REVIEW: The Eighth Seal #1

Story: James Tynion IV
Art: Jeremy Rock
Colors: Nolan Woodard
Publisher: IDW
Release Date: December 9, 2015

The Eighth Seal has been a staple of Mark Waid’s Thrillbent digital comic platform for a few years now. Originally published digitally back in April 2013, Thrillbent has teamed with IDW for a print release of the horror series.

The Eighth Seal #1, available this week, presents the story of a woman who is suffering from debilitating visions are causing her to black out for periods of time, sometimes even fainting. The visions involve her turning into a nightmarish creature and lusting to inflict harm on those around her. She’s talking to a psychiatrist and she’s on medication, but nothing is working. Making matters more complicated is the fact that the woman in question, Amelia Greene, is the First Lady of the United States.

The first issue of the Eighth Seal pretty much just introduces readers to the main character, and a few supporting characters. Tynion doesn’t deliver much of a story, or give any indications about what his story will entail. After reading the issue, all you know is that the president’s wife might be bat-sh*t crazy. Jeremy Rock’s art for the most part feels very basic, but does have a few bright spots. His depictions of the monster inside Amelia are quite good, but overall the art wasn’t enough to keep me interested.

Final Verdict: The Eighth Seal #1 may be the start to a great comic series, but I didn’t see it. The bright spot is that if you find yourself enjoying the story, additional chapters can be found online and you don’t have to wait for the next issue. I’m bowing out now, but best of luck to the creative team in future issues.