‘The October Faction #1’ Comic Book Review

So it’s October, and there’s a new book out by Steve Niles called The October Faction. Timely, me thinks. Not just a coincidence. Steve Niles is well known for creating many great horror comics, but his best known is still the book that first made him a big name on the scene — 30 Days of Night. Since then he’s penned several other series, and The October Faction joins the list of interesting titles Niles has created.

This first issue introduces us to the Allan family and takes turns introducing us to each of its members. First up we have Geoff, the son, who has the ability to see and possibly communicate with spirits. Frederick Allan is the father of the household, but he is also a professor. His first few pages are of him teaching at a college — some kind of monsters 101 course. (I’m rather jealous my university didn’t offer a monsters 101. But then, who wouldn’t be?). Frederick is a retired monster hunter, which would certainly make him the person to teach said course.

October Faction 1 Review I1

Finally we meet Vivian, the daughter. Vivian, as far as I can tell, has the ability to see a person’s future. As in, she can see what they will physically look like in the future. This book is only on the first issue, so I’m sure we’re bound to find out more about all these abilities. It’s not quite clear what any of them can do, as we only have hints of it right now. We never officially meet the mother. We see her. We have characters talking about her. And the issue ends with her doing something, but — spoilers! Perhaps next issue we will learn more about her as well.

As with most Niles books, the writing is rather is sharp and entertaining. Even with the little ‘screen time’ each character has, each of them stands out distinctively. If I have any complaints, it’s how nothing in the story grabs me and makes me say, ‘Shut up and take my money!’ I have a feeling this book is going to be a better read as a trade collection.

October Faction 1 Review I2

Damien Worm is a pretty damn fine artist. His work is dark, moody, exaggerated, and all sorts of fun. It’s reminiscent of Ben Templesmith’s work — I don’t know if this is purposeful or just luck. Niles seems to have found himself another great partner for his books. Every page is beautifully drawn, inked, and colored. I did, just a few times, get lost on characters and flow of the story. I ended up reading it twice. A couple of characters look pretty similar and may throw off the average reader.

Overall The October Faction is a fun, interesting read but doesn’t have enough pull to make me rush out and get the second issue. Most likely, I’m going to wait for the collection to come out before I continue reading the series.

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