HORROR & FANTASY ILLUSTRATED: CRADLE OF SHADOWS, by Zenescope on 3/20/24, sends an over-ambitious billionaire to the moon to stake a claim on precious resource mining.
The Details
- Written by: Joe Brusha
- Art by: Saint Yak
- Colors by: Leonardo Paciarotti
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Igor Vitorino (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $5.99
- Release date: March 20, 2024
Is HORROR & FANTASY ILLUSTRATED: CRADLE OF SHADOWS Good?
Elon Musk in Space: A Recipe for Trouble
The comic centers around billionaire Max Sinclair, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Elon Musk. Sinclair believes he’s discovered man-made structures on the moon, and fueled by ambition (and maybe a touch of paranoia), he rushes to stake his claim on potential resources before anyone else. This sets the stage for a thrilling lunar adventure for Sinclair and his team.
Alien Encounters and Shocking Truths
Their lunar expedition takes a sharp turn when they encounter strange alien creatures and a mysterious woman. She leads them to a hidden alien base, where Sinclair learns a shocking truth: the U.S. government has been working with aliens to mine the moon’s resources and fight off a hostile alien race. But is this partnership all it seems? Sinclair remains deeply suspicious of this seemingly peaceful alliance.
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What did we like about HORROR & FANTASY ILLUSTRATED: CRADLE OF SHADOWS?
Writer Joe Brusha crafts a compelling sci-fi horror story with a satisfying twist ending. The dialogue is sharp, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to see what happens next. The pacing is excellent, with plenty of action and plot developments to keep you engaged.
What didn’t we like about HORROR & FANTASY ILLUSTRATED: CRADLE OF SHADOWS?
The concept of a secret human-alien alliance on the moon is undeniably interesting and opens the door for further exploration. The comic does a great job of building suspense and delivering a satisfying conclusion. Our only minor nitpick is the lack of a clear explanation for why humans would choose to collaborate with the aliens. The story hints at a power struggle to avoid enslavement, but this aspect could be further developed.
How’s the Art?
Saint Yak’s art style is generally good, particularly when it comes to depicting the grotesque alien creatures. Leonardo Paciarotti’s coloring effectively hides some of the minor shortcomings in detail on wider panels. However, some character and figure work lack detail, especially in these wider shots.
Final Thoughts
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Despite minor issues, HORROR & FANTASY ILLUSTRATED: CRADLE OF SHADOWS is a solid sci-fi horror comic with an intriguing concept, good pacing, and fantastic alien monsters. Fans of the genre will definitely enjoy this comic.
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