Hector Plasm: Totentanz

Writer/Artist: Benito Cereno, Nate Bellegarde

Publisher: Image, $5.99

First of all, you probably should check out any previous issues of Hector Plasm you can find because they are all worth it. If you can't or just want a decent example to check out though, Totentanz is a great jump on point with beautiful art and some very innovative storytelling. Also, it has some good booze recipes in it so that’s an additional win.

Hector Plasm is a benandanti, a sort of shamanistic witch. Plasm roams the world hoping to help people and supernatural entities coexist, and he’s not afraid to kick ass while doing it. While this is another entry into the paranormal asskicker genre, Cereno and Bellagarde’s sense of atmosphere, tone, and overall fantastic storytelling really make it unique and very enjoyable.

Totentanz collects a number of short stories and assorted Halloween goodies, but the main feature ‘Hector Contre La Danse Macabre’ is very interesting due to the intended way you are supposed to read it. It essentially plays out like a silent film to the song Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens, and at some point in the future the creators intend to have an animatic version available at their website. Until then you have to go listen to it yourself so you have an idea of the soundtrack as you read the story. I’m really looking forward to it though, and will probably post about it here when it’s finally available.

If you like this then try: Hector Plasm: De Mortuis, Hellboy, BPRD, Atomic Robo, Highway 13