Comic Review: Vincent Price Presents #15

Posted by Dominic in Comics, Latest News, Reviews on February 9th, 2010

A phantom admirer sits in a field with the object of his desires, his affections. He listens to her stories. He feels her anguish and pain, the torment of an artistic soul beaten by an abusive relationship. There is nothing Ethan’s love for Theresa can do to save her from Oscar, Theresa’s no good, abusive, slob of a boyfriend. Like Ethan, you want to yell out to her to get away from this pathetic excuse for a man. Like Ethan’s wordless pleas, she cannot hear you.

Thus is the driving story behind issue 15 of Bluewater Comics’ Vincent Price Presents, written by Paul J. Salamoff, with art by Manoel Moreira and color by Osmarco Vallado. I don’t like to give away too much of a plot when reviewing a comic, and I can’t say I’m very familiar with Vincent Price Presents as a series; however, I enjoyed this issue. Though the plot was fairly basic and universal, the overall message was powerful and blunt in a fashion I very much appreciated.

Life and death are often times exaggerated and heartbreaking and don’t necessarily end happily, but in the end one must always resign themselves to hope. There was one line that particularly jumped out at me while reading. When Ethan is describing Oscar he refers to him as “the anchor of her sorrow.” For me that line summed up the story; this is not a happy story, but it is one of redemption and learning. The ending reveals that though we may love someone, we don’t always know what would be best for that person’s happiness.

As for Mr. Moreira’s artwork on this issue, I was impressed with its subtle detail. This is a world very much like the one we live in. The characters aren’t exaggerated in any way. That detail lends itself heavily to the overall story and completes, what I feel to be, the author’s intention. Mr. Vallado’s colors do nothing but enhance the subtlety of the art, at the same time enhancing the paranormal aspects to the comic. Look for Vincent Price’s cameo — it was perfectly placed.

My only complaint is the cover by Alex Meyer. I enjoyed the layout, but the portrait of Vincent is way off. It looks more like Vincent’s stunt double sitting out on the ledge of a building, rather than the master of horror himself. Even as a comic rendition the cover is not good. If not for Vincent Price Presents as the title I would not be drawn to the comic on the cover alone.

Bad cover or not, the story and artwork inside are what count. Whether you are an avid collector of Vincent Price Presents or merely a curious reader, pick up issue number 15, you won’t be disappointed.

Vincent Price Presents #15 hits stores Wednesday, February 10.