Sh*t hits the proverbial fan in Beyond the Pale #3. Hetta Sawyer, a reporter for The Daily Dispatch, is always on the lookout for her next big scoop. Something so big, it would make her anti-war movement cover stories look like fluff pieces. Her latest assignment has taken her into the heart of the Vietnam War, chasing leads on the disproportionate loss of Black soldiers. But what she’s uncovered is far more horrifying than she could have ever imagined. Now, in Beyond the Pale #3, writer Christofer Emgard and artist Tomas Aira reveal to us the people behind these unspeakable atrocities, buried deep in the jungles near Firebase Tartarus who are hell bent on making sure Hetta and anyone else who knows the truth never makes it out alive.
With one issue left in this four issue Dark Horse series, Beyond the Pale #3 delivers a gripping and atmospheric tale that blends supernatural horror and religion with historical intrigue. The story itself has remained interesting despite its slow burn, with each page revealing more about the dark secrets at the heart of the plot.
One of the strengths of Beyond the Pale #3 is its characters. Hetta and the other soldiers we encounter are both complex and relatable with each dealing with their own personal demons in addition to the threats they’re up against.
The artwork in this issue like its predecessors, is striking. Tomas use of shadow and light creates an awesome sense of dread that permeates every panel. Especially in chilling moments when Hetta and the soldiers stumble upon a sacrifical throne or are brought to tears finding dog tags and bodies of fallen comrades. And you can’t forget the letterer Mauro Mantella whose word placement is the intricate cherry on top of the horrors we witness as Hetta and the soldiers navigate their harrowing journey.
Beyond the Pale #3 is a strong continuation of an already compelling series. The pacing is decent and allows for the slow but gradual buildup of suspense. If you’re into visual storytelling that combines nightmares with crazy historical furies of war, this book is for you. A must read for fans of horror and the supernatural.
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