Home Sick Pilots #4 Review
Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Letters: Aditya Bidikar
Only four issues into the series and it refuses to stop throwing twists and turns at the reader and conform to a typical comic book series. Every time the pieces seem to be falling into place and telling a story that the reader will recognise it flips everything on its head. Dan Watters knows how to keep readers guessing and on their toes from the first page to the last, issue after issue.
The last issue introduced another ghost, a ghost who was directly opposing both Ami and the house. It introduced a whole new concept to this world. No longer is it just Ami trying to retrieve the ghosts who have left the house while exploring the deeper mysteries behind the haunting. Then this issue throws another curve ball by introducing a mysterious new group who also have an interest in the ghosts. The haunted house has had a personality since the first issue and as the series has progressed the reader has spent more time learning about it, its damaged psyche, and why it has been drawn to Ami. This issue shows us that the damage might be worse than we previously thought, and that the connection to Ami is more perilious than we realised.
Previously we had seen Buzz being powered up by the Horseshoe ghost to head off to Ami’s rescue, and this issue makes it a real joy watching him discover his newfound powers and be reunited with Ami. There is so much to like about this comic, but one of its true strengths is the excellent characterisation which has gone into the three main characters, Ami, Buzz, and the house. Readers will be rooting for them, even as they question all the new mysteries being unearthed in each issue. It’s clear that we’ve only scraped at the beginnings of the rich mythology here, and this series can’t be recommended highly enough.
It’s difficult to know where to begin with Caspar Wijngaards art. It’s stunning. Each issue has something incredible on show. There is a double page spread which is a throwback to the first issue and tells so much of the story in a clever and innovative way, just like in that first issue. It really makes the most of the visual nature of comics and is a showcase for why comics are an excellent storytelling medium. But that’s just a couple of pages. This issue is action heavy, and some of the designs that Wijngaard has created are truly original and look phenomenal. Some of the story is action packed. Other times there is a real sense of foreboding and menace. And yet other times it’s fun or touching. Wijngaards artistry is deft enough that he can switch between the different tones and atmosphere with ease.
One of the most original comics currently on the market, it’s clear that the story is only just beginning, and there is still so much more of the rich mythology to explore. Watters and Wijngaard make a great partnership, and this comic is one that is going to be talked about for a long time. It’s only four issues in, if you haven’t picked it up yet you want to get on board this comic now, it’s fantastic. Original concept, stunning art, excellent writing, a true showcase of why comics are such a great storytelling medium.
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Letters: Aditya Bidikar
Only four issues into the series and it refuses to stop throwing twists and turns at the reader and conform to a typical comic book series. Every time the pieces seem to be falling into place and telling a story that the reader will recognise it flips everything on its head. Dan Watters knows how to keep readers guessing and on their toes from the first page to the last, issue after issue.
The last issue introduced another ghost, a ghost who was directly opposing both Ami and the house. It introduced a whole new concept to this world. No longer is it just Ami trying to retrieve the ghosts who have left the house while exploring the deeper mysteries behind the haunting. Then this issue throws another curve ball by introducing a mysterious new group who also have an interest in the ghosts. The haunted house has had a personality since the first issue and as the series has progressed the reader has spent more time learning about it, its damaged psyche, and why it has been drawn to Ami. This issue shows us that the damage might be worse than we previously thought, and that the connection to Ami is more perilious than we realised.
Previously we had seen Buzz being powered up by the Horseshoe ghost to head off to Ami’s rescue, and this issue makes it a real joy watching him discover his newfound powers and be reunited with Ami. There is so much to like about this comic, but one of its true strengths is the excellent characterisation which has gone into the three main characters, Ami, Buzz, and the house. Readers will be rooting for them, even as they question all the new mysteries being unearthed in each issue. It’s clear that we’ve only scraped at the beginnings of the rich mythology here, and this series can’t be recommended highly enough.
It’s difficult to know where to begin with Caspar Wijngaards art. It’s stunning. Each issue has something incredible on show. There is a double page spread which is a throwback to the first issue and tells so much of the story in a clever and innovative way, just like in that first issue. It really makes the most of the visual nature of comics and is a showcase for why comics are an excellent storytelling medium. But that’s just a couple of pages. This issue is action heavy, and some of the designs that Wijngaard has created are truly original and look phenomenal. Some of the story is action packed. Other times there is a real sense of foreboding and menace. And yet other times it’s fun or touching. Wijngaards artistry is deft enough that he can switch between the different tones and atmosphere with ease.
One of the most original comics currently on the market, it’s clear that the story is only just beginning, and there is still so much more of the rich mythology to explore. Watters and Wijngaard make a great partnership, and this comic is one that is going to be talked about for a long time. It’s only four issues in, if you haven’t picked it up yet you want to get on board this comic now, it’s fantastic. Original concept, stunning art, excellent writing, a true showcase of why comics are such a great storytelling medium.
A Look Inside
