Comic Book Review: Criminal Macabre: They Fight By Night
Image via Dark Horse Comics
Coming straight out of last week’s US election, Cal McDonald finds himself in his own political dilemma.
Cal finds himself witness to the murder of a political candidate live on TV, a murder that could only have been done by creatures that go bump in the night. So what’s an undead detective to do? That’s right, team up with his ghoulish sidekick Mo’Lock and an LAPD detective and get to the bottom of it all.
What I love about Criminal Macabre is how every single one-shot is accessible to new readers. Steve Niles has his finger on the pulse of where the comics industry should be right now. I find that, for the most part, the bigger comics companies focus on keeping their regular rabid consumer base sated, with no real efforts to bring in new readers to their overpopulated and complicated universes. But Niles makes his universe accessible with every single issue, while also keeping long term fans, like me, happy with an overall story arc.
Another thing I love about Criminal Macabre in general, and Criminal Macabre: They Fight by Night in particular, is the beautiful cover art by Fiona Staples. It’s a shame that she’s not recognized for the talent she is. She truly designs some of the best covers in the industry.
And Christopher Mitten’s pencils have really grown to find an identity with Cal McDonald and his friends and foes. I thoroughly enjoy every single panel he draws, from the quiet and conversational scenes between MoLock and Cal to the violent action sequences between man and monster. Mitten’s art is a pleasure to look at.
Another reason you need to get your hands on Criminal Macabre: They Fight by Night is that it directly leads into Final Night, the upcoming crossover with Niles’ other smash hit comic, 30 Days of Night.
So, if you like urban fantasy that’s accessible, written well, and in a large and rich universe, with great covers and art, and/or you’re thinking about checking out the Criminal Macabre/30 Days of Night crossover, then head out to your local comic book joint and get your hands on Criminal Macabre: They Fight by Night today.
It’s 32 pages of greatness for US $3.99, and take my word for it when I say Criminal Macabre has some of the best talent in comics today, and every cent spent will be worth it.
