Enjoyable and engaging mash up of noir and the Cthulhu Mythos. When the curator of the Innsmouth Museam of Supernatural History is murdered and a copy of the Necronomicon is stolen Ward Lovecraft, an investigator for the Miskatonic Detective Agency, is called in by the murdered man’s father. Lovecraft is a hard boiled detective and he sets about investigating as the odd features of the murder becomes clear. Innsmouth is home to the Esoteric Order of Dagon, a religious order that promotes worship of an ancient fish god. Lovecraft discovers there is a great deal of enmity between the leader of the EOD, Brother Mathais and the murdered man’s father, Banarbas Marsh. As Lovecraft continues to investigate me meets Hanna Wingate who gives him more information about the town. The investigation continues to unfurl in a very engaging way, the reveals are nicely staged and the story moves deeper into the Cthulhu Mythos in a seamless fashion. The conclusion is satisfying and sharp.
Fritz Striker and D.W.Kann set up a very engaging premise and an unexpected take on the Cthulhu Mythos. The mix of noir and the supernatural work very well together, the hard boiled paranormal detective is a great framework for delving into the Lovecraft universe. I have a significant reservation about the sexual politics of the story, they are in line with the historical context for the story, they have no place in a contemporary story. They do not overshadow the story, they are used a motive for a important character that would have worked more effectively without the disrespectful framing that preceded it.
The plot mechanics are very well set up, the lines of the story are pulled together with confident skill and the final confrontations bring everything together with a sure touch. The cast are full of energy and determination, Lovecraft is as hard boiled as he should be and the supporting cast are a crooked and scheming as they need to be. The personal stakes for the cast are clear and powerful, this creates the pathway for the supernatural elements to enter the story in a balanced way.
The art by Antonio Brando (part 1 & 2) and Daniel Daniel Sguiglia (part 3) is a pleasure to read, it captures the noir atmosphere and gives the supernatural element a fierce physical presence that is needed when things turn nasty. The conversational scenes are as energetic and thoughtful as the wonderful action events. The cast are very individual and expressive, they move naturally through the detailed context. While there is a significant difference in the art styles between the artists, it is never jarring.
The shading and colouring by Fritz Strike (part 1 & 2) and Damian Penalba (Part 3) is wonderful. It gives a deeper dimension to the black and white art, this is exactly the shadowy atmosphere that a noir story needs to come comfortably to life, daylight is still full of shadows as motives hide and plots are advanced.
The lettering from Hanna Ostmann (part 1), Fritz Striker (part 2) and Joel Saavedra (part 3), is natural and easy to read throughout. It nicely differentiates between narration, quotes and dialogue without drawing too much attention to itself. The sound effects are smartly done, giving an extra push to the scenes when required.
The covers by Paul Shipper are a joy, they capture the noir film poster look beautifully and give the stories the introduction they deserve.
A Shot In The Dark is a very impressive collective work by very talented creators, there is a satisfying unity to the book that delivers an engaging story.
