitler cover. Now the problem isn’t the art itself which think is pretty terrific but the fact that it neither depicts anything that happens in the book…c’mon, how cool would a story of Poe somehow hitting the Fuhrer be? But equally offensive (and I mean this in terms of committing an offense as opposed to being objectively offensive) is that it presents a whimsical tone which has absolutely nothing to do with the interior reality of the book. These two elements are completely at odds with one another.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Its a fun idea that is executed well story wise but the interior art is ok at best and the cover is misleading. Still worth a read though, so check it out.
SCORE: 3 out of 5
EDGAR ALLEN POE’S SNIFTER OF TERROR Season Two #1
Writer:Â Dean Motter
Art:Â Dean Motter
Inker: Alex Ogle
Colors:Â Julie Barclay
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