Advanced Review: ‘The Voice Said Kill’ #1 Is A Haunting And Steamy Start

Credit: Image Comics

Prepare to be transported to the steamy Louisiana bayou in this tensely intimate debut issue. Si Spurrier’s script is expertly crafted, but it’s the visuals by Vanesa Del Rey and John Starr that truly standout. The artwork perfectly captures the environment, making you feel like you’re right there with the characters, sweating amidst unbearable humidity, wading through cypress swamps and dodging Spanish moss. But are the worst dangers that which nature hides from us, or is our fellow man — or ourselves — what we should fear most?

Spurrier’s development of Maria Burgau, the ultra-pregnant main character, and the rest of the supporting cast characters is nuanced and thoughtful, hinting at rich backstories that are begging to be explored. We’re introduced to Mrs. Watters, a devilish local mob boss, who Spurrier uses to present his main thesis for the series and pushes Marie to her limits. The character test she is confronted with, and her actions, will reverberate throughout the rest of the series.

What struck me most about this issue was the unsettling, eeriness that permeates every panel. It’s reminiscent of a classic slow-burn TV drama like True Detective, where the tension builds gradually but inexorably, and there’s always a question of whether or not something from beyond this world could be at play. Even without any overt mystical or fantasy elements, the story feels like it’s hovering just on the edge of something supernatural, adding to the sense of unease and anticipation. This subtle sense of foreboding is perfectly crafted, making it impossible to shake the feeling that something is lurking at every page turn. The pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing the reader to absorb the story and become fully immersed in this world.

Overall, The Voice Said Kill #1 is a gripping and intense debut that showcases Si Spurrier’s range as a writer. With its slow-burning narrative and vivid, visual world-building, this is definitely worth adding to your pull list!

Rating: 5/5 stars

Credits:
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Si Spurrier
Artist: Vanesa Del Rey
Colors: John Starr
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou