Reviewed By: Lisa Fore
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Release Date: August 27th, 2008
Issue: 1 of 4
Rated: M
Publisher: IDW Publishing
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Writer Ben Templesmith
Letters Robbie Robbins
Edits Tom Waltz, Chris Ryall
Pages 23
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"I think he's broken now." - Ray Delgado
Ben Templesmith has never disappointed with his dark, eclectic vision of figurative and literal demons and the same is true of his fresh and refreshing debut, Welcome to Hoxford.
The underlying idea that inmates aren't welcome anywhere in society, has apparently been the theme of this particular inmate's life in general as we're introduced to the hellish moments that nurtured the mindset of future serial killer, Raymond Delgado. What's so brilliant about this disturbing depiction is that Templesmith presents an instant stream of consciousness (or unconsciousness) -- as though when Ray wakes up from another beating-induced blackout we get a victim's view of a new assailant ready to send him back into darkness. Templesmith's use of a low 1st person perspective from Ray's most traumatic milestones: his father hovers over him, thick and rabid with ham-sized knuckles that pulse inches from young Ray's face; as prey to a cluster of bullies at school; from slowly rebounding from wounds during combat as a solider... all huge on impact with those fleeting demonstrations.
Templesmith makes us well aware that the next time we come across Ray, we already know he's not going to be anyone's victim EVER again.
And he's managed to develop this weird 'biting' thing...
Next, after a particularly bit of nastiness, we're introduced to a handful of Ray's peers during his transfer to Hoxford. With only 3 panels, Templesmith's got me double-checking my locks, as well as really hoping these roughnecks become items on Ray's 'To Do' list, rather than cohorts to any of Ray's future plans.
Then again, Hoxford itself is a whole other animal. Founded by the Usmanov Corporation, a Russian conglomerate protected by the U.S. Presidential 'Clear On Crime Acts' directive, Hoxford is completely impenetrable.
By the press, by any medical criticism, and especially, by the law.
Ray's therapist, the down-trodden Dr. Jessica Ainley, is having a deuce of a time trying getting past Warden Baker - he of the low-sloped brow, tight insensate eyes and curling corner lip (and who, with a simple wardrobe change, could easily resemble one of his own inmates) - as Ainley's petitioned the prison for the last 4 weeks to try and get in to see her patients - specifically Ray. Baker coolly assures her that they have their own staff to handle the needs of the inmates, as well as the methodology to terminate any 'naughtiness' the men might have in mind.
As night falls and Ray and the other inmates settle into the daily routine at Hoxford, we become well-aware of what correction actually means in this particular institution.
The true question here is: though Ray is an all out alpha-male, and Hoxford's sadistic and sinister sovereignty is absolutely unyielding, who will ultimately come out on top? We shall see, and friends I'm almost afraid to look.
Ben Templesmith's Welcome To Hoxford definitely offers the reader a promise of deliciously dreadful things to come.
Overall Rating : 4 1/2
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ben Templesmith is an artist and writer most widely known for his work in the American comic book industry where he has received multiple nominations for the industry’s top prize, the Eisner Award.
As a comic artist his most notable works have been 30 Days of Night (which has now spawned a major motion picture) and Fell. His other projects include the critically acclaimed serial Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse which he also writes, as well as Hatter M, and Singularity 7. Collections of his artwork includes, Tommyrot: The Art of Ben Templesmith and Conluvio: The Art of Ben Templesmith, Vol. 2.
He has also worked on the Star Wars, Army of Darkness, Silent Hill and Buffy: The Vampire Slayer properties and produces art and design for music bands, dvds, toys, and film concept work.
Ben was raised in Western Australia and earned a degree in Design from Curtin University. He currently lives in San Diego, California.
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