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Writer's pictureByron O'Neal

COLD SPOTS, ISSUE #1

Updated: Jun 24, 2021


Writer: Cullen Bunn Art: Mark Torres Publisher: Image Comics


Cold Spots, issue #1, cover, Image Comics, Bunn/Torres

This review only covers the first issue, which came out today, Aug. 22. Because of that, we don't have insight into the full story arc, so this review might look a little different than my other ones.

WHAT IS IT?

Issue #1 from a new miniseries written by comics master of horror, Cullen Bunn.

This particular story centers around a family, a town, and the cold-related hauntings seemingly tied to them.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? (Minor Spoilers)

A man is hired to find a missing girl and her mother. We can tell there's some kind of history where he's played investigator for this same employer years ago, but not much more is revealed than that.

There aren't many details to go off just yet, but what we do know is that where the missing girl goes, ghosts seem to follow. And where these restless spirits appear, a bitter, deadly cold also follows.

WHAT WORKS?

  • Cullen Bunn has been writing comics (especially horror comics) for years, and he's a pro when it comes to telling stories like these

  • The issue is a page-turner you'll burn through in the blink of an eye; Bunn knows how to accelerate a story quickly into the good, scary parts of his stories

  • Mark Torres' art brings a vivid and moody aesthetic to this title, and it's cool seeing the shift between a muted palette and the artificial light from brighter, bolder indoor colored bulbs

  • The concept of cold-related ghosts feels new and different, which is honestly refreshing in a genre where so many ideas are tired and over-used

WHAT DOESN'T WORK?

  • This title isn't for kids -- expect some violence!

  • Expect more questions than answers by the end of this episode -- but isn't that what makes a mystery so effective in the first place?


Cold Spots, issue #1, page 4, Image Comics, Bunn/Torres

WHY SHOULD I READ IT?

If you're a horror fan, you should probably read everything Cullen Bunn writes, specifically his creator-owned work. This title is no exception to his repertoire of ghastly thrillers. It's a moody mystery that'll get its hooks in you by the last page.

WHAT DO I READ NEXT?

If you like the writing:

  • Harrow County by Cullen Bunn & Tyler Crook

  • The Unsound by Cullen Bunn & Jack T. Cole

  • Ghosted, Vol. 1 by Joshua Williamson, Goran Sudzuka & Miroslav Mrva

If you like the art:

  • Cold Spots #2 by Cullen Bunn & Mark Torres

  • Zombies Vs. Robots: The Undercity by Chris Ryall & Mark Torres

  • The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1 by Gerard Way & Gabriel Bá

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Cullen Bunn – Writer

  • Most often writes horror comics for creator-owned titles and superhero comics for Marvel

  • Prolific: Has written tons of comics over the years, as well as novels and short stories

  • He recently launched a YouTube channel (Missouri Swagger) with fellow comics writer, Dennis Hopeless, which mentioned yours truly in episodes 3 & 7!

Mark Torres – Illustrator

  • Influenced by film, especially when it comes to his color use

  • Cullen Bunn says that Mark “has a keen eye for brooding, somber, quiet horror...”

Simon Bowland – Letterer

  • Test of Time: Has been lettering for comics for over 13 years!

  • Outlander: Lives in the UK

HOW DO I BUY IT?

Click one of these:

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