TEXARCANUM #1 – New Comic Review

Texarcanum #1, by Dark Horse Comics on 7/23/25, drops readers into a supernatural version of the American West where folklore comes to life, and the landscape itself bleeds with ancient curses and migrating mythologies

Credits:

• Writer: Christopher Monfette
• Artist: Miguel Martos
• Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
• Letterer: Michael Heisler
• Cover Artist: Miguel Martos (cover A)
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Release Date: July 23, 2025
• Comic Rating: Mature (gore, language)
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of TEXARCANUM #1:

First Impressions:

Texarcanum #1 immediately hooks you with its blend of historical Western imagery and unsettling supernatural elements, making you want to flip through every page to see what strange horror unfolds next.

Plot Analysis:

The story opens with a poetic, almost philosophical reflection on America as a narrative woven from wagon trains, train tracks, and highways, populated by people whose individual stories contribute to a larger, sometimes darker, tale. This sets the stage for the introduction of a mysterious, monocle-wearing figure who offers a stern warning to a group of settlers, advising them to be content with the land they’ve taken and not to cross the “Rubicon of my generosity,” lest they face something far worse than their imagined destiny. His words foreshadow the true nature of this “beast” called America, where dreams can become nightmares, and human ambition can lead to monstrous consequences.

The narrative then jumps forward to modern times, introducing Avery Belle, a supernatural investigator of sorts, who describes his profession as “weird”. We see glimpses of his work, including an exorcism of a haunted mobile dwelling and a lasso “soaked, of all damn things” in an unholy liquid. He receives a call from a friend at the Parks Department about “Ten Plagues and Texarkana,” suggesting a widespread supernatural event.

Upon arriving in Texarkana, Avery encounters Officer Littlefeather amidst a scene of dead cattle and swarms of locusts, which appear to be the initial signs of these “plagues”. He dismisses typical explanations like climate change, pointing to a more ancient, possibly Mesopotamian origin for the curses. The plagues escalate, with boils and sores, blood in the water, and people succumbing to hallucinations and fever, hinting at a deepening crisis.

The climax sees Avery and Officer Littlefeather confronting a monstrous, antlered creature responsible for the escalating horrors, revealed to be a Wendigo. Avery uses his unique tools and knowledge to combat the creature, while Officer Littlefeather bravely tries to distract it. The issue concludes with the implication that these supernatural occurrences are not isolated incidents but rather a manifestation of America’s deep-seated stories and migrating mythologies coming to life, making everything “true”.

Story

The writing is definitely the star of this issue. Christopher Monfette’s dialogue is sharp and soulful, especially with Avery Belle’s dry observations about his supernatural profession. The narration in the opening pages is particularly strong, setting a philosophical and slightly ominous tone that really draws you into the world. It’s clear that Monfette has a unique vision for how mythology and the American landscape intertwine, and he executes it with precision.

Art

Miguel Martos’s illustrations are striking, complementing the dark and gritty tone of the story perfectly. The character designs are distinctive, and the way he renders the monstrous entities is genuinely unsettling. The use of color by Patricio Delpeche is also commendable, particularly in the scenes depicting the supernatural occurrences; the vibrant, almost sickly greens and reds make the horrors pop off the page. However, there are moments where the paneling feels a bit static, and some of the background details lack the same level of polish as the foreground action.

Creativity and Entertainment Factor

The concept of American mythology literally bleeding into reality, especially through the lens of a Western, is incredibly creative. It’s not just another monster-of-the-week setup; there’s a deeper thematic exploration of how stories shape a nation. The blend of historical and supernatural elements keeps the reader engaged, constantly wondering what strange turn the narrative will take next. It’s a fresh take on classic horror tropes, and the pacing ensures there’s never a dull moment.

Positives

The standout aspect of Texarcanum #1 is its bold and unique premise. The idea of America being a story where migrating mythologies become reality is incredibly fertile ground for storytelling, and Monfette cultivates it expertly. The dialogue is punchy and character driven, giving the protagonist Avery Belle a clear voice and an immediate appeal. The artwork, particularly the creature designs and the unsettling color palette, enhances the eerie atmosphere and delivers some truly memorable horror visuals. The pacing is well-handled, gradually building the mystery and escalating the supernatural threats, ensuring that the reader is hooked from the philosophical opening to the violent conclusion.

Negatives

While largely strong, the art can occasionally feel a bit inconsistent, with some panels lacking the dynamic energy present in others. There are moments where the visual storytelling isn’t as clear as it could be, requiring a second look to fully grasp the action. Additionally, while the philosophical narration is engaging, it sometimes verges on being a little too abstract, which might leave some readers wanting more concrete plot progression in certain sections. The introduction of the monocle-wearing figure and his ominous warning, while intriguing, doesn’t immediately tie into the main plot with Avery Belle, creating a slight disconnect that hopefully will be resolved in future issues.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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TEXARCANUM #1 is a strong debut that effectively blends classic Western aesthetics with a fresh take on supernatural horror. The creative premise, compelling protagonist, and striking artwork make this a must-read for fans of unique horror comics. It’s a sharp, witty, and punchy start to what promises to be a thrilling series.

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