WHITE RIVER MONSTER #1, by Blood Moon Comics on 11/8/23, finds a freelance reporter searching an Arkansas cryptid named Whitey. The reporter soon learns his search will reveal more than one danger.
The Details
- Written by: Keith Rommel
- Art by: Wolfgang Schwandt
- Colors by: Kristal Sayers
- Letters by: Wolfgang Schwandt
- Cover art by: Wolfgang Schwandt
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 8, 2023
Is WHITE RIVER MONSTER #1 Good?
WHITE RIVER MONSTER #1 is interesting. Taking cues from other monster-hunting properties such as Kolchak: The Night Stalkers and the X-Files, Keith Rommel’s tale gives you just enough monster hints to believe something is out there but wraps it all in an atmosphere of dangerous conspiracy.
Rommel’s story centers on David, a freelance reporter looking to make it big by uncovering the truth about a water cryptid legend nicknamed Whitey. The White River Monster grew to fame during the 1970s in the Newport, Arkansas area, and David believes there’s more to the story than the official reports let on. When David’s expedition results in potentially conclusive proof that a monster exists, he may not live long enough to write his story.
If you’re a fan of Blood Moon Comics, you know the publisher has been known to create horror tales based on real accounts of historical events. The same applies here. Yes, there is a real case file on something called the White River Monster from Newport Arkansas, and while this comic is fiction (or is it?), it borrows from documented sightings of the monster.
What’s great about WHITE RIVER MONSTER #1? We love horror, and we especially love cryptid horror. Throw in some conspiracy shenanigans with the locals, and you have our attention. Rommel’s core premise hits right in our sweet spot for monsterific storytelling.
What’s not so great about WHITE RIVER MONSTER #1? The setup, character-, and world-building are on point, but the dialog is stiff as a board and could do with a good editorial once over. The dialog doesn’t read as natural, and the narration/monologue needs trimming.
How’s the art? The art is about on par with an indie comic. The line work is adequate, but the digital coloring effects have an inescapably plastic quality.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s WHITE RIVER MONSTER #1 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with freelance reporter David heading to Newport, Arkansas during a wintery night to search for the elusive White River Monster, aka Whitey. David’s cab driver warns David to let sleeping dogs lie, but David is determined to get his story.
When David is dropped off near the site of the last sightings, he stops by a nearby house to ask local folks for an interview. They happily agree but warn David that Whitey is a myth. David refuses to be deterred, and he heads out into the snowy night to encounter more locals who are less agreeable.
David eventually settles into the sighting spot and sets up his camp to prepare to record sights or sounds from anything unusual. We conclude the issue with a bizarre recording, a frantic run, and a heel turn.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
WHITE RIVER MONSTER #1 mixes a creature feature and conspiracy thriller into an entertaining tale about the search for a mysterious water cryptid. Rommel’s script has fun mixing fiction with real-world legends, and the art is adequate.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.