Our Final Halloween #3 Review
Our Final Halloween is a chilling four part horror series co-created by writer Mike Garley and artist Michael Lee-Graham. It’s lettered by Mike Stock and the eye-popping wraparound covers are designed by Jess Taylor.
If you’ve read my previous reviews (#1 and #2) you’ll know I’m a big fan of the series so far. When Mike Garley contacted me and asked if I’d like to take a look at Our Final Halloween #3 ahead of the kickstarter launch, naturally I said yes.
Previously:
Five friends woke in a creepy house on Halloween, covered in blood, and with no memories. A portal had opened, releasing what they came to call Deadworlders. One of these killed and took the place of one of the group, Claire. Desperate to figure out what had happened, and seeking vengeance for their fallen friend, the remaining four (and faithful dog Girl) are set on an ever more terrifying journey.
Our Final Halloween #3
There is so much to love about this series. From the first issue (which I backed when it was just a digital one-shot for Halloween) I thought it was something special. When the two Mikes decided to turn it into a four part series I was absolutely delighted to be getting more in this world. And what a world it is. Like Stephen King writing The Famous Five. With extra gore.
Mike Garley writes compelling horror as anyone who has read Samurai Slasher or the rest of this series can attest. This story has grown from that self-contained first issue, to a gripping multi-chapter tale. I said it about issue two, and I’ll say it again for this one, the way the countdown to Halloween is used to build the tension is outstanding. Without wanting to give too much away, there are two double page spreads in the middle of this issue that show the passing of time so well I sat and stared at them for a while.
Those two spreads also act almost like the opening credits of a TV episode would. They give the reader space to breathe after a dramatic “cold open”. And just as well because what follows is an action packed sequence, once again illustrated in Lee-Graham’s killer style. I loved the pacing in this issue as it seems to be accelerating towards #4 (which I assume is due out this October). It speeds through the second act of this issue with alacrity and then slows enough to let the reader catch their breath again before dropping a stonking cliffhanger. I am so looking forward to the pay-off on that one in #4!
The Kickstarter
The Our Final Halloween #3 Kickstarter is now live and it’s a campaign with a difference. As the world is currently suffering through the Covid-19 pandemic and many have been hit hard financially, the creators have made the decision to offer the ENTIRE SERIES thus far FOR FREE. It’s a risky move, for sure. One that could hamper their chances of reaching their target. (Edit – it didn’t, they smashed their target within hours of launch) However I don’t think it will. I think this series has so much going for it that people will back it anyway. Nevertheless it’s a wonderful gesture from the creative team in this crazy time.
Should you decide to back the campaign with a financial contribution, there are some awesome goodies available to you. From a digital catch-up bundle of #1-3, right the way up to having your likeness immortalised by Mike Lee-Graham in #4. There are also options for sketched in copies, and assorted extras like numbered bookplates, badges, and temporary tattoos (guess what I will be getting).
