REVIEW: Starblood
You have to feel sorry for Satori, a magician. You see, he is totally and utterly in love with Star, a fellow Goth who was once his girlfriend. So in an effort to win her back rather than just tell her how he feels, he resorts to magic, thus releasing the demon Lilith. In order to re-banish her, Satori enlists the help of fellow magic man Paul. Still it seems that Lilith is a step ahead, taking what she wants, making bargains that may end up costing Satori his soul, piece by tiny piece.
This book is a collaboration of sorts, with the short story by Camilla Voiez being interpreted by artist Anna Prashkovich. Now to say that the characters inhabit a dark world, even before Lilith slithers her way through the pages, is a bit of an understatement. There is in fact dark on dark on dark, were magic begets horror and love begets loss. Through it all Camilla’s word strike accords between reader expectation and character journey.  The book reads extremely well, with Satori’s feelings being the easiest to follow. Lilith is somewhat like the Joker, causing chaos and enjoying the ramifications, yet not being changed by them. Certain characters have their part to play, yet as the story moves along, there is a shroud of doom that seems to envelope this little conclave of characters.
Anna Prashkovich’s art is contrasting whites on black to great effect. Her work is somehow winsome and whore-ish, with characters falling in either category. The abstract style of the art works well within the confines of a Gothic horror. Some of the panel choices can be a little off-putting, but it is well worth working through. In addition, there is sex and gory violence abound, which gives this book its mature tag.  Both of these elements are very graphic, so if that is not your cup of tea, rather than complain about it, pick something else to read. Whether it is the storytelling or the more risqué scenes, the art is striking, adding to the story of the desperate lovelorn Satori.
As far back as I can remember, seduction has been a critical part of horror, all the way back to the first neck offered to the Count from Transylvania. As readers or viewers tastes have changed from chaste to the extreme, then the mediums of entertainment need to keep up. True Blood has replaced Dracula; it may be that Starblood is the next cross-breed of horror tropes for today’s readers expectations.
This book is available in paperback and Kindle 30th September.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
For more information on both Camilla Voiez and Anna Prashkovich, keep an eye on our interview section for an up and coming chat with both creators.
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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