The Strain #1
Story by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan
Script by David Lapham
Art by Mike Huddleston
Colors by Dan Jackson
Letters by Clem Robins
Covers by Mike Huddleston, Steve Morris
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: December 14, 2011
Cover Price: $1.00

Amazing story, wicked plot, gorgeous art. There, that is my review of The Strain #1… no, seriously. It is that good. Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan wrote an excellent book and David Lapham did a very worthy adaptation for comic form. Add to that mix some great art from Mike Huddleston and you have the making of a stellar comic. No matter what your bag, this has something for you. This is a vampire tale that defies what you may have read in other comics or books. This takes a very modern view of the supernatural.

The premise is simple: A Boeing 777 lands at JFK International Airport and within minutes goes eerily quiet. Tons of officials pour onto the tarmac to investigate, but nothing happens. When they finally gain access to the plane, they are stunned by what they find. A mysterious crate, a scary old European legend, and some very unlikely protagonists start this series with a bang… or rather, a chill. Lots of plot points drop in this first issue and it really starts building the story very quickly. The clues are in the legend that kicks off the comic. It also comes full circle by the end of this premiere issue.

I have a feeling this will run just like the original novel did, very fast and furious. Lots of death and intrigue are sure to follow. While I did notice a lot of the story seems to have been omitted, I can’t be sure it won’t be added in later since comics don’t have to be arranged like novels, in most cases. But even if they slim the concept down, what is left is the main story and it’s a killer (pun intended). Don’t hesitate to pick this one up, it’s cheap and it’s awesome. Seriously, show some love to Dark Horse Comics, they keep finding some great reads to publish.