Written by: Christopher Golden & Mike Mignola
Art by: Peter Bergting & Dave Stewart
Publisher: Dark Horse
Baltimore: The Cult of the Red King #1 begins a new story for Lord Baltimore and his team of intrepid explorers and researchers as they look to uncover the mystery of an ancient evil: The Red King. Will the discovery of this hellish foe be the greatest achievement in their history or the beginning of the extinction of the human race? This new adventure seems to have the hallmarks of grandeur but does it live up to its exciting premise? Yes, unequivocally and let me tell you why.
As a newcomer to the Baltimore series, I was blown away by how unique the style of storytelling and artwork was. I’d read horror story comics before but this does so much more. It sets up a world where you want to wallow in; from the rich artistry to the interactions between Baltimore and his researchers, the appeal really resounded with me. Each panel feels like a painting and every frame has been expertly crafted. Peter Bergting is a perfectionist and it shines through in his art. Dave Stewart has done a great job in bringing the horror and gothic feel of the story to life; a lot the panels are darkened and crimson which makes you feel as if you’re wandering through hell itself. In the subtler moments (conversations on the Baltic Sea, walking through Rome), it feels like the things that shouldn’t be important are—like the way the streets and the sea feel alive and are a character in themselves; there isn’t a single panel that feels like it has been rushed or a great deal of care hasn’t been put into it. Artwork like this is rarely seen in today’s current slate of comics—bravo, guys!
The writing is poetic and mature; I feel as though I’m reading a H.P. Lovecraft novel, littered with the musings of Edgar Allen Poe. I’ve never read something that feels like it is educating me in how storytelling should be—I felt smarter for reading it and ashamed that I’d never stepped into this world before. It is clear that Mike and Christopher are writers at the top of their game with a gift of crafting something engrossing and exciting like it is an everyday occurrence—horror the way it should be. In today’s day and age, there is a tendency to rely on gore and jump-scares to make successful horror, not really paying much attention into suspense or drama and that’s why Baltimore: The Cult of the Red King should be a lesson to the rest of the business—remember, horror is just as much about what you don’t see. The characters feel very much alive and developed too; each member of his team has their own personality and it will be interesting to see how their journey into the unknown affects each one of them. I am genuinely engrossed in them and their expedition and I certainly want to come back for more as the run continues.
All in all, Baltimore: The Cult of the Red King #1 is a phenomenal read and shows plenty of promise for the rest of the series. From a talented team of writers and artists comes a masterpiece in the making. Between well-educated writing, smart storytelling and gifted artwork The Cult of the Red King is a rare tale that will definitely leave you wanting more.
