Poe Graphic Novel


Poe 
  • Paperback

Writer: J. Barton Mitchell
Artist: Dean Kotz
Colors: Digikore Studios
Letters: Marshall Dillon
Cover artists: Declan Shalvey/Jeffrey Spokes
Editor: Matt Gagnon
Publisher: Boom! Studios (2011)
  • ISBN-10: 1608860973
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608860975
  • Package Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
Back Cover: Everyone knows that Poe created the detective genre, but did you know he was a detective himself? Finally, the secret can be revealed for the first time! Enter the world of Poe and follow the famous author of darkness as he tracks a supernatural killer ravaging the street of Baltimore. A macabre adventure for fans of books like HELLBOY. 

My Thoughts

I purchased the graphic novel Poe at Nevermore Used Books. This novel was created almost 10 years ago and yet I found this gothic thriller most enjoyable. 

Reader's of Poe are aware that he displayed misery and despondency during his wife Virginia's illness and many of his most popular works, were written at the time of her illness and shortly after her demise, but according to this creative storyline he was also able to fit the role of detective into his schedule. 

Yes! Poe is on the hunt for a supernatural killer of William's ( Poe's brother) friend! And the killer we learn references Poe as a Wordsmith - but a wordsmith must harbor a desire to write.

The story and suspense build from there with atmospherics. There are coins and curses, and fog and ships and we know bad luck is lurking around the bend or perhaps beneath the stairs. 

Anyway, moving on, I felt the storyline was strong as it shows Poe on the brink of destruction as he is still pining for his lost love and he can reclaim the life he had if he is willing to sacrifice. 

The writing is good with an occasional snark thrown in.  It has the items I  love about graphic novels: the graphic weight, the changes in font size and color within the speech balloon, the boldface frames, and dramatic image's/portrait's that express panic and discomfort. 

I love that if you look in Poe's eye, at times, you see the reflection of the Raven, and throughout this novel, you see a glimpse of the Raven within the frame and witness scenes and characters from other popular works Poe's written.

Ultimately,  Poe died less than 2 short years after Virginia's death but it would've been grand to imagine him, instead, off tracking a killer with the Raven at his side.