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Writer's pictureByron O'Neal

THE UNSOUND


***TRIGGER WARNING: SELF-HARM***

Writer: Cullen Bunn

Illustrator: Jack T. Cole

Publisher: BOOM! Studios


The Unsound (tpb), cover, BOOM! Studios, Bunn/Cole

WHAT IS IT?

A razor-sharp, psychedelic twist on the classic “Insane Asylum” sub-genre of horror.

The sanatorium horror of Stonehearst Asylum or Shutter Island mixed with the color palette of Suspiria.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

(Minor Spoilers)

It’s Ashli’s first day on the job at the local sanatorium. As with most asylums, this one has a dark history and, as it goes in most movies that take place in a venue like this one, things quickly go off the rails.

To escape sudden danger, she and her co-workers have to trust one of the inmates, who always hides his face behind a paper plate mask. Can she ignore the danger all around her or the vivid, razor-blade laden visions she keeps having? Can she make sense of the events unfolding that threaten her and others stuck in the asylum?

If you’re a horror fan, you need to read this comic.

WHAT WORKS?

  • The first issue sets up all the rest of the story’s events quickly and efficiently before bursting right into non-stop action for the rest of the graphic novel

  • The art balances the mundane and the surreal with ease, creating environments both awe-inspiring and uncomfortable at the same time

  • The story and visuals create a truly unsettling experience – it was the first comic to truly creep me out

  • The title got picked up for more issues recently!

  • While there are truly violent moments, it doesn’t go overboard on gore

  • Bunn is a horror and comics veteran – he knows how to tell a good story, and this one sticks with you

WHAT DOESN’T WORK?

  • Not good for individuals triggered by self-harm

  • Negative portrayals of mental illness can be problematic

  • In order to keep the story moving fast and furiously, characters’ backstories are sacrificed and some characters arguably don’t reach their full potential

  • The ending felt like a little too easy, though this (and the previous bullet) is the perfect set-up for a revisit to the world in a sequel where the stakes are raised in classic horror fashion


The Unsound (tpb), page 12, BOOM! Studios, Bunn/Cole

WHY SHOULD I READ IT?

As I mentioned earlier, if you liked to be creeped out, you need to pick this one up. Cullen Bunn is the Comic Book King of Horror, and you can tell he and Cole really enjoyed making this one. So, clear the next couple hours and strap in for a bloody, psychedelic ride.

WHAT DO I READ NEXT?

If you like the writing:

  • Harrow County, Vol. 1 by Cullen Bunn & Tyler Crook

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

  • Redneck, Vol. 1 by Donny Cates, Lisandro Estherren & Dee Cunniffe

If you like the art:

  • Epicurean’s Exile (webcomic) by Leia Weathington & Jack T. Cole

  • The Sandman, Vol. 1 by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth & Mike Dringenberg

  • Angelic, Vol. 1 by Simon Spurrier & Caspar Wijngaard

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Cullen Bunn – Writer

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

  • Also writes novels and short stories

  • He recently launched a YouTube channel with fellow comics writer, Dennis Hopeless (which mentioned yours truly in episode 3!)

Jack T. Cole – Illustrator & Colorist

  • New Face: He’s very new to the comics medium

  • Co-formed “Deep Engines” as a Portland, OR, comics creator group

  • His art focuses on “lush, immersive environments” and “scenes of the fantastic,” and tends to be mostly digital

Jim Campbell – Letterer

  • Outlander: Hails from the United Kingdom

  • Multitalented: Also enjoys the art side of the creative world

  • Dream Team: Often does lettering for writer, Dan Whitehead

HOW DO I BUY IT?

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The image(s) used in this article are from a comic strip, webcomic or the cover or interior of a comic book. The copyright for this image(s) is likely owned by either the publisher of the comic, the writer(s) and/or artist(s) who produced the comic. It is believed that the use of this image(s) qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law. The image is used in a limited fashion in an educational manner in order to illustrate the points of the author and not for the purpose of entertainment or substituting the original work. It is believed the use of this image has had no impact on the market value of the original work.

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