Writer: Jenna Lyn Wright
Artist: Karl Slominski
Publisher: Scout Comics
WHAT IS IT?
An action horror story where a girl must uncover her past.
Think Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets punk rock.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
(Minor spoilers)
After searching for them for years, a girl named Hunter tracks down her parents to a local shopkeeper named Remy. Hoping to ease her burden and answer any lingering questions, Remy offers to take Hunter to a bar.
The two begin talking and Hunter learns that Remy is more than just a local shopkeep. But that's not all she learns before she's approached by several intimidating-looking individuals with sharp, pointy teeth.
Life is about to get more complicated for Hunter. But will she be satisfied becoming the hunted?
WHAT WORKS
Wright’s dialogue immediately establishes her characters’ personalities. Hunter’s words are sarcastic and brash, while Remy’s are intelligent and use a wide vocabulary.
Slominski’s distinct, thick linework and textured splatters make each page gritty and dramatic.
His diverse color choices make each panel a visual treat while also highlighting the important aspects within highly detailed drawings.
Esposito’s lettering brilliantly blends with the art style while also being a dynamic part of the panel.
The art is a masterclass in different types of inking, demonstrating adept use of pointillism and crosshatching.
Narration in caption boxes is excellently employed for comedic effect in certain parts of the story.
The character designs are flashy and distinct from one another. They are fun and immediately recognizable.
The story makes several references to several classic films that movie buffs will enjoy.
The book ends on a brilliant cliffhanger that will leave readers hungry for more.
WHAT DOESN’T WORK
Content Warning: There are depictions of graphic violence that may be triggering to readers sensitive to that.
One character’s name isn’t mentioned until late in the book and could have been established sooner.
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
Cult of Ikarus is fun and intriguing from start to finish. The story never reveals too much, but instead drops little nuggets to get a reader hyped for the rest of the series. The characters are distinct in design and dialogue, creating some enjoyable interactions and artwork that keep the story moving. It is paced exceptionally well and feels like a quick, easy experience.
This book's artwork is an exhibit of the many possibilities of comics. Everything from the realistic to the abstract and experimental is utilized, but it never feels like spaghetti was thrown at the wall. Every style change in linework, inking, and coloring is very deliberate and manages to be distinct, but cohesive. The lettering manages to be a happy marriage with the variety presented in the art and is an essential part of the background. Many of the sound effects are placed so that they are a part of the action, interacting physically with the characters.
Fans of thrilling horror and fast-paced action should pick up Cult of Ikarus today!
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
Lady Mayhem by Jenna Lyn Wright & Karl Slominski
Grimm Universe Presents: The Black Knight by Jenna Lyn Wright & Sergio Arino
Lunar Room by Danny Lore & Gio Sposito
If you like the art:
Teeter Topple by Karl Slominski
ThoughtScape Comics #1 by Matt Mair Lowery & Karl Slominski
Red Atlantis by Stephanie Phillips & Rob Carey
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Jenna Lyn Wright (@jennalynwright) – Writer
A relative newcomer to comics, Wright has had books published by Scout Comics and Zenescope Entertainment.
She is also a screenwriter and her film, Ambition, was released in theatres nationwide in 2019.
Wright previously served as a book scout for 20th Century Fox.
Karl Slominski (@karlslominski) – Artist/Letterer
A rising talent, Slominski has done work for DC, IDW, Scout, and Z2 comics.
He is most known for his creator-owned graphic novella Teeter Topple.
Slominski is a graduate of the Kubert School of Cartooning and Graphic Art.
Taylor Esposito (@TaylorEspo) – Letterer
Esposito has done a variety of comic-related design jobs, and quite a few graphic design jobs, all of which can be found on his website.
He has worked on books for DC, Dynamite, Dark Horse, and now Vault Comics.
He is also a second-degree black belt in Koei-Kan Karate-Do.
HOW DO I BUY IT?
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.
All Cult of Ikarus characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are trademarks of and copyright of Scout Comics or their respective owners. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.