REVIEW: 'The Horizon Experiment: Moon Dogs' #1 by Tananarive Due, Jose Villarrubia, and Kelsey Ramsay

 


The Horizon Experiment: Moon Dogs #1

Writer: Tananarive Due
Artist: Jose Villarrubia, Kelsey Ramsay
Letters: Jeff Powell
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Cover Price: $3.99

Literary horror icon and multi-award-winning novelist Tananarive Due (The Reformatory) and hot newcomer Kelsey Ramsay present Moon Dogs-following East African werewolves secretly living in Miami, as this minority within a minority is caught in a burgeoning war that threatens both lycanthrope and human lives.

Score: 
★★★★1/2 (4.5/5) 

QUICK REVIEW: 'Moon Dogs' follows a hidden community of East African werewolves living secretly in Miami. This marginalized group becomes embroiled in an escalating conflict that threatens not only their existence but that of humanity as well.

Tananarive Due's storytelling expertise is on full display in 'Moon Dogs' #1. Her skill in crafting multidimensional characters allows readers to deeply connect with them. In Due's hands, the werewolf narrative transcends its genre, delving into real issues such as racism and isolation. This added layer of depth transforms the story from a typical horror tale into a poignant exploration of belonging and self-discovery.

The collaboration between Due and artist Kelsey Ramsay finds them perfectly in sync. Ramsay’s artwork captures the cultural vibrancy of the location with a lingering cloud of tension, an unsettling blend of beauty and horror. One standout moment is the shocking opening scene which sets a chilling yet captivating tone that lingers throughout the issue. The colors by José Villarrubia further enrich the story's cohesion, amplifying the emotional impact and visual storytelling.

Although 'Moon Dogs' taps into familiar horror tropes, it does so with a unique lens, weaving a narrative rich in important contemporary issues. The story is both intellectually stimulating and thrilling, marking it as a standout blend of horror and profound social insight. 

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