Blitz Review: Witchfinder ‘The Mysteries of Unland’ #1- Monster detective fun

Writers: Kim Newman and Maura McHugh
Artist: Tyler Crook
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Released: 18th June 2014

If you like a slice of Victorian era, gothic, detective/monster genre action then this is the book for you. It begins formulaically with a murder victim on the slab, the mysterious manner of his death explained, and the reluctant detective being sent to the typically strange village where the ensuing drama will unfold.

Unlike many detective books where the mystery has supernatural beginnings that eventually prove to be very human, this book makes a point of introducing the supernatural elements early, thus informing the reader that this story will include both the criminal and the supernatural.

The artwork is imaginative, well coloured and atmospheric throughout, and the tone is of a suspenseful detective thriller, of a mystery to be solved by a famous detective.

A standout moment, both in terms of art, and as a story-telling device, is the moment when a Police Constable gives his own theory on the murder. For a few pages the coloured art switches to black and white and it’s illustrated in a style reminiscent of a Jack the Ripper era tabloid newspaper. It’s a lot of fun, and it works very well, breaking up the story with an amusing interlude, before letting the narrative get back on schedule as we follow the detective in his further enquiries.

I very much enjoyed this book, and will read the next four issues as a bit of escapist, detective, gothic monster fun. There are no underlying themes or issues to be overly concerned with here. It’s set in a no-time past. The characters exist to service the narrative. They are clichés, but largely harmless.

The story is essentially warning about snake oil salesmen. Don’t expect originality, and don’t expect any socio-political insights into the nature of this, or any other reality. This is a detective book set in Ye-Olde-England, semi-mythological times. If you like mysteries, detectives and gothic stories then you’ll probably like it, and the art is pretty decent as well. I don’t have any problem with this kind of comic book. It’s fun. That’s all.
Rating: 8/10