So I haven’t reviewed much of anything in a month. Even in spite of my unabashed DC love I didn’t even share some of my favorite OYL titles. So what got me out here this week? Some kindness. I walked out to the mailbox on Monday and found this OGN. I didn’t order it so I figured it was sent to me to review because I was the closest reviewer to their location. What bothers me is… how the hell did they get my address?
Nightmarist is about one Beth Sorrenson. She’s been having the same dream for a while. A dream with her being operated on. Getting her insides hollowed out. She shares this with her doctor and therapy group. Beth has problems. She’s suicidal, off her meds, and finds it hard to relate to people around her. Doesn’t help that strange things start occurring around her. She finds herself hunted by a type of parasitic creature called the Arbus. Through Beth the hope to breed more bile creatures. It’s up to the Nightmarist to protect her from them. Or so I believe.
Nightmarist is like reading a nightmare. It’s so strange and abstract. The way the story is told visually adds to that effect. I’m not too familiar with Duncan Rouleau but he apparently worked on Superman and WildCATs. Looking at style, I never would have seen him as that type of artist. His work reminds me a bit of Hunberto Ramos. That animated look that can easily craft some horrific scenes and twisted imagery. Duncan is definitely someone I need to learn more about because the work here is beautiful. There are scenes where Duncan seemingly draws over black and white photocopied location pictures. Adds to the surreal nature of the book. If this comic was in color, I really think it would take away from just howit looks.
The story it self is, well, something I honestly am going to have to reread. It was captivating yet, like a Grant Morrison book, made me think I missed a lot. But in spite of all the confusion I felt during the events in the book, I did find myself very interested in the character of Beth. Duncan does a great job of building the character into someone you want to see succeed.
Nightmarist is definitely for fans of the strange. Alternative comic fans who like their Alan Moore, Warren Ellis, or Grant Morrison. It’s the kind of book you’ll read and go back to just study the amazing art. The kind of title you want to show and share with your friends. Just that intense.
