House of Mystery #11 (DC / Vertigo – Sturges / Ross / Marzan / Fern / Andrews)
Sex, suspicions and treachery erupt, and explanations are in order at the House of Mystery. Who is Fig Keele really? Who and what are the Conception? Where is the Space between, and why is this all very bad news for Harry Bailey? Find out here in part 1 of “The Space Between,” featuring a violent history lesson illustrated by Jim Fern (CROSSING MIDNIGHT) with an evocative cover by new regular cover artist painter Esao Andrews (FABLES: 1001 NIGHTS OF SNOWFALL).
The last story arc “Love Stories for Dead People” in my opinion went a tad long and perhaps only answered the questions it created. Which I was a little disappointed in. If there was one series that came out of ’08 that I was rooting for, it was House of Mystery.
Matthew Sturges takes the series, at least for this arc, and moves it more into the realm of science fiction / fantasy realm and out of the horror. And it seems like a great fit!
“The Space Between” looks like is going to start answering some of the questions about the House, who is there, why some get to come and go and which one of our regulars is really in charge. Fig’s father, who is now also trapped within the House’s gates, seems to know a lot more than the rest of our gang about the true origins of their prison and will be a lynch pin to having the details brought forth. More big story answers means a much more interested audience.
And the return of the gothic shadow couple!
The combined artistic styles of Luca Rossi and Jose Marzan Jr. give the story the angular, off-kilter feeling that only enhances this enigmatic tale.
Issue Grade: A
Series Grade: B and rising
