Ahoy Comics Review: Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Blood #3
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writers: Rachel Pollack & Shaun Manning
Art: Alan Robinson & Greg Scott
Colors: Lee Loughridge & Andy Troy
Letters: Rob Steen
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
The Snifter takes on two Poe stories this issue as Poe and the Missus examine his legacy and “The Cask of Amontillado” is opened in the future.
Positives
The fact that Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Blood can be so varied in its approaches to stories is remarkable. There’s always a tongue in cheek element that we see in “The Mystery of Marie Roget” in issue #3. It’s a humorous tale that imagines Poe defending himself as the inventor of the detective story with some truly inspired moments as Poe calls out that “Failed Scottish Doctor.” This is not dissimilar from last issue’s “A Tipple of Amontillado.” Both stories poke fun at Poe in a manner that is requires knowledge of the man’s works, and it is simply sublime.
The second story in this issue, “The Cask of Amontillado-Rediscovered” imagines a different take on the story with some different characters, and while it has a bit of humor as the cormorant in it seems to play the role of the raven from that avian poem of the same name, it also features a “twist.” Or, maybe two….
The art in this issue is quite disparate between the two stories, yet both work extremely well for the respective stories. Scott and Troy even evoke a bit of a painterly quality in “The Cask of Amontillado-Rediscovered.” It’s quite beautiful at times in the more pastoral scenes. Alan Robinson uses a caricaturish approach to “The Mystery of Marie Roget.” As this story is more of a satire of Poe, it fits the tone, yet he still produces a horrifying image of Ligeia that beckons one to read that tale again.
One can’t discount the bonus text stories that make Ahoy Comics stand out from their competitors. They are operating in a different paradigm and these text stories provide an added value. It’s not just these stories, but the fact that they are not afraid of unique genres and approaches.
Negatives
While not truly a negative, I was disappointed that there was not another installment of “The Cereal Serial.” I admit I was greatly looking forward to the next chapter…if there is a next chapter.
Verdict
Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Blood #3 provides the reader with something more than the average superhero comic. It’s smart, it’s funny, it’s exciting to look at and even provides a few moments of inspiration. It’s not a roast of Poe, but rather a celebration of his life and work, warts and all presented in a creative manner. Don’t be afraid to try something different! So, tilt that snifter back and get a little taste of that blood…you’ll be glad you did!
