Alabaster: Wolves #1
Written by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Art and Letters by Steve Lieber
Colors by Rachelle Rosenberg
Covers by Greg Ruth, Michael Avon Oeming
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: April 11, 2012
Cover Price: $3.50

As luck would have it, I just randomly chose some of the comics up for review this week. And I scored with this one, let me tell you. I read this and loved every moment of it. Alabaster: Wolves #1 stands out from the average comic book in a multitude of ways.

Caitlin R. Kiernan‘s protagonist, Dancy Flammarion, is a remarkable character in that she is both an atypical teenager and a complete badass. Backed by one of the creepiest looking angels ever, she is a dangerous slayer of all things evil. Her no nonsense attitude and inability to back down from a fight makes her a very deadly opponent, indeed. Add to that her albino skin and total disregard for niceties and you get one of the best anti-heroes I have ever seen or read.

This initial issue seems at first to begin in the middle of a story, making the reader curious about virtually everything to do with the main character. Well-written dialogue brings us up to speed in remarkable time, really sealing the deal by creating a connection between the reader and character. You can almost feel her pain and determination.

The dark colors and heavily shadowed art present throughout the entire comic give an undercurrent of malice that adds depth to the story. You really feel the dread that Steve Lieber and Rachelle Rosenberg are trying to convey through their graphics. The slow metamorphosis of the villain is perfectly staged, it’s almost so subtle that the reader barely notices it at first. The final pages reflect the emotions of Dancy perfectly. I was thoroughly impressed by the near symbiosis of art and story and totally cannot wait for the next issue. Additionally, the blackbird was the coolest supporting role I have seen in a while.

I haven’t read any of Kiernan’s work prior to this, but find myself wanting to find some of the stories upon which this comic is based. I recommend this one to any fantasy or horror fans, there is some serious “wordsmithery” going on here. The art is excellent and the story spectacular. Hands down, you must read this. I’ll brook no arguments on that point. Run, don’t walk, to your local comic shop and demand your copy today!