The Secret's Out

Before reading, The Secret, and new book from Dark Horse, I feared it might be too much like the bevy of mediocre teen-slasher flicks on the market. Unfortunately, my fear has been confirmed. Possibly driven to force the plot by the comic media, writer—and Dark Horse founder—Mike Richardson introduces the conflict before we hardly know the characters’ names. (For a better, but similar device, see the Luna Brothers’ Girls.) By the end of the issue, it appears one of the stock high schoolers we follow may already be gone.

Jason Shawn Alexander’s (of Stoplight Sleep- favorite The Escapists) art is sketchy and expressive. His method of portraying sound effects is better than the unbelievable dialogue. Although his fresh style begs a second visit, I doubt I’ll fork over another three bucks to read about teenagers who live and talk like they were parented by Jeepers Creepers 2 and Cruel Intentions.

If you really want good graphic fiction about rebellious teenagers, pick up R. Kikuo Johnson’s Night Fisher.

For the best in comic-book horror, read The Walking Dead and Fell.