Mystery Society #1

Wow, this one was fantastic. For me, a new comic book reader, this one came out of nowhere, and I only found out about it thanks to Steve Niles twitter (@SteveNiles) feed. He was pushing it pretty well, and I enjoyed Freaks of the Heartland and 30 Days of Night, so I figured I would give it a try. As entertaining as the story is, the real winner here is the art – Fiona Staples has done an excellent job, creating beautiful, and, dare I say “sexy” characters. I was immediately pulled in by the great cover work, and was not let down once I opened the book.

Mystery Society is a formerly underground/currently public group that “has learned the dark truths” of this world, and wish to fix some things. The first issue is a backstory deal, but that was just fine for me. I was introduced to three of the main characters (I imagine there will be more next issue, since there was recruiting going on), and they are a smartly-written, interesting group. The story isn’t deep, but it does what it needs to and has me excited for the next issue(s).

The reader will also enjoy the two previews at the end of the book, both from IDW and Steve Niles. The first – Edge of Doom (written by Steve Niles; illustrated by Kelley Jones) – reminded me of a Tales from the Crypt/Twilight Zone style book where the reader will get different mini-stories in the same vain as the television programs I mentioned. The second – “Something Monstrous” (written by Steve Niles and R.H. Stavis; illustrated by Stephanie Buscema) with a very interesting art style (that I enjoyed), is a monster story with an adult spin. Both looked interesting, and I will be on the lookout for them when the books release this “Fall 2010”.

Mystery Society #1 is a must-read. As interesting as the story is, the art is even better, and I feel bad for anyone who lets this one pass them by.

Quickie Review: BUY IT