Serial #4

Serial #4

Abstract Studios 2021

By Terry Moore

Zoe is followed into the woods by a stalker who soon realizes the error of his ways. Meanwhile the blonde psychopath killer learns a new trick and prepares for her next kill.

I wish I worked with Terry to get his books reviewed in a timely manner, my store seems to forget to order them regularly so I have to remind him to get it in for me. Regardless it really is worth the wait no matter how long it has to be because Terry is one of today’s most amazing talents when it comes to storytelling. That he is able to not only write a stupendous story but to illustrate it in such high quality artwork leaves me in awe of what he’s capable of. Everything of his I have read has had a profound affect on me in some way shape or form and this book is certainly no different. Also the opening here, or the first page at least with that quote is so spot on and impacts the reader in a really strong way, so kudos on finding that one to use.

I love the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is perfectly presented. Terry is able to do this better than anyone I know in this industry. The character development that we see through the dialogue, character interaction and how they act and react to the situations and circumstances that they encounter is phenomenally well done. I am so impressed with how fleshed out these character are as they continue to grow. The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story we are mesmerised by the events that we see.

How we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to grow, evolve and emerge is impeccably done. I love seeing the moments within those layers that give you a bit more to their personalities or open up an avenue that you weren’t expecting. These moments can work to make the main arc stronger or just be there and engage the reader in some great ways. How everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is perfectly achieved.

The interiors here are absolutely bloody gorgeous. The black & white style on this paper and how we see it all is simply stunning and since it is the hardest medium to work with that we see it this well rendered is mind numbing. The linework we see with its varying weights and techniques being utilised to create this level of quality in the detail work is mindbogglingly brilliant to see. The backgrounds being so prevalent throughout is sensational and how they work within the composition of the panels to bring us the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the book is utterly marvellous. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masters eye for storytelling. I am also uber impressed with how we see faces, facial expressions and body language as that really works well with furthering the characterisation.

​

This is such a mind blowing series and to see women in a role traditionally reserved for men, that and the percentages say women are far less likely to do these thing, makes this even more amazing in it’s creepiness. But I love it because it is not the norm and it showcases the characters traits and inventiveness in carrying out their desires. Fascination and repulsion can go hand-in-hand and in such a good way to boot was something I hadn’t expected to see and feel. This is hands down one of the most amazing series that’s overlooked way too often and needs to be read everyone!