Wytches Volume 1
Story: Scott Snyder; Art: Jock; Colors: Matt Hollingsworth; Letters: Clem Robins
Image Comics
This is easily the scariest comic I have ever read, and I consider myself a horror comics fan. It starts out in a dark place, and gets darker as it goes. If you enjoy horror, you want to read this.
Much as I'm tempted to stop there, I suppose some description is in order. The story is about the Rooks family, who have just moved to the remote town of Litchfield, NH in hopes of a fresh start. There's been tragedy and hard times for the family, which gets filled in via flashbacks over the course of the arc. Comic book artist Charlie had a drinking problem; Lucy is wheelchair bound after an accident; and their daughter Sailor was suspected of murder after the disappearance of her classmate Annie.
Things do not work out as planned. Sailor is still ostracized by her new classmates, as her reputation has preceded her. And the family gradually becomes aware that the town harbors a supernatural secret: they are in league with the titular Wytches, an ancient race that demands human offerings in exchange for miraculous cures and extended life spans.
The existence of the Wytches is initially so unbelievable that no one believes Sailor until she is taken. Charlie quickly comes to grips with the situation and goes to rescue her, a mission that takes him deep underground. But the biggest surprise awaits them when they return home, and Lucy reveals some shocking secrets. The first arc ends with a confrontation between the family and the whole town: then the Wytches arrive. Suspense is maintained right up to the very end. Terrific storytelling by the whole creative team.
The collection also includes Snyders "Who Would You Pledge?" text pieces from the monthly issues, which explain the genesis of the series, and the very personal connections he has to it. There are also several examples of the art processes, including the distinctive splatter effect used on some of the pages. Although it can be a little distracting, it does give the art a distinctive, hand-made look.
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