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Spookshow
By Leroy Douresseaux
January 5, 2004 - 16:05

Cyberosia Publishing
Writer(s): Ray Fawkes
Penciller(s): Ray Fawkes
Cover Artist(s): Ray Fawkes
ISBN: 0-9742713-2-2



spookshow.jpg
The definition of "sequential art" is apparently two panels side by side that when read in sequence conjures in the mind of the reader/viewer a third panel. Like any good storyteller, however, the cartoonist must create a tale that is a constant and steady invasion force into the mind of his reader, so each panel, and perhaps every word must evoke an image in the mind's eye.

In Ray Fawkes' SPOOKSHOW, dead cold war spies are brought back to life in the interest of national security. An East German double agent, Stefan Neumann killed his West German colleagues until someone caught onto his act and murdered him in 1968. In 2003, he comes back to life to serve (presumably) the U.S. Deep into his first mission, however, he learns that he and his fellow "reanimates" must confront their superiors if they are to learn the secrets of why they are.

Fawkes combines words and pictures in such a way that he is constantly charging images into your mind. By doing this, he heightens the sense of suspense and intrigue, always important in espionage thrillers. It's a way of keeping the pages turning. His figure work is a bit stiff, but that adds a touch of stylish flair to this pop comic. This may come across as high concept fluff, but Fawkes' knows how to press the nerve buttons. This is dread-filled horror wearing the sheep's clothing of sci-fi/action.

[DRECK, DULL, READABLE, PRETTY GOOD, EXCELLENT]

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Spookshow