Writers: Christopher Golden, Tim Lebbon
Artist: Peter Bergting
Letterer: Chris O’Halloran
Cover Artist: Peter Bergting
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Release Date: April 3, 2024
Price: $4.99
Reviewer: Christopher Patterson
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Mortal Terror #3 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Mortal Terror #3 truly starts with a bang as we find out about the humans plans to take down the vampires. Then right after this, the vampires just bust in, and we see it all play out as both sides give it their all. What really makes it pop, though, is the brilliant paneling, which unfolds like an action movie, with each subsequent panel exploding with vitality. As the battle nears its conclusion, we see both sides disperse, with the human faction capturing Jonny to send him to Dracula. This entire issue’s pace and control are truly intriguing. When the fighting occurs between the vampire and humans, the writers really keep you on your toes with reveals and shocking moments every second to make you hook your seat. It is truly a cinematic experience, if there was ever a word for it.
As Mortal Terror #3 continues, we see both factions continuing to exist after these events, specifically the vampires. In one of the most striking moments I have read in a while from a comic, a moral, wearing a simple smile, stabs Lucy. After this, Lucy questions her purpose when she couldn’t have died from it, and then subsequently murders her. It appears that there was nothing but senseless violence. However, from a different perspective, it was a display of defiance, as the human was likely to face death even if she didn’t harm Lucy. This says a great deal about what this series represents. The morality of each side and the question of who is right.
As the story progresses, we later see a gripping build-up to the opening of Jonathan’s casket, and then… To be continued..
ART
The art and coloring in this comic is truly worth commending. The coloring is also quite nice, with each design magnificently working with the setting. Most designs feel like they could blend in with the setting. This works wonderfully because the story currently revolves around a battle between vampires and humans, and the designs further enhance this realism, effectively capturing the essence of the story. Instead of the vampires wearing goofy designs, they wear designs that match the world and also seem to have real influences based on them. In addition, the character designs are truly brilliant, evoking a sense of nostalgia, and their art style stands out in comparison to other contemporary comics.
Even more, for every panel in this comic, it feels like a million words are being said. For instance, in one panel, we see the vampires jump through a window, entering the place in which they will attack the humans. But let’s break down the panel’s artwork. The structure of the place seems almost holy and religious. Even more, we see the vampires break through it, in a sense, showing them being the danger of this holy place. However, a closer look at the panel reveals that the vampires are actually stepping into a shadow as they break through the window, suggesting that the humans are just as evil as the vampires. While this might be a bit overthinking, the brilliance of this comic is that it thrives on that. Even the smallest panel in this comic reveals a wealth of information, demonstrating the immense effort put into its creation. For the art, it is almost its own narrative, separated yet intertwined with the narrative.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Mortal Terror #3 does an excellent job living up to the previous two issues with another brilliant chapter in this haunting world. From the brilliantly designed and paneled action scenes to the thought-provoking ideas, this issue truly pushes the characters in new and interesting directions. If you are looking for a series that has morally gray characters, fantastic fight scenes, and romance to share, this is it, and it can’t get any better than this.