FEATURE REVIEW - RAT GOD

RAT GOD 

# 1 & 2

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer/Artist: Richard Corben

I am a big fan of Richard Corben. He is one of the few creators in comics that can truly be called a ‘Master of Horror.’ RAT GOD is his newest horror series from Dark Horse Comics.

I wish I could give you a brief idea of what RAT GOD is about, but I can’t. Truth is, I am not sure what it is about.

The first issue start outs with two Native Americans running from something. It then jumps to the early 20th century and we follow a young, rich American on an apparent journey to find a girl, Kito, and her home town of Lame Dog. After a brief encounter with Kinto’s brother, Clark is left to fend for his own in snow covered forest.

The second issue pushes forward, giving up glimpses into Clark’s recent past with Kinto and his relationship with her. After another brief encounter with Kito’s brother, Clayton finds himself in the mysterious town of Lame Dog. Everyone there is odd, warns him to leave and avoid the cemetery. Everyone in Lame Dog has weird rat like features.

Did I mention that Kito and her brother look like the Native Americans from the beginning?

These first two issues are confusing, odd and weird, in a wonderful way. Corben is laying out a great journey of discovery for Clark and the readers. One is never sure what is going on, but knows there is some driving force behind it.

Interesting enough Clark is an odd, gruff and unlikeable fellow. The readers might find themselves routing for what nasty end there could be waiting from him to actually happen!

In the hands of a lessor creator, RAT GOD could be dismissed as a muddled mess, but in the hands of a horror master it holds the potential to rise above such a mess.

That said, these are only the first two issues. They are confusing, yet entertaining. How the series will ultimately end up, will be determined over the next 3 issues.

I will cover the next 3 issues in Flash Reviews.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Die hard Corbin fans, so far this is can’t miss. For those not familiar with Corbin, it might be a tougher read.

RATING: Incomplete. I have not done this before, but I will review all 5 issues and give my final thoughts and reveal a rating once issue 5 is released.