Words: Dan Panosian
Art: David Ferracci
Colors: Lee Loughridge
Letters: Pat Brosseau
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Panosian, Ferraci, Loughridge, and Brosseau once again bring us something both stunning and unsettling in issue #2 of The Dirt Beneath the Devil, a supernatural story steeped in mystery and horror, all with the backdrop of the Wild West.
In issue #1, we met our heroine June as she embarked on a twisting journey to her late father’s estate, accompanied by his lawyer and a whole host of others. She also made friends with a temperamental stallion by the name of Hendido, a horse that had no desire to listen to anyone…except June. Surrounded by strangers, June sets off on the trail, hoping the destination will be worth the journey.
At the end of issue #1, we see the brave—if terrifying—horse Hendido staring down the issue’s most prominent antagonist, August. In issue #2, we find out August has been reduced to nothing but pulp. The only bit of him intact enough to give to his grieving mother is his ear. And Hendido? He’s cool as a cucumber, obviously agreeing with the group that this was some odd bear attack.
Panosian does really well here in keeping the reader on edge. The whole issue, the reader takes in the next part of the story while wondering how a horse could slaughter a person so thoroughly that people think a bear did it. It’s always in the back of our mind, especially as one of the other men in the group traveling with June starts to rise as the new antagonist. Will Hendido strike again? Or will the evening pass in tense tranquility as the group continues toward Wichita?
Panosian also employs one of my personal favorite devices, one that really serves to set the tone for the rest of the series and makes the reader nervous. One simple line gives a scary hint as to what’s about to go down: “That burial, Pete mentioned, it never took place.”
Why oh why did August never receive a proper burial? I have a few guesses!
The author is in no rush to tell this story, which really ups the tension and keeps the reader turning the pages. They give us bits and pieces in each panel, tiny morsels that show how many layers are hidden within each of these characters. Even the characters we’re supposed to trust are suspicious, because what would any of them do for money and power?
Like issue #1, as we hit second half of the issue the antagonist rises. This time, it’s one of the father’s associates, Pete. His abrasive nature takes a darker turn that has all of our hackles rising. One drunken attempted assault later, and the reader learns exactly what happened to August as Hendido’s true nature comes to light in an effort to protect June.
This is where the art really shines. Like all good horror stories, the art walks the line between terrible and beautiful, and the lettering of the sound effects gives a visceral reaction to Hendido’s transformation. The combination of horrific illustrations and sharp coloring really take your breath away as we see a horse turn into something with sharp teeth, countless eyes, and unfettered rage. The image of that horse standing over Pete covered in blood will live rent-free in my head for a long time.
Overall, issue #2 was an excellent addition to the story, giving us a deeper look into the plot and characters while also taking a big jump into the horror aspects. It ends on another outrageous cliffhanger, one that has me champing at the bit (pun intended) for issue #3 to drop!
I’d also like to remind Panosian that I know lawyers, and if the horse dies, I’ll break the sound barrier dialing their number so fast.
