Harrow County Secrets – Review of the Twice Told and Snake Doctor

In October 2020, The Last Tavern published a review of the first volume of the Harrow County series by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook – Countless  Haints. In 2017, subsequent volumes were published – Twice Told and Doctor Snake – and they will be the subject of this review. The fact that they are graphically different from each other is intriguing!

 

Goosebumps guaranteed

Emily, the main character of the series, has always known that the world has many different creatures – humans, as well as countless specters, ghosts and stray souls of the deceased inhabitants of Harrow County. On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, the heroine learns that she is inextricably linked with earthly creatures and sooner or later she will have to face them. As she uncovers the secrets of Harrow County, she realizes how dark the past is (and where the locals really come from). In the meantime, she also has to face an ominous character ( Twice Told volume ). In the volume Doctor Snake the reader learns that the county is in danger of a reptile plague and that only one person can keep the inhabitants from harm. The mysterious Lovey Belfront, however, will be looking for her successor and may find her in the person of Emily’s best friend, Bernice. Moreover, one of the themes is related to the story of a skinless boy who wants to know the truth about his past ( Węże volume ).

Boredom for poods, fears for lachs?

The Twice Told  volume contains notebooks # 5–8 of Harrow County (Cullen Bunn, Tyler Crook), and Doctor Snake – # 9–12 (Cullen Bunn and artists: Carla Speed ​​McNeil, Tyler Crook, Hannah Christenson). Even the distracted reader will notice that in the series 3, volume three, a lot of people have been working on the success of the story. With what effect? Well, we feel a bit disappointed. Tyler Crook got readers used to his original watercolor style. With the help of a unique line, he captured static and dynamic scenes in his illustrations, outlined the dark atmosphere and revealed the world of macabre. In the volume Doctor Snake the artist prepared illustrations for the 2nd and 3rd chapter only, the cover and alternative notebook covers, as well as the lettering in the original materials, while the other artists took care of the rest of the materials. Considering that the works of many artists have been collected in one collective volume, it is impossible not to notice the lack of consistency. Particularly disturbing is Emily’s altered appearance, which has not so much matured as her features have changed. It’s just someone completely different.

Horror comic

I’ve waited a long time for more volumes of Harrow County , and guess what? It was worth it. These comics are characterized by an unusual, colorful story, the binder of which is, of course, the main character – Emily. It is worth emphasizing that horror stories filled with American folklore will surely appeal to everyone who likes horror and horror. Phantoms, ghosts, a skinless boy – the characters are portrayed with great attention to detail, so – naturally – they are terrifying. This should come as no surprise, however, as Harrow County is not a comic for a sensitive audience, nor is it appropriate reading for children. Congratulations are due not only to the creators, but also to the publishers of the comic. Mucha Comics took care of an add-on for readers, the Harrow County Sketchbook with comments by Tyler Crook, Carla Speed ​​McNeil and Hannah Christenson. I highly recommend it!