Unholy Nightmare #1 (Kickstarter, Oct. 2024): Writer Dolan Waddick and Artist Aurelio Mazzara bark at the moon when an undercover cop and a costumed vigilante team up to stop a drug deal, with unexpected results. Waddick’s monsterific tale is just the thing for readers who like to mix superheroes with monsters. Verdict: Dead solid.
Credits:
- Writer: Dolan Waddick
- Artist: Aurelio Mazzara
- Colorist: Gene Jimenez
- Letterer: Kel Nuttal
- Cover Artist: Andrew Mangum (cover A)
- Publisher: Mutant Farm
- Release Date: October 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $10.00
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Unholy Nightmare #1:
First Impressions:
Not bad. Not bad at all. Unholy Nightmare #1 gives readers a solid setup for a pair of “monstrous crimefighters” to wet your whistle in anticipation of where the story could go. In other words, this is better than your average setup/introduction comic for a story with gobs of potential.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
Unholy Nightmare begins at the start of a drug deal between two gangs. A member of the False Prophets just happens to be an undercover cop, Jenny, who’s ready to bust the whole lot of criminals. Waiting in the shadows is Jenny’s unofficial partner, a spider-themed, costumed vigilante called Recluse.
When the deal is done, Jenny announces the group is under arrest, and Recluse leaps into the operation for support. However, the drug bust goes sideways when Jenny unexpectedly turns into a WereCat and Recluse sprouts giant spider arms, giving them the edge to tear through the resistance.
The issue ends with Jenny and Recluse reverting to human form and being applauded for their efforts by a mysterious new player named Vlad.
How is the story in Unholy Nightmare #1?
Dolan Waddick’s script is simple, clear, and to the point. Then, it lands on a relatively strong, intriguing cliffhanger. Recluse gets far less page space to explain who he is and why he partnered with a cop, but the rest of the story is as straightforward as it gets.
What’s externally interesting about this monster tale is just how simple it is as a case study for aspiring indie creators. A comic doesn’t need to be super complex or mind-blowingly deep to tell a story. You just need the basics, executed well. For almost all of it, Waddick nails it.
How is the art in Unholy Nightmare #1?
The art, again, is a high mark for this issue. Aurelio Mazzara delivers clean lines, visually interesting action, and cool creature design. To be fair, the entire issue, barring a bit of flashback in the first half, is effectively one scene, so there isn’t much artistic complexity to manage by way of transitions, changes in tempo, or multiple locations. Still, Mazzara takes the basics, ensures they’re solid, and maximizes the visuals to match. Well done.
Characters
Jenny gets the lion’s share of the character development as an ethical cop who crosses paths with a vigilante when her good deeds run afoul of the wrong people. In short order, Waddick gives Jenny depth and clear motivations for what she does. Conversely, possibly due to lack of page space, Recluse is given much less development, almost to the point of being an afterthought.
Originality & Concept Execution
On multiple fronts, Unholy Nightmare is an original assembly of familiar stories. A cop who’s also a monster, a cop teaming up with a vigilante to fight crime, monsters hiding in the shadows of the “real world,” etc. The pieces are not super new, but the way Waddick puts them together is greater than the sum of its parts.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2
Final Thoughts:
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Unholy Nightmare #1 kicks off a monsterific adventure when a cop and vigilante team up to clean up the mean streets, with monstrous results. Dolan Waddick’s script is almost elegant in its straightforwardness, and the art team’s creature designs are excellent.
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