Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1 Review: Fun and Frightening

Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Kyle Starks

Artist: Piotr Kowalski

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Release Date: October 16, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1 is a perfect storm of campy horror that fans of classic slasher films will love. With its twisted premise and strange cast of oddball killers, this new comic is an excellent jumping-on point for readers looking for gruesome fun.

Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1

Review

Writer: Kyle Starks

Artist: Piotr Kowalski

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Release Date: October 16, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1 is a perfect storm of campy horror that fans of classic slasher films will love. With its twisted premise and strange cast of oddball killers, this new comic is an excellent jumping-on point for readers looking for gruesome fun.

Rating

9

Good

Who doesn’t love the distinct charm of old slasher films from the ’80s and ’90s? Where Monsters Lie is the perfect comic series for fans who enjoy a generous serving of camp with their horror stories. Created by Kyle Starks and Piotr Kowalski, this comic takes readers into a bizarre world where killing is secretly a business, and business is booming. Although I missed the original series, this new arc, Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac, immediately grabbed my attention with its promise of murderous mayhem and dark humor.

So, does the first issue live up to the hype? Keep reading for my full review!

Overview of Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1

Following the massacre at Wilmhurst, the serial killers regroup, scrambling to recover their losses. Just as the team at Site B gets ready to resume their gruesome work, Granny Zel arrives with a new recruit: Connor Hayes. As the man who singlehandedly wiped out Site A’s killers, Connor receives a less-than-warm welcome from the residents of Site B. But Zel has a sinister plan to indoctrinate him as the next big killer. Will it work, or will Connor’s presence upset the delicate balance of this murderous community?

Image: Dark Horse Comics

Review

I’ll admit, I dove into Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac without getting to read the first arc. But thankfully, that didn’t matter at all. This new comic wastes no time drawing you into its twisted world of humor and horror. Kyle Stark’s writing is sharp, with quick-witted comedy beats that make you almost forget the characters on the page are ruthless serial killers. Right from the opening scene, the comic shows a group of killers nonchalantly planning their next killing spree as if it were just another day at the office. This absurd casualness, mixed with dark humor, sets the tone perfectly for the meta-horror story you’re diving into.

But as funny as the comic is from the jump, it doesn’t skimp on delivering some genuinely horrific moments. Piotr Kowalski’s artwork hits the sweet spot between the grotesque and the cartoonish, blending macabre visuals with comedic camp seamlessly. The comic is packed with gruesome scenes that feel just right for the Halloween season, with monstrous beasts and eerie villains scattered throughout the pages. Kowalski’s character designs are a real highlight, as each killer has a distinct look that both nods to classic slasher villains and brings something fresh.

Image: Dark Horse Comics

The vibrant coloring by Vladimir Popov also adds another layer to the comic’s unique charm, often featuring bright colors that pop. Then, when things begin taking a darker turn, the colors shift subtly, heightening the tension. Don’t let the strangeness of the story fool you—this comic isn’t shy about its graphic content.

While I came in blind into the series, this first issue does a great job of introducing the colorful cast of killers at Site B, from a Santa Claus-themed murderer to Freddy Krueger knockoffs. Everything about this comic feels like a fun love letter to cheesy slasher movies, and I’m all in for it. Even without knowing much of the story that came before, I was impressed by how much fun I had while reading this. Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1 is a funny and creepy romp that cleverly plays with the tropes of slasher films while still delivering genuine scares. More than anything, I’m probably going to go back and read the original series now to tide me over until the next issue finally drops. 

Image: Dark Horse Comics

Final Thoughts

Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1 is a delightfully twisted start to a new arc that welcomes returning fans and newcomers. With its unique blend of horror and humor, this indie comic stands out as a must-read for fans of slasher films and dark comedy. Kyle Starks and Piotr Kowalski have crafted a story that’s equally hilarious and horrifying, making it the perfect read for the Halloween season.

Why You Should Read Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac

• It offers a perfect blend of horror and comedy that pays homage to classic slasher films while bringing something fresh to the genre.
• The art by Piotr Kowalski strikes an ideal balance between gruesome and cartoonish, enhancing both the humor and horror elements.
• The comic provides a unique take on slasher tropes, humanizing its monsters in ways that are both hilarious and unsettling.