Indie Comics Review: Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death #6
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Publisher: Ahoy Comics
Writers: Brian Schirmer and Paul Constant
Art:Â Ryan Kelly and John Lucas
Colors:Â Paul Little and Filipe Sobreiro
Letters:Â Rob Steen
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Death is voted President of the United States of America and Edgar Allan Poe gets a visit from a demon who exposes the horrors of the future internet!
Positives
Both “Putting the ‘D’ in ‘DC,'” and “Silence, A Fable” are clever explorations of satire on contemporary America. “DC” is in the political vein as the United States votes Death into office as the President. Death is the traditional representation in the black hooded skeleton. While it’s clear that this is a commentary on recent American politics it also makes a point in the conclusion that when we approach elections as a joke that even the prankster can have a hard time finding a way out. There’s a real message that underlies the humor, take elections and political leadership seriously. This extra step lifts the story above the basic satirical tale.
Next up in Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death #6 is “Silence, A Fable.” This features Poe as he learns about the “horrors” of the modern internet and social media. The story doesn’t take a position on any of the social media types Poe encounters other than demonstrating that there is no way to achieve the silence Poe is looking for on the internet. It’s juxtaposed with Poe’s disdain for the noisy public houses of his own time. That’s where the story begins. This also creates a throughline that shows how people have always needed silence.
Negatives
There are no obvious negatives to this issue. It may not be what you’re into, but it’s done very well.
Verdict
Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death #6 is a strong finish to this run of the Poe Snifter series. The stories are genuinely humorous and entertaining and say something significant about their subject matter. If you’ve been dismayed at American politics or felt unable to escape social media you’ll find yourself in this issue.
