Comic Review: Simon Dark #1

Writer: Steve Niles
Artist: Scott Hamtpon
Rating 9.5

Steve Niles and Scott Hampton achieved with Simon Dark what no one in DC has done in years, create a brand new title set in the mainstream universe that intrigues fans yet is simultaneously engaging to the uninitiated.

With a background like Niles' (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre), it's pretty evident that horror elements will come to play, but the writing seamlessly blends the setting of a horror film and urban legend atmosphere of a mysterious vigilante. Niles writes as if he's writing a horror film starring a hero just as dark and disturbing as the things he fights. Superhero would not be the choice word here. The word is often associated with these ethical icons, but the title character doesn't think twice about dispensing deadly force against an adversary.

Simon Dark is an intriguing character. His design seems to be one part Freddy Krueger, one part Leatherface, and one part Darkman. He moves with the silent grace of a dancer and attacks viciously yet cleanly. More interesting is the tragic innocence of the character. Niles has crafted an interesting character akin to Frankenstein's monster. But unlike Shelley's creation, Simon has no idea who he is or where he came from.

Although it's the first issue, Niles gives the reader a complete serving. It could almost be read as a stand alone short story, but it plants the seeds for what will obviously be the first story arc.

Hampton's art is perfect. It's dark, but defined enough to catch every insinuated shadow. He's creates dark and foreboding environment that swallow the entire page, enhancing the story's scale. I could pick no better artists for this book, and the design for Simon is absolutely wonderful.

But the most surprising of all? This takes place in Gotham City, and you'd never know it. Yes. The same city that Batman takes residence. But there's no reference to the Caped Crusader or anyone else bouncing around mainstream DC continuity. This throws back to a time when not damn every title coincided with each other. When you could read one book that built up it's own mythology and be a happy little reader and not completely lost.

Niles and Hampton have brought that world back. I have no doubt that the Bat will eventually show up, as it IS Gotham, but that Niles is creating a mainstream DC character from scratch without using the company's muddled continuity as a crutch is particularly noteworthy.

For the first time, a first issue is worth picking up. You get a fantastic story, the promise of a great series, and best yet, it doesn't feel like someone just haphazardly cut up a story and split it into a 5-part arc. This is perhaps one of the few REAL first issues I've read in a very long time. Niles has created an interesting story with a fascinating character brought to life by Hampton's refreshing artwork.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.