THE CLAW & FANG #1

THE CLAW & FANG #1

WRITER: Michael Kutcher

ART: Matias Basla

COVER: Dan Brereton

Warning: Contains Spoilers

Life contained by sharp lines can be extremely disconcerting. The Claw and Fang contains a style of artwork that enforces a sense of limited existence. Drawn by Matias Basla, it is reflective of a style most famously used for in Hellboy comics. However it is unique and does not fall into the realm of carbon copy. Balsa’s style creates oppressive panels that are barren, yet feel strangled by clutter. Where we expect confusion; people’s unkempt hair, computer cords across a floor, a woman’s dress draped on the ground, we find sharp geometric shapes. However, large rooms, backgrounds, and open spaces are filled with heavy debris. Every image is lined sharply, but inside those lines the art becomes muddled. Balsa creates an unnatural and weighted linear perspective; a distressing impressionism for the computer age.

This void of natural shapes within a garroted atmosphere marries the reader with the main character’s plight. Justin’s a gamer and a drone, alone and following a pointless life. Except within a single computer fantasy game, here he has drive. However, we do not see much of this fantastic world; we view him watching his computer. We meet his friends and a possible love interest through an online chat, furthering the modern listlessness.

Across the planet from this very plausible modern existence an ancient demon is awakened. We are introduced to a firewoman, the last shaman. The story becomes heaped with tense action and ancient wonders. Finally the plotlines collide in brilliant spectacle, shown through an impressive lack of color. A necessary and well timed ending.

Personally, I found two problems with The Claw and Fang #1. First, despite how it seems I am not a fan of this style of art, it simply is not my flavor. However, it does hold merit for this particular story. If someone were to enjoy this type of drawing, then it is clear they will find what they are looking for and a little extra.

Secondly, there are very interesting ideas lining this comic, but they seem dealt with only on a surface level. I found myself left wanting more, as it should be in any good serial story. But I also needed more depth, more connection to characters, more to satitate what they had been tantalizing me with. It can be that this is only the first issue and we will get these things in the future. For that I hope, as there is true promise within these pages.

RELATED: Read Brandon Barrows' review on The Claw & The Fang

Discuss this in the CosmicBookNews.com's Forum!