Outcast: A Darkness Surrounds Him
Kyle Barnes has been plagued by demonic possession all his life and now he needs answers. Unfortunately, what he uncovers along the way could bring about the end of life on Earth as we know it.
What an amazing start to a comic series. A Darkness Surrounds Him is an amazing introduction to the world of Outcast. Kyle Barnes is the main character, a somewhat lanky, tall and unkempt man who is looked in on by his adoptive sister. The story starts by introducing you to a possessed boy named Joshua who seems to have eaten his finger because he is very hungry. He is with his mother and their Reverend who is trying to exorcise the demon that they believe is in him. As the story goes along, you find out that Kyle was adopted by his sister, Megan's family after his mother would beat him and he is familiar with the Reverend, which seems to get around town with having to exorcise demons.
Besides the creepy but great storyline, the artwork by Paul Azaceta is fantastic. His use of defined lines and facial expressions really bring to light the monsters lurking in every one's face. The coloring helps to accompany just this factor as well. The partnering of artist, Paul Azaceta and colorist, Elizabeth Breitweiser is a match made in heaven. The differences with lighter and darker colors and the depth of shadows help explain the over all creeping dread you feel while reading Outcast: A Darkness Surrounds Him.
The letterer, Rus Wooton, does a very clear and precise job with this first issue. Given bold lettering to the words that have feeling and punctuation help bring out the true frustration with everyone that surrounds Kyle Barnes.
Robert Kirkman does another fine job at storytelling with this first issue of Outcast! Not only is he drawing me in again to another world he has created, but he has assembled a remarkable team to present it.
I recommend Outcast for anyone who enjoys The Walking Dead, psychological thrillers, The Exorcist or similar movies/TV shows or possessions. Outcast is rated M for mature audiences due to the graphic nature of some of the scenes, but its nothing like The Walking Dead head bashing scenes so far!
