Colder #1 Review

By Diego Chi
November 30, 2012 - 20:58

Paul Tobin introduces us to his fantastically creepy world with Colder. Diving in with him is Juan Ferreyra, providing beautiful and unsettling artwork. Their story centers around a man named Declan who has been in a catatonic state for several decades and appears to have a body temperature of forty-seven degrees. Interestingly enough, the first issue does not even begin to address the question of Declan's "frozen in time" status and still manages to keep my full attention.

Tobin smartly crafts his plot around the strength of his characters. The issue opens with an explosion at an asylum, introducing the insane villain: a spirit-like man called Nimble Jack. Jack isn't presented as inherently evil, more like the embodiment of death and insanity-- where he goes, he "helps" people die. Despite the gruesome cover, the inside takes a different turn-- instead of a gore horror book, the terror is psychological. Tobin builds suspense throughout as Nimble Jack weaves his way in and out of people's lives. The thrill of waiting to see who will be Jack's next victim reminded me of watching a classic Hitchcock film. Tobin also writes a strong female support in Reece Talbot, Declan's legal caretaker. She is strong and confident, and written realistically. She is forced defend to herself against a purse theft, and she comes out scraped and shaken but with purse in hand. Tobin proves that well-written characters do not need larger-than-life events to be powerful-- the reveal on the final page is a rather subtle change, and yet makes a profound impact.

Fleshing out Tobin's script is the wonderful art of Juan Ferreyra. There is no way to gloss over Ferreyra's gruesome cover (I can't look at it and eat my lunch). He effectively handles big moments, like the opening explosion, as well as quiet tension building, like the way Reece checks a bruise in the mirror before turning around to a surprise. His use of body language and expression brings Nimble Jack's personality (or insanity) to the forefront-- both disturbingly creepy and energetically comical.

Without much from the leading man, Declan, it is hard to determine the direction Tobin plans on taking the series-- a small stumbling block that could turn readers away. Nonetheless, the issue stands tall on its own. Being left with more questions than answers only makes me look forward to the second installment. Colder #1 is a strong series opener with strong supporting cast and wonderfully creepy art. A job well done.

Rating: 8.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12

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