It seems as if Pornsak Pichetshote and Aaron Campbell are intentionally trying to make the reader feel uncomfortable in their new book Infidel from Image Comics. This is the perfect way to approach a approach a horror comic, as getting too relaxed would only lead to jump scares, and this book offers much more than something so simple.
Summary
Aisha can’t seem to relax in her new apartment. Her neighbors fear her religion, her husband says not to trust his mother, and she keeps having nightmares. As she investigates the house, she soon finds there is something else there. Something unnatural…
Writing
The story centers around the idea supernatural beings feed off hate like xenophobia. The Islamophobia Aisha faces adds to the unsettling environment of the issue. Conversations about Star Wars take a wrong turn into family arguments about religion, resulting in an uncomfortable atmosphere. Scenes like this helps to sell the reality of this story. Aisha feels like a character you know in real life. Someone is looked upon unfavorably because of something they wear, or the preconceived conceptions someone else has about the person. She’s the type of character you wish wouldn’t come to harm and helps the audience to fear for her well-being with what is on the horizon.
Pornsak Pichetshote really has created the start of a very terrifying horror comic. There is a little too much exposition in the middle to explain the family situation, but this doesn’t distract a lot. Overall, it’s a story which may help to keep you up at night clinging to your sheets.
Artwork
The inks and pencils by Aaron Campbell creates some disturbing images, which is perfect for a series like this. There’s also great body language which helps to emphasize the conversations which are taking place. Characters go from looking relaxed in friendly conversation to tense and uncomfortable at the drop of a hat.
The color work by Jose Villarrubia adds a distinct nature to the issue. Everything has a bit of darkness and dirt to it resulting in an atmosphere which won’t let you relax. The effect work when the entity is shown helps to sell how the being is not of this world and at the same time very dangerous.
Jeff Powell is able to offer some deceptive dialogue thanks to his lettering. There are also pauses which feel like real conversations. The font used by the entity feels unnatural and helps to radiate the sense of fear the character would be feeling. The letters are thin, wispy, and harsh at the same time, making it feel like they are otherworldly.
Conclusion
This book won’t allow the reader to get to a comfortable place ever. This is only the first issue, but it’s apparent things are going to get worse for poor Aisha. This fear for her getting out alive will definitely have readers coming back for issue two. Infidel is the perfect comic for the horror fans who don’t find other series frightening. The first issue will be available on March 14th.
