Graphic Novel Review: COUNTING

COUNTING is an online graphic novel with story by Al Arcand, art by Geoff Moss, and lettering by Anthony Pierno. At only 7 pages it's a unique little dark tale that would fit right at home in and issue of CREEPY or EERIE or even one of the many EC magazines of yesteryear.

The story concerns a mysterious man whom wonders through the town of Thirston counting. Now to the residents of Thirston this is a stranger acting in a peculiar manner. Some of the residents ignore the man while others have a violent reaction to man's presence because frankly they don't know why he is in their town. As the day drowns down the man continues to count down and the reader is left wondering what will happen when the man finally reaches 0 at the end of the countdown.

At only seven pages this team of artists put together a compelling little gem. Because the man is always seen in shadows whereas the town residents are always bathed in light the story has a sense of doom that permeates through the entire thing. There can be no good that comes from the presence of this man no matter how docile he may appear to be. The story has a great little twist at the end (which I won't reveal here) and because it is so short it's a great little treat for those who like short stories.

The artwork reminds me of early Dark Horse Comics artists who relished the black & white art of the early days of that company's history and it's a great reminder that black & white art is not dead (and if you don't believe me than go pick up any issue of THE WALKING DEAD, one of the best comics on the market).

All in all COUNTING is a great little graphic novel that I hope is just a stepping stone for all the artists involved.
Read the Graphic Novel Here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/41843/counting_graphic_novel.html?cat=38