Artist: David Lapham
Letterer: David Lapham
Cover Artist: David Lapham, Hilary Jenkins
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Genre: Horror, Crime, Thriller
Release Date: April 17, 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 Underheist #3 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Underheist #3 starts right off with David going to a storage unit and finding nothing there but mysterious signs, with all on his mind being Oscar’s betrayal. The variety of questions this opening raises through these brief scenes is what makes it so compelling. As the volume progresses, these questions and mysteries collectively form the entire plot. Questions and mysteries We are constantly bombarded with revelations, shocking moments, and unanswered questions. This hits a peak at the end, where David sees bodies in the well, such as David’s, with something calling to kill him, and then… Roll credits. In each scene, one of the strongest elements has become the supernatural and true horror. This world truly feels like a place where nobody is safe. The fact that this world feels like a labyrinth of questions with answers hidden in plain sight makes it even scarier.
Though his key element of the story here is not the atmosphere but the mystery. It’s truly remarkable how drastically the story has evolved. Starting out as a supernatural crime comic with a key element of atonement, it shifts to, at least here, a general mystery. While the elements from the beginning of this series are still apparent, there seems to be a shift in the subject matter. This issue is one full of questions, and the next will likely be one full of answers. In a sense, this issue captures a sense of buildup in the mystery, where the supernatural is a lot more on display and questions are everywhere. If there was one element holding this issue back, it was the lack of answers. Although there’s a lot of suspense and a plethora of questions and mysteries, there appears to be a lack of answers, resulting in a somewhat unsatisfying experience that merely establishes things and doesn’t offer much else. Despite this, the issue accomplishes a lot, making it a brilliant supernatural crime read that is full of questions.
ART
The artwork here blossoms with life, with many types of styles used throughout. One of the most effective elements used is in intense moments where simple things, such as fire in one part, explode with an old-fashioned art style that is beautiful to see. Furthermore, the character designs exude an old-fashioned style that is reminiscent of other eras, such as the 1950s, which is a fantastic addition to practically every scene. It gives the impression that not everything is as it seems, blended with the supernatural, which is a truly remarkable combination.
The level of detail in the designs and the meticulous drawing here truly stand out. There are so many panels that I would have expected a full, overly detailed design, or something that stands out from the usual paneling and designs. Instead, this issue focuses on simplicity and precision. These simple yet striking designs capture the world, and their presence is never altered. While you would expect this to take away from the intensity points, instead, it helps add to them. In some ways, the horror and mystery feel both normal and unusual in this world, thanks to the art style and writing that fuel it all together.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Underheist #3 generally does a great job of capturing the plot provided in the previous issues. This issue does an excellent job of continuing the plot with panels that are both stunning and mind-boggling, and then it follows up with some of the most dramatic events that happened throughout the series. Overall, this issue is generally a blast from start to finish and would be a nice read for anyone looking for a new comic to add to their shelves.