Title: Fear Case #1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Words: Matt Kindt
Art: Tyler Jenkins
Colors: Hilary Jenkins
Published: February 3, 2021
Publisher’s Summary: “Matt Kindt! Tyler Jenkins! A new, horrific detective series by Matt Kindt (Ether, Mind MGMT) and Tyler Jenkins (Grass Kings)! A no-nonsense Secret Service agent and his new-age partner investigate a mysterious box known as the ”Fear Case,” which has appeared throughout history at sites of disaster and tragedy. Whoever comes into possession of this case must pass it on within three days or face deadly consequences. The agents must track down this Fear Case while staying one step ahead of a psychotic cult and the otherworldly forces behind the Case’s existence.”
Review
The title Fear Case refers to an ongoing investigation (the oldest active case in the history of United States law enforcement) and the actual subject of it: a physical container of some sort. The story begins with two Secret Service agents currently assigned who have only three weeks left to solve this persistent mystery.
The details about the strange box and that whatever is inside is only part of what needs to be solved. It is said that the contents hold utmost power, but the only thing prior sources agree upon is its importance to many interests over a great deal of time. Additionally, like any great mystery, the history begins with violence, as does the investigation.
Matt Kindt’s Fear Case begins as a detective story of supernatural origins and weaves the elements of old-time detective noir into a tale that has a contemporary feel. The Secret Service investigating agents aren’t so much hard boiled as they are determined but rooted in reality (mostly) are willing to let got before they get too obsessed. None of the human adversaries have been revealed as of yet, but the stakes are high as it seems the entire city is now at risk.
The artwork of Tyler and Hilary Jenkins has its own style matching the cinematic vibe to great success.
The Bottom Line
Fear Case is a supernatural detective story with well realized characters and a mystery that already appears to have layer upon layers.
