2024 has been an absolute banger for horror. Whether you’re catching flicks on the big screen or grabbing the latest off the comic book shelves, this year’s been serving up scares left and right. Now, writer David M. Booher, along with artist Drew Zucker, looks to continue that trend with their terrifying tale The Feeding, a tantalizing new one-shot from Image Comics.
Image Comics
The story revolves around Nolan Ward, a white-collar dude looking to escape his dark past. Instead of dealing with his demons through therapy, he dives headfirst into drugs, alcohol, day trading, and women. But just when Nolan thinks he’s finally left his nightmare life behind, it comes back in the form of a painting called The Feeding. And boy, is it hungry. It’s a twisted and messed-up journey about a guy trying to outrun his past, but the past isn’t going away easily.
What I loved most about The Feeding was that it gave me those old-school Tales From the Crypt or Tales From the Darkside vibes — a perfect blend of campy and creepy. In addition, I love how David M. Booher hooks you emotionally with Nolan Ward. Nolan isn’t exactly a saint; he does messed up things like sleeping with women and leaving them locked out in the lobby of his building. But Booher gives Nolan such a screwed-up backstory, you can’t help but root for him. And when the horror of Nolan’s past comes knocking at his door, it’s a twisted mindf*ck that just keeps you flipping the page.
The artwork in The Feeding matches the story and tone perfectly. Right away, you know exactly what kind of person Nolan is just by the way Drew Zucker draws him. Three-piece suit, slicked-back douchebag hair, chilling in fancy restaurants with drinks, and catcalling women. And the way Zucker flips between the backstory and the present day is seamless. Every angle, panel, and reveal shows that Zucker is truly a master of his craft. His imagery is so good that I’m conflicted about what I love more: the backstory or the present-day meltdown of Nolan trying to keep his head from exploding.
The Feeding, pun intended, is straight-up killer. The storytelling is smooth as hell, the transitions are terrific, and the journey it takes you on is awesome. It’s got everything you’re looking for in a horror comic: creepy moments and big reveals. If you’re into horror flicks or love scary comics, The Feeding is going to be right up your alley.
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