Anna Williams
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Oni Press recently sent me a review copy of their upcoming comic Lamentation. Written by Cullen Bunn with art by rising star Arjuna Susini, the dark story follows a group of actors putting on the play Razide’s Lament. After months of grueling rehearsals with a script that seems to be ever changing, the lead actress finds herself with the titular role without so much as an audition. I really enjoyed it, and I’m excited to read more of this story.
The art is so good for the tone of this story. I really like how elements of the gothic aesthetic are woven throughout the sets and costumes. When we get to see longer scenes of the play, the costumes and sets are transformed so it looks like they are actually there which is really cool. It makes the appearances of the mysterious Razide impactful, but perhaps it adds more to when he is not there. The overall look of the theater reminds me of The Phantom of the Opera in all the best ways.
The story itself is intriguing. I’m not going to get too much into the details because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. I will say that we are definitely going to get some strong King in Yellow themes. If you find yourself unfamiliar with Lovcraftian Elder Gods, the King in Yellow is associated with Carcosa and theater. We knew going in that cosmic horror would be one of many elements and it is clear from this first issue that we should expect plenty of it. I like that this first issue doesn’t take forever to establish that it is horror of the supernatural variety. It doesn’t feel like a rushed set up though, it takes just long enough to hook you into the mystery without over or under explaining everything.
Overall, I really enjoyed this comic. There’s really not much more to say about a single first issue, but if you enjoy horror then I think you should definitely check this out when it releases on May 3. I would give it a 9/10 for having a great start.