Home Sick Pilots #6 Review
Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Letters: Aditya Bidikar
While the first story arc was mostly focused on Ami, the Home Sick Pilots, and their experiences with the Old James House, this second arc starts by taking the story in an unexpected direction. This time Meg is the lead for the story and we get to see events from her perspective. Rather than the Nuclear Bastards being rivals for the Home Sick Pilots they suddenly become quite sympathetic characters, and we get to learn what’s been going on with Meg and Rip since the end of the last story arc. Dan Watters also begins to give readers answers to some of the mysteries he set up in the first story arc, namely just who these mysterious government operatives who’ve been hunting ghosts are, and what it is they’re after.
By choosing a different perspective for the story it flips a lot of the readers preconceptions about the series on their head, as well as opening up the mythology behind the ghosts in a variety of new and unexpected ways. Watters take on ghosts and hauntings is very unique and exciting, and it’s fun exploring this cleverly crafted world he’s created. This issue really brings the horror, and while this is a series dealing with ghosts and mysterious hauntings this issue makes it scarier than previous issues, and explores just how Meg’s experiences with the house have hurt her. She’s haunted, and not just metaphorically, by the events of the first story arc. She’s been subjected to all manner of horrific encounters, and now she is literally haunted by the ghosts of her dead bandmates. It’s clever how quickly Watters manages to make her not just a sympathetic character but one we actively root for, instead of being a potential villain for the piece.
Caspar Wijngaard’s art was one of the real highlights of the first arc. Some of the creature designs he created weren’t just inspired they were fantastic. A rich imagination paired with brilliant art makes this one of the best looking ongoing comics on the market. There has been a horror vibe throughout the series but this issue leans into it a little deeper, and a big part of that is down to Wijngaards art. And his take on this secret underground government paranormal department looks amazing, he gives it that punk vibe that the whole series has got going on, which gives it a really unique underground government agency vibe.
Aditya Bidikar deserves some real recognition in this issue. Letterers are the oft overlooked backbone of the industry, and in this issue he does some stunning work which really stands out and helps with the horror vibe. There are a number of moments in the issue where ghosts are talking to Meg and the lettering here is absolutely incredible. It has to be seen to be properly understood, but he gives these ghosts a terrifying voice all of their own.
The first story arc was a consistently good and surprising story, and it would have been an easy trap to fall into to just carry on with more of the same as this second part kicks off, but it continues to innovate and surprise readers. The mythology is rich and layered, and feels barely explored. The characters are relatable and real. The story consistently twists and turns, never taking the expected route. Incredible art with some fantastic designs. There is so much potential here, jump on board this crazy train now before it really takes off. Not to be missed. This comic is special and deserves to reach a wide audience.
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Letters: Aditya Bidikar
While the first story arc was mostly focused on Ami, the Home Sick Pilots, and their experiences with the Old James House, this second arc starts by taking the story in an unexpected direction. This time Meg is the lead for the story and we get to see events from her perspective. Rather than the Nuclear Bastards being rivals for the Home Sick Pilots they suddenly become quite sympathetic characters, and we get to learn what’s been going on with Meg and Rip since the end of the last story arc. Dan Watters also begins to give readers answers to some of the mysteries he set up in the first story arc, namely just who these mysterious government operatives who’ve been hunting ghosts are, and what it is they’re after.
By choosing a different perspective for the story it flips a lot of the readers preconceptions about the series on their head, as well as opening up the mythology behind the ghosts in a variety of new and unexpected ways. Watters take on ghosts and hauntings is very unique and exciting, and it’s fun exploring this cleverly crafted world he’s created. This issue really brings the horror, and while this is a series dealing with ghosts and mysterious hauntings this issue makes it scarier than previous issues, and explores just how Meg’s experiences with the house have hurt her. She’s haunted, and not just metaphorically, by the events of the first story arc. She’s been subjected to all manner of horrific encounters, and now she is literally haunted by the ghosts of her dead bandmates. It’s clever how quickly Watters manages to make her not just a sympathetic character but one we actively root for, instead of being a potential villain for the piece.
Caspar Wijngaard’s art was one of the real highlights of the first arc. Some of the creature designs he created weren’t just inspired they were fantastic. A rich imagination paired with brilliant art makes this one of the best looking ongoing comics on the market. There has been a horror vibe throughout the series but this issue leans into it a little deeper, and a big part of that is down to Wijngaards art. And his take on this secret underground government paranormal department looks amazing, he gives it that punk vibe that the whole series has got going on, which gives it a really unique underground government agency vibe.
Aditya Bidikar deserves some real recognition in this issue. Letterers are the oft overlooked backbone of the industry, and in this issue he does some stunning work which really stands out and helps with the horror vibe. There are a number of moments in the issue where ghosts are talking to Meg and the lettering here is absolutely incredible. It has to be seen to be properly understood, but he gives these ghosts a terrifying voice all of their own.
The first story arc was a consistently good and surprising story, and it would have been an easy trap to fall into to just carry on with more of the same as this second part kicks off, but it continues to innovate and surprise readers. The mythology is rich and layered, and feels barely explored. The characters are relatable and real. The story consistently twists and turns, never taking the expected route. Incredible art with some fantastic designs. There is so much potential here, jump on board this crazy train now before it really takes off. Not to be missed. This comic is special and deserves to reach a wide audience.
A Look Inside
