CHARRED REMAINS #5, by Mad Cave Studios on 4/24/24, brings Vic and Amy together at the altar of the Fire Man, where they must submit to become one with the flame or burn in agony.
The Details
- Written by: Anthony Cleveland
- Art by: Andrea Mutti
- Colors by: Andrea Mutti
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Maan House
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: April 24, 2024
Is CHARRED REMAINS #5 Good?
In the previous issue of CHARRED REMAINS, Vic and Amy had arrived at the same conclusion: the Fire man, a fire-based demon, is surrounded by a cult that sustains him. They discovered a connection between the Fire Man and the lanterns and candles carried by the acolytes, which feed the Fire Man the energy he needs through the Flesh and Blood of the flames’ victims. The Fire Man, if not fed, becomes rabid and could threaten to burn the entire city down. Simultaneously, a hurricane is barreling down on New Orleans, with half the pump stations that were used to keep water out of the city destroyed in a recent fire created by the Fire Man’s acolytes. At the end of the issue, Uncle Robby’s shop, Amy’s uncle, was destroyed in another one of the fires created by the acolytes, presumably to bring Amy out of hiding and squash any opposition to the Fire Man’s plans.
CHARRED REMAINS #5 begins with Amy distraught over the destruction of Uncle Robby’s shop. Fire Personnel arrive, suspecting Amy of arson, and take her into custody. Vic, aware that the accusations are baseless, tries to intervene but is knocked out by his colleagues, who are also acolytes of the Fire Man. Later, Amy is questioned at the police station, but the officers are also part of the Fire Man’s cult. They claim to be transporting her to safety from the hurricane but, upon seeing a Fire Man’s candle in the car, Amy realizes she is being taken to the cult’s headquarters.
Vic wakes up in an underground cavern, witnessing human sacrifices to feed the Fire Man. He sees acolytes casting themselves into the flames to keep the Fire Man fed. Meanwhile, Amy is brought to the cavern, where the cult offers her a deal: stop opposing them, and they’ll let her communicate with her dead family. Amy refuses. Vic, witnessing the cult’s atrocities, rescues Amy, and they escape. The issue ends with them making their way up to the surface in the middle of a cemetery, where they encounter a woman who claims she knows what’s going on and intends to take the Fire Man down.
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What did we like about CHARRED REMAINS #5?
This issue provides a lot of information about the Fire Man and the cult, clarifying their end goal and how the acolytes perceive their service. Vic and Amy are both given separate offers and reject them, elevating them as hero-like protagonists. They choose the right thing, even though it puts them in danger. This is a strong issue for character development and clarifying the Fire Man’s acolytes’ motives.
What didn’t we like about CHARRED REMAINS #5?
Amy and Vic escape too easily from the cult. Everyone stands and watches them run away, without any real pursuit. While they didn’t necessarily need a big climactic battle, they should have at least been chased to make it more believable.
How’s the Art?
Andrea Mutti’s ability to project shock and fear on characters’ faces is fantastic. Every wide-eyed glance and gaping mouth perfectly conveys the characters’ terror. Mutti’s amorphous, detail-light style suits the horror theme well.
Final Thoughts
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CHARRED REMAINS #5 is a solid horror entry in the series. It includes gore, blood, violence, and shocking revelations. The issue establishes a sense of urgency, with a hurricane approaching and the protagonists hunted by the cult. Overall, it’s a great action with moments of terror and emotional gut punches for the protagonists.
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