The Best Dark Horse Comics March Reads

Spring is in the air, and the best way to read any book is outdoors. Not all readers are indoor types, and the best way to settle into the season, for me at least, is with a graphic novel and enjoying the sea breeze. Hopefully, there won’t be too many April showers ahead, but on a good day (at time of writing), I offer my selection of works recently released to enjoy the season with. They range from mythical fantasy to humour.

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Lobster Johnson Omnibus Volume 1

Any newcomer to the Mignolaverse is most likely wanting the easiest way to get caught up, and omnibus collections are the best way to go. One work that‘ll come up in my lists isa regular mention of a collection that can get readers up to speed with everything that’s happened concerning the B.P.R.D. or Hellboy.

Lobster Johnson is the latest to thrill to and that’s all anyone really needs to know. He’s a fan favourite. 

Groo Meets Tarzan 

In my early review of the separate issue release of this title, I’ve always known this work can be better enjoyed in collected form.

It’s not about me disliking cliffhangers. Instead, some works are better off in one form over another, and when dealing with the pulps, writers are trained to deliver in a certain style of prose. Just like the individual issue release, this collection also includes Rufferto’s backup strips and an introduction by Mark Evanier.

The Hellbound Volume One

This volume is one of two collections about how those who have greatly sinned will die. The officers who find the bodies notice that they’ve all been immolated the same way, and to solve this case is going to be tough. 

The attraction for this original work is because Yeon Sang-Ho, director of Train to Busan and cartoonist Choi Gyu-Seok, creator of the webtoon Songgot, teamed up to produce this book. It’s filled with a lot of thoughtful exposition on why certain deeds must be punished, but as for why these wraiths are judge, jury and executioner, I haven’t gotten that far yet in my reading.

I’m more impressed with Choi’s art as he delivers the tension. This work isn’t meant to be a quick read. After I’m done with this version, I’ll feel better prepared to watch Yeon’s live action version, which is on Netflix.

Hound

This retelling of the legend of the Irish demigod Cú Chulainn is beautifully rendered in three colours, and each of them is most likely symbolic of the state of mind that existed back then. There’s no middle-ground. Artist Paul J. Bolger’s artwork is sketched out in black, white and red. The latter is bright as a river of fresh blood spilled, and this detail should not be of any surprise for those who know the story beforehand.

This illustrative work shows how Setanta, the nephew of the King of the North, was adopted by Morrigan, the Goddess of War. Actually, he becomes her ward, and after he’s slain the Hound of Cullan, his destiny’s established. There’s much more that can be revealed, but it’d spoil too much. Readers will be more enthralled with the art a lot more than the story.