Outcast Volume 1: A Darkness Surrounds Him

Reviewed by: 
Will
Staff Pick Badge
Outcast by Kirkman & Azaceta Volume 1: A Darkness Surrounds Him By Robert Kirkman, Paul Azaceta (Artist), Elizabeth Breitweiser (Artist) Cover Image
$9.99
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ISBN: 9781632150530
Published: Image Comics - February 10th, 2015

This is a well-done, thoroughly creepy start to a new series involving demonic possession with the main character agonizing over and then attempting to solve the question of why demons seem determined to get to him through the people he loves.

The artwork pairs perfectly with the narrative to set the tone, making this a great book to read in one sitting, late at night, under the light of a single lamp.

The main characters are fleshed out in their portrayal as flawed human beings who are attempting to get a handle on the unexplainable. They know they are in over their heads but do not realize just how incredibly badly. I like these characters and want to see them succeed, I want to see them victorious, but given the nature and the power of what they are up against I just do not see that happening.

So I will keep reading—with a sense of dread for what is to come, with a strong desire to know what comes next. I finished this volume and immediately ordered the next.

I recommend this to anyone with an interest in non-superhero comics or a taste for horror stories. A generous amount of gore and sex does make this inappropriate for younger readers, but mature middle school readers and up should be able to handle the contents with just a few nightmares and lingering moments peering cautiously into dark shadows.