Brett Schenker at Graphic Policy has just posted his review of Harbor Moon, and I'm thrilled to say that he recommended us a BUY and gave us 7.75 out of 10 overall.
"Horror stories are all about the mood. The visuals are just as important as the story, and in some cases those visuals can enhance the experience. Harbor Moon written by Ryan Colucci and Dikran Ornekian with art by Pawel Sambor is a welcome addition to the horror genre with werewolves taking center stage. The majority of the story really focuses on a lead up that takes you to the creepy town of Harbor Moon, Maine and the search for a missing man.
The mood and look really stands out in the story with some beautifully creepy art that enhances an entertaining story. The build up starts as a thriller, with a missing person and a mysterious town. There wasn’t a point a new exactly where it was going, it kept me on my toes and where you wind up in the end isn’t where I thought it’d be. It’s original and has some original spin, which is good with a genre that seems to be played out a lot.
The art by Sambor is impressive with influences a style I can’t quite nail down (maybe Sam Kieth?). It’s mysterious, beautiful and creepy all at once. Exactly what a good horror style should be. The only complaint is at times it was difficult to tell people apart and exactly what was going on. That didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all.
If you’re a fan of horror comics, and werewolf stories, this is definitely a buy. It treads enough off the beaten path to be original, entertaining and keep you on your toes. It also creates a world, I’d like to visit again and hope we get to see more of down the road.
Plot: Colucci and Ornekian have put together a pretty tight mystery story to evolves into an entertaining horror tale. There aren’t points that are scary, but there’s a general feel of dread throughout the story, reminiscent of the vibe I get from some of the greats like King or Hitchcock. It’s uneasy and you’re not quite sure what to expect, and some times that mood drives things more than the plot details. Rating: 7.5
Art: Sambor just piles on the mood with gritty art that fits the feel perfectly. My only complaint is at times the characters don’t stand out enough to really differentiate exactly what’s going on, but I loved the style, especially for a story like this. Art can some times enhance a story, and this is a perfect example. Rating: 8
Overall: I’m really glad Ryan Colucci reached out to me to check out this original graphic novel. The mood really drives the tale, and I never quite new where it was going. If you’re a fan of horror or thrillers, this should be a purchase. Definitely worth checking out. Overall rating: 7.75
Recommendation: Buy"
