REVIEW: 'Vinyl' #1 by Doug Wagner, Daniel Hillyard, and Dave Stewart

 It's time to root for the bad guy. 'Vinyl' introduces an unlikely anti-hero with a penchant for vinyl records and murder. Who wouldn't want Walter as his best friend? 

VINYL #1

Writer: Doug Wagner

Artist: Daniel Hillyard, Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: June 23, 2021

Cover Price: $3.99

PLASTIC creators DOUG WAGNER and DANIEL HILLYARD return with Eisner Award winner DAVE STEWART for an unsettling tale of psychopaths, sweet love, and a serial killer named Walter. When Walter's best friend, the FBI agent charged with his capture, is kidnapped by a death cult of all-female sunflower farmers, Walter finds himself deep within an underground labyrinth filled with secrets and monsters... but are their monsters more horrific than his?

Score: 

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

'Vinyl' #1 asks the question: Would your "best friend" come to your rescue if you were held hostage by a murderous cult? For retired FBI agent, Dennis, the answer is sort of yes. It just so happens that serial killer Walter considers Dennis a cherished friend, which adds to his delusions because Dennis can't stand him for obvious reasons. Doug Wagner makes this relationship clear with very little backstory or context in their opening meeting. The reader is basically jumping in cold and catching up. As the story moves on, it's clear Walter is a loyal friend whether Dennis wants him to be or not. 

Wagner's put together a deliciously wicked script that plays like a little 'Dexter,' a little 'Silence of the Lambs,' a little 'Midsommer,' and 'What About Bob?' It's a surprisingly efficient story that sets the stakes right away while developing Walter one scene at a time. By the end, the opening scene makes more sense but questions still abound which will leave readers hooked. It's a bloody thrill. 

The art of Daniel Hillyard and Dave Stewart makes this story seem so unassuming at times. It's mostly set during the day when it's sunny and bright. The costume designs are very suburban, the lines are clean and details are crystal clear. It makes the violence all the more shocking when it occurs. They sort of lull the reader's expectations to sleep then bam! It's a wondrously designed issue that spirals into a torrent of blood. 

'Vinyl' #1 makes a big splash on New Comic Book Day with one of the darkest black comedy thrillers seen in a long time. It's 'Dexter' meets 'What About Bob?' making it a delightfully twisted gem. Wagner, Hillyard, and Stewart have a winner on their hands that has to be read to be believed.