The Golem (Independent, 2025): Writers Dolan Waddick and Aaron Sparrow and artist Vu Danh recount a twisted tale of revenge when a grieving father trapped in a concentration camp during WWII makes an unholy pact. Fans of classic horror tales in Creepy and Eerie will love this throwback story. Verdict: An excellent tale of terror.
Credits:
- Writer: Dolan Waddick, Aaron Sparrow
- Artist: Vu Danh
- Letterer: Kel Nuttall
- Cover Artist: Vu Danh (cover A)
- Publisher: TCM Press
- Release Date: 2025
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $10
- Page Count: 16
- Format: One-shot
Covers:
Analysis of The Golem:
First Impressions:
I love horror. I especially love classic horror from the Pulp Era through the 1980s and beyond, so I was keen to see if Dolan Waddick and Aaron Sparrow could capture the spirit of gothic horror that I know and love so well. I’m happy to report they did.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
During WWII, a Jewish classical pianist named Joshua Abrams is forced to play for his Nazi captors in exchange for the life and protection of his son, Adam. After weeks of exhaustion and starvation, Joshua makes the fatal mistake of missing one note during his latest performance. During the night, the soldiers rounded up several of the children, including Adam, for execution as punishment.
Stricken by rage and grief, Joshua agrees to make a pact with an elderly inmate who is familiar with the dark arts – a pact that will cost Joshua his life but will bring his Adam back to exact bloody revenge.
How is the story in The Golem?
Short, sweet, and to the point. Dolan Waddick and Aaron Sparrow are remarkably efficient in establishing the inciting incident, the supernatural twist, and the satisfying conclusion. This is, as the credits show, a shorter-than-average issue, so the need for efficiency is paramount.
Furthermore, karmic horror needs to hit the bullseye in terms of creating a sense of schadenfreude. In this case, the bullseye is almost hit. It would have helped if the Nazi commander’s death was drawn out a little more so you could see his terror in the face of his inevitable doom. As it stands, the Commander’s end is a little too quick to be wholly satisfying, but it still works.
How is the art in The Golem?
The art by the late Vu Danh (R.I.P.) is rough, mean, Gothic, and creepy in all the right ways. Danh’s use of shadow emphasizes the atmosphere of dread, as if the specter of Death hangs over every panel. And when the Golem finally arrives, his path of destruction is kinetic and impressive. You could even say the Golem, as depicted here, looks like what a proper Hulk comic should be.
Characters
Joshua Abrams is the tragic heart of this story as the grieving father who sacrifices everything to save his son and ultimately to seek revenge. The terrible events that surround Joshua are heartbreaking, which makes the motivation behind his choices wholly relatable.
Originality & Concept Execution
Golem stories are not new. Golem stories set in WWII are also not new. But Golem stories set in WWII that blend in aspects of Pumpkinhead lore are a unique and welcome twist. That combination of the familiar mythologies in a novel way is a pleasant treat, and the entire team executes the concept masterfully.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 4/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2
Final Thoughts:
The Golem unveils a classic tale of tragedy, heartbreak, and monstrous revenge when a father makes a pact to avenge his murdered son. Aaron Sparrow and Dolan Waddick recreate the classic horror comics of old with masterful efficiency, and the late Vu Danh’s artwork is gorgeous.
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