Curse #3

By Michael Moreci, Tim Daniel, Riley Rossmo & Colin Lorimer

Being that this horror mini-series is only four issues, the story returns to the present events that were shown in the beginning of #1. To lead up to that captivity scene, Laney and Anton discuss the animalistic disease and the past. During all this, Jaren has taken a turn for the worst and Laney rushes to be with him. All alone, someone arrives to help the lupine from his imprisonment…

A lot of plot progression had to take place in this book. The surprise is that the story did not feel rushed, it, instead, felt face-paced to match the immediacy and tension of the narrative. Three key elements occur that made this issue shine and continue the potency of Curse. As Anton and Laney play mind games with each other, it is revealed that not only are they linked through the beast, but through their past as well. Some may argue that this revelation is cliché or forced, but I look at it more as fuel for the inevitable showdown between the two characters.

The parameters of the Lycan infection hasn’t been touched much, until now. Michael Moreci and Tim Daniel take a couple of aspects of the lore and address them. One I won’t discuss since it is an innovative twist unique to this comic. The other is chronicled when Anton flashbacks to 1968 when he tried to kill himself and…failed. If one reads between the panels, it can be inferred that this ties in with the myth of the only way to kill a werewolf. This particular component will no doubt tie in with how to stop the beast if that is indeed what happens next month. Incorporating an established myth and making it work within the established story structure and tone makes for a great read.

Laney’s relationship with his son, Jaren, has been an emotional linchpin in this comic. It also provides a welcome contrast to the mystery and horror elements taking place.  When Jaren tells his why he is scared to die, one can’t help but shed a tear or at least have their eyes become watery. To me, these moments with his son are the best part of this story and I love paranormal-centric tales.

Riley Rossmo and Colin Lorimer continue their excellent collaboration on this book. There weren’t any panels that stood out, which isn’t a criticism. It’s just consistent with how the other two issues have been depicted and executed. The inking and colors though, still make me fall in love with this mini-series each time I read it. They underscore the noir-ish tone and it just suits the material so well.

If you have already read the first two issues, then you are pot committed to this! If you are new to Curse pick up the previous installments. Either way, people need to stay with this book until the end because I’m sure it will have a worthy conclusion.