Comic Review: SPILLBLOOD

by | Nov 26, 2024 | Book Reviews, Comic/Graphic Novel Reviews, Reviews, The Horror Review News | 0 comments

Spillblood
Jonathan Hedrick (writer), Stefano Cardoselli (artist)
Keenspot Entertainment (October 2024)
Reviewed by Elaine Pascale

Spillblood is dark, both in terms of content and illustration. It is the tale of a priest who is not what he seems. Part Dexter, part Midnight Mass, the plot involves the priest tending to his confessional duties, then doling out retribution to “sinners” in violent ways. He is judge and jury, angel of death, and lost soul combined. In this issue, we do not get much of his backstory, so a reader is not sure how the priest became stuck in limbo as a vigilante.

The main colors of the graphic novel are red, black, and white. There is the occasional beige text box and also a purple neon sign that continues to burn out so that the wording cleverly changes to new messages. The artwork incorporates Cardoselli’s distinctive sharp, triangular impressionistic style which lends nicely to a plot centered on punishment. There are moments where the images are more suggestive than defined, especially when it comes to the Priest. I would have liked a more distinct depiction of him as he is the main character. There was a moment where the lack of clarity made the priest resemble Grim from The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy and that reduced the gravity of the moment. That said, Cardoselli is an accomplished artist and I enjoyed his illustrations in this book as much as I have in his other works.

The plot is cohesive despite its construction hinging on snippets of dialogue, and the tales of retribution are engaging. I would definitely read another issue of Spillblood and would like to learn more about the backstory of the priest.

About Elaine Pascale

Elaine Pascale had been writing her entire life. She lives on Cape Cod with her husband, son and daughter. Her writing has been published in several magazines and anthologies. She is the author of Blood Lights, and If Nothing Else, Eve, We’ve Enjoyed the Fruit. Elaine enjoys a robust full moon, chocolate, and collecting cats.

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