NIGHT #1 / 24 pages, black & white, color cover, $2.95 / Written by Troy Hasbrouck -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  / Art by Buddy Prince -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  / Jester Press   www.jesterpress.com
 
The introductory remarks are ones I have read before. They are about a "life-long labor of love" and every comic reader's dream to write or draw their own comic. Words of this type are not unusual in the first effort from an independent self-publisher. What is unusual is the few that really have the right formula, the honed talent to catch you right away so that you know it will be something special. Works like 2 OVER 10, BONE, FINDER, and others hit me that way. What is more usual, despite all the heart felt sentiment, is a very amateur effort with many flaws and little chance of getting past a few issue when the money and enthusiasm runs out.   NIGHT #1 falls somewhere in between. 

First it is a crime horror drama with werewolves, vampires, zombies and the like. The local Chicago cop finds an FBI team waiting at the scene of a horrific massacre - body parts allover. The next night some punks are having fun rolling a rich couple who got lost the wrong side of town. Then they notice a lone man across the street and they figure to continue the crime wave but they are in for a surprise. The crux of the story follows this would be victim, David, as he gets involved with a rival gang and things lead up to a confrontation not only among the gangs but with the FBI. 

The story is good enough to keep you interested though the end of the first issue makes you wonder if it is over all ready.  We learn that David has inner conflict about his transformations and someone in the group is not helping. There is good characterization and plot development. Likewise the art is good enough. But for me it looks just a bit off.   The eyes of the characters are too big, not the right proportion. This must be what Buddy is stressing but I found it distracting. When the werewolf attacks he does a neat reversal to a darker figure and white text in black word balloons. It is a good effort that will become better over time.  This one, as I said, is one of those that could become something if it appeals to the right crowd and gets exposure. If anything, the art style will probably determine who will or will not buy it.

David LeBlanc, Editor
Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine  
Winner of the 2001 EAGLE AWARD - FAVOURITE COMICS E-ZINE
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David LeBlanc is the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine; which won the prestigious Eagle Award for Favorite Comic Book E-zine in 2001. He is a long-time fan of comics and the electronic media; having been the moderator of BBS comics forums on WME, FIDONET and the Comic Book Network.  He and his wife live in a suburb of Worcester, MA and David works part-time at That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning Comics and Collectibles store. David's favorite motivational phrase is: BEHOLD THE TURTLE, HE ONLY MAKES PROGRESS WHEN HE STICKS HIS NECK OUT!