Proctor Valley Road #1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 It's 1970. Four girls are trying to raise money to buy Janis Joplin tickets. At the county fair they break up an argument about Vietnam. Some other guys see this, and follow the girls out for a spooktakular tour at the site of a legend.The setting is certainly ripe for a horror story: the lack of technology (like cell phones), the freedom younger people had, them being in a small town in California, and the Vietnam draft-dodger angle to add some grounding realism (and an opportunity for a great reply by a black man when questioned about not fighting in Vietnam). I like that the Ghost Train ride at the county fair is used to compare different types of "scary". The things that happen after that on Proctor Valley Road keep ratcheting up the fear. The final panel of that scene packs a punch with its simplicity! I like the use of Janis Joplin's song "Kozmic Blues". If you play the song while reading the opening of this comic, it changes the pacing and feel completely, compared to just reading it. Plus, using Joplin as motivation for the girls to try a few money-making schemes is solid and realistic. I love the variety in the cast! Lots of body shapes and sizes, and at least three different races represented. Their personalities are all interesting; it's great that we get a feel for each one of them in this first issue, though one is definitely the ringleader. I really like the art, too. And the very real monsters also have a wonderful design -- very scary. Sign me up for issue #2! Written: April 4, 2021
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