by Jayden Leggett, Editor

Here’s a great new creator-owned comic that geeks should be keeping an eye on. In preparation for the upcoming crowd-funded “Sebastian Hawks – Creature Hunter“, the creative team of Tristan Jones, Greg Mclean and Chris DiBari have released this twelve-page short story Sebastian Hawks and the Loch Ness Monster, which is now available for digital purchase.

As the name suggests, the titular adventurer Sebastian Hawks and his trusty French assistant Benoit “Benny” Carne attempt to slay the Loch Ness monster, which has been terrorizing its local Scottish inhabitants for far too long. Recruiting a group of willing (and some perhaps not-so-willing) participants, the pair take to the lake… with brutal but morbidly hilarious results.

The relationship between the two central characters is great. Benny the Frenchman is often the voice of reason to restrain Sebastian’s wild ideas and dangerous antics. Well, at least attempt to restrain them anyway. The banter between these two is very funny and endearing, particularly whenever black humor is used

And there are plenty of morbidly funny moments. Like the way that Hawks interprets the deaths of many as merely unfortunate mishaps, even though he is partially responsible. Or how neither Benny nor Hawks batter an eyelid when a crazy swamp hag is devoured by the Loch Ness. Or how the two dismiss the deaths of many by boozing it up at the pub, just like they would on any other ordinary night.

Going hand-in-hand with the black comedy in this book is the brilliant banter between the two central characters. Sebastian Hawks’ cavalier attitude always seems to completely disregard the negativity and apprehension in Ben’s deadpan delivery of his dialogue. Oh, and bonus points are awarded to the giggle-inducing spelling of Ben’s French pronunciation of many words such as “splody ‘arpoon” and “gr’at what shark”.

In addition to the expertly written storyline and dialogue, the book’s aesthetics are also of a highly professional standard, with the art design perfectly mimicking the black humor present within the story. It features a murky color palette (which is by no means dull to look at) and brilliant sketches and shading that perfectly convey each character’s emotions (particularly feelings of distress and shock when the team’s monster-hunting mission goes awry).

Needless to say, I can not wait to receive my copy of Sebastian Hawks – Creature Hunter, but for the time being, I strongly urge as many people as possible to grab a digital copy of Sebastian Hawks and the Loch Ness Monster (try this link right here), so you too can share my enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming full-length graphic novel. Well, what are you waiting for? Do it now!

Rating:

ComicsOnline gives Sebastian Hawks and the Loch Ness Monster 4.5 out of 5 submerged sacrificial sheep.

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