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Simon Dark #2
Simon Dark: Ashes
In the dank alleyways and shadowy corners of Gotham City rest vicious criminal elements that not even Batman has the resources to combat. When the need arises, Simon Dark, a modern-day Frankenstein boogeyman hero, pushes back the ghouls that go bump in the night.
Finally facing down the serial killing cult that's had it's death grip firmly around the neck of the city, Simon Dark learns more macabre secrets about his own origins in this second volume from acclaimed horror writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, BATMAN: GOTHAM COUNTY LINE) and award-winning illustrator Scott Hampton (BATMAN: NIGHT CRIES)
Finally facing down the serial killing cult that's had it's death grip firmly around the neck of the city, Simon Dark learns more macabre secrets about his own origins in this second volume from acclaimed horror writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, BATMAN: GOTHAM COUNTY LINE) and award-winning illustrator Scott Hampton (BATMAN: NIGHT CRIES)
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2009
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Steve Niles
823 books460 followersSTEVE NILES is one of the writers responsible for bringing horror comics back to prominence, and was recently named by Fangoria magazine as one of it's "13 rising talents who promise to keep us terrified for the next 25 years."
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.
--from the author's website
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.
--from the author's website
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 28, 2012
This book is so weird and quirky, I honestly can't tell you why I like it, but I do; however, it's not quite as good as the one that came before it.
February 26, 2017
I really, really enjoy the humour in this book. It's definitely not a 'funny' book, but the funny moments are something so natural and real, they things up. It's probably one of the reasons I find this series so entertaining and fun to read despite the short lengths of the trades. Another aspect of the book that was definitely a selling point for me was Simon's fighting skills. I thoroughly enjoyed the action fighting scenes because this boy seriously has cool moves up his extra long sleeves. That being said, there is so much more to this book than just surface action. Although not in overwhelming amounts or as a focal point exactly, this book has quite a bit of heart to it. Emotions are definitely evoked when you sympathise with some of the characters.
I was pleasantly surprised and in awe as I watched a major plot point reveal itself, it stemmed from a character trait I had overlooked and they blew it up, sort of exploited it, all within logic. I was really impressed by the way most things were executed in this book. As I mentioned before, this is more than just an action book; it encompasses tragic, intriguing past history, cults, gladiators, sorcery, science and crime. (There are also quite a few nods to renowned literary works -always a plus for any book enthusiast!) And it touches all these sub-genres so well, everything is blended in together and painted against a dark, dull, gothic scene. And although this is set in a small part of Gotham (and Gotham as a whole does get involved in a part), there were no batman appearances. I appreciated that because I feel like if they were to incorporate him into the story even for just a few pages, it'd feel contrived and largely for marketing's sake. This is how it should be. This is Simon's spotlight. He only has 3 tradepaperbacks, c'mon. And despite its short lengths, the first two volumes weren't ever overly fast-paced but do not ever waste time either. It's pretty kick-butt timing. Also, if you're looking for a gory comic, don't assume this is it. Yes, there are explicit scenes of violence in this series but I wouldn't say that's it's niche of Horror. These scenes are drawn fairly cleanly with minimal blood. As a fan of the genre, I've encountered many other comics that've been more showy with their blood and guts. As I mentioned in my other review, this leans more towards the creep/thriller, suspense-factor of the genre.
This series has been great for me thus far but I can't say I'll reccomend it to just anyone. For instance, the art probably isn't for everyone. It comes off quite raw and marker-like in some scenes, which was probably a stylistic decision. I haven't quite seen comic book art similar to that of Scott Hampton's work prior to this so this has been quite an interesting experience. I don't quite know how I feel about the raw, thick marker streak look but the scenes that this was used to depict literally made my jaw drop all in one panel. Hampton knows how to create a nostalgic time feel alright. It was something I hadn't seen coming and really, really, REALLY liked. It changed the game, tugged at my heart strings, got my brain racing with thoughts. It was a plot-twist and this is where the art and writing really did their job fantastically. The presentation and the shock of it all was simply put ...astounding.
If you're thinking this is a majorly artsy book because I mentioned Hampton's art is a little out there, keep in mind that he was not very experimental with paneling forms. There was however, a scene in which the panelling was subtly switched out for thinner panels. This was discreet but very clever. It made all the difference, adapting to a new air of atmosphere. But the main thing that struck out to me was Hampton's drawing technique of (presumably) marker strokes, water colour and CGI, not his panelling. I'm not saying this is a bad thing or that it affected me negatively, I'm just putting it out there. I also felt that a couple of his frames may have been a little stiff in terms of character motion. But really, can you expect everything to be flawless? And if it's only for two frames, it could just be perception at that point in time. Hence my skepticism to even record that down, but I'm trying to be my utmost objective self as I feel a reviewer should be. I also wasn't too sure how I felt about the hound designs but once again, to each his own. Initially, I'd expected character desgins a little more brooding, gruesome and eerie rather than muscular or child's-nightmare-esque. They aren't as grotesque or dark as I had expected. They felt more PG than anything in this book -even the main 'hero' if you will. They were foreboding demons but they felt more like monsters. Which may have been fair enough once you read on to find out what they truly are. I wouldn't say Hampton is as original with his character designs as with his techniques (take for example Simon's Frankenstein patchwork body, although that was probably Niles' concept, his black and red horizontally striped Freddy Krueger-esque shirt and Leatherface-like mask) but I think he did a good job in maintaining the characters. His art is consistent throughout, the characters always look the way they were introduced and Hampton is sensitive to posture. Simon always slouches in his identifiable manner.
If you noticed, I'd mentioned it is at least theorised that he'd used CGI for some of his work. This is something that isn't always that obvious but I was really impressed by his animations of moving vehicles, each time only requiring one panel and killing it. It really did resemble a moving vehicle. I later read online that he used CGI and this is what I hypothesize he used it for. These scenes look a little smudged out but expertly so; in the right areas, directions and amounts. I also appreciate the detail Hampton puts into architecture. Many a time, especially with stone, it is apparent what this or that furniture would feel like under your own touch, futher immersing you into the book. Another thing I noticed was Hampton's use of shadows which I feel is key for a heavily gothic-themed book. The incorporation of child poems/nursery rhymes also lend themselves well to the eerie, unwelcoming feel of the book. I think the lettering was utilised well. It was consistent in its usage, relevant and made use of different fonts, designs and positions to suit the occasion.
Steve Niles ensures YOU are never sure in this book. There has been a constant sense of uncertainty throughout the series and that earns major plus points. This is how a brooding, mystery, gothic tale should be. Niles ends issues with intrigue (that is not to say it's held my intrigue this whole time). At each end page, I'd noticed Hampton's use of varying panel sizes for dramatic effects to be successful. He knows when to use close-ups and when to utilise fullspreads for desired effect. I've been reading this series in volumes but in retrospect, I believe it'd give an exceptional reading experience if you had bought it each time a single issue was published because it's as if you're constantly on the edge of your seat that way.
At times the book was a little confusing, leading me to reread some bits or reobserve certain panels but after reading on a little more, they made sense. Which could mean A) I'm a bit of a clueless/impatient reader B) Accessibility in understanding scenes could have been done better, with more reader-friendly projections or C) Both of the above.
I ended off this reading adventure satisfied with the arc but still wanting to know what happens next. Bravo, creative team. Bravo.
I was pleasantly surprised and in awe as I watched a major plot point reveal itself, it stemmed from a character trait I had overlooked and they blew it up, sort of exploited it, all within logic. I was really impressed by the way most things were executed in this book. As I mentioned before, this is more than just an action book; it encompasses tragic, intriguing past history, cults, gladiators, sorcery, science and crime. (There are also quite a few nods to renowned literary works -always a plus for any book enthusiast!) And it touches all these sub-genres so well, everything is blended in together and painted against a dark, dull, gothic scene. And although this is set in a small part of Gotham (and Gotham as a whole does get involved in a part), there were no batman appearances. I appreciated that because I feel like if they were to incorporate him into the story even for just a few pages, it'd feel contrived and largely for marketing's sake. This is how it should be. This is Simon's spotlight. He only has 3 tradepaperbacks, c'mon. And despite its short lengths, the first two volumes weren't ever overly fast-paced but do not ever waste time either. It's pretty kick-butt timing. Also, if you're looking for a gory comic, don't assume this is it. Yes, there are explicit scenes of violence in this series but I wouldn't say that's it's niche of Horror. These scenes are drawn fairly cleanly with minimal blood. As a fan of the genre, I've encountered many other comics that've been more showy with their blood and guts. As I mentioned in my other review, this leans more towards the creep/thriller, suspense-factor of the genre.
This series has been great for me thus far but I can't say I'll reccomend it to just anyone. For instance, the art probably isn't for everyone. It comes off quite raw and marker-like in some scenes, which was probably a stylistic decision. I haven't quite seen comic book art similar to that of Scott Hampton's work prior to this so this has been quite an interesting experience. I don't quite know how I feel about the raw, thick marker streak look but the scenes that this was used to depict literally made my jaw drop all in one panel. Hampton knows how to create a nostalgic time feel alright. It was something I hadn't seen coming and really, really, REALLY liked. It changed the game, tugged at my heart strings, got my brain racing with thoughts. It was a plot-twist and this is where the art and writing really did their job fantastically. The presentation and the shock of it all was simply put ...astounding.
If you're thinking this is a majorly artsy book because I mentioned Hampton's art is a little out there, keep in mind that he was not very experimental with paneling forms. There was however, a scene in which the panelling was subtly switched out for thinner panels. This was discreet but very clever. It made all the difference, adapting to a new air of atmosphere. But the main thing that struck out to me was Hampton's drawing technique of (presumably) marker strokes, water colour and CGI, not his panelling. I'm not saying this is a bad thing or that it affected me negatively, I'm just putting it out there. I also felt that a couple of his frames may have been a little stiff in terms of character motion. But really, can you expect everything to be flawless? And if it's only for two frames, it could just be perception at that point in time. Hence my skepticism to even record that down, but I'm trying to be my utmost objective self as I feel a reviewer should be. I also wasn't too sure how I felt about the hound designs but once again, to each his own. Initially, I'd expected character desgins a little more brooding, gruesome and eerie rather than muscular or child's-nightmare-esque. They aren't as grotesque or dark as I had expected. They felt more PG than anything in this book -even the main 'hero' if you will. They were foreboding demons but they felt more like monsters. Which may have been fair enough once you read on to find out what they truly are. I wouldn't say Hampton is as original with his character designs as with his techniques (take for example Simon's Frankenstein patchwork body, although that was probably Niles' concept, his black and red horizontally striped Freddy Krueger-esque shirt and Leatherface-like mask) but I think he did a good job in maintaining the characters. His art is consistent throughout, the characters always look the way they were introduced and Hampton is sensitive to posture. Simon always slouches in his identifiable manner.
If you noticed, I'd mentioned it is at least theorised that he'd used CGI for some of his work. This is something that isn't always that obvious but I was really impressed by his animations of moving vehicles, each time only requiring one panel and killing it. It really did resemble a moving vehicle. I later read online that he used CGI and this is what I hypothesize he used it for. These scenes look a little smudged out but expertly so; in the right areas, directions and amounts. I also appreciate the detail Hampton puts into architecture. Many a time, especially with stone, it is apparent what this or that furniture would feel like under your own touch, futher immersing you into the book. Another thing I noticed was Hampton's use of shadows which I feel is key for a heavily gothic-themed book. The incorporation of child poems/nursery rhymes also lend themselves well to the eerie, unwelcoming feel of the book. I think the lettering was utilised well. It was consistent in its usage, relevant and made use of different fonts, designs and positions to suit the occasion.
Steve Niles ensures YOU are never sure in this book. There has been a constant sense of uncertainty throughout the series and that earns major plus points. This is how a brooding, mystery, gothic tale should be. Niles ends issues with intrigue (that is not to say it's held my intrigue this whole time). At each end page, I'd noticed Hampton's use of varying panel sizes for dramatic effects to be successful. He knows when to use close-ups and when to utilise fullspreads for desired effect. I've been reading this series in volumes but in retrospect, I believe it'd give an exceptional reading experience if you had bought it each time a single issue was published because it's as if you're constantly on the edge of your seat that way.
At times the book was a little confusing, leading me to reread some bits or reobserve certain panels but after reading on a little more, they made sense. Which could mean A) I'm a bit of a clueless/impatient reader B) Accessibility in understanding scenes could have been done better, with more reader-friendly projections or C) Both of the above.
I ended off this reading adventure satisfied with the arc but still wanting to know what happens next. Bravo, creative team. Bravo.
October 5, 2024
Simon Dark volume 2 covers issues 7-12 and picks up right where the first volume left off.
A demonic plague is spreading fast throughout Gotham in preparation for an ultimate evil to arrive. Simon’s friends in the village have become infected and Simon must stop the cult responsible.
I enjoyed this story arc but not as much as the first. I liked the introduction of the supernatural elements but sometimes felt lost and wasn’t sure why some events were taking place.
I was still able to follow the overarching plot but some of the details as to why certain things were happening were unclear.
By the end we are left knowing a lot more about Simon’s past and him seemingly empowered by this knowledge to become Gotham/his neighborhood’s protector.
A demonic plague is spreading fast throughout Gotham in preparation for an ultimate evil to arrive. Simon’s friends in the village have become infected and Simon must stop the cult responsible.
I enjoyed this story arc but not as much as the first. I liked the introduction of the supernatural elements but sometimes felt lost and wasn’t sure why some events were taking place.
I was still able to follow the overarching plot but some of the details as to why certain things were happening were unclear.
By the end we are left knowing a lot more about Simon’s past and him seemingly empowered by this knowledge to become Gotham/his neighborhood’s protector.
March 2, 2024
Good continuation of the tale, a ramping up of the stakes, introduction of a "dark society" of some type and potential mystical elements. Are we SURE there aren't other denizens of the Vertigo-verse hanging around? Really enjoying the characters so far.
July 11, 2019
Continuing the saga of Simon Dark,giving us a look at his origins and more of his supporting cast
August 18, 2014
This volume finishes the story that started with the first volume, and leaves room for the next. Plot is a bit more interesting, and we get to understand Simons world a bit more in this one, but ultimately it lacks plot and character development like the previous volume.
The art also looks exactly the same as in the previous volume which is good for the continuity of the series.
Overall, another ok, and really quick, read.
The art also looks exactly the same as in the previous volume which is good for the continuity of the series.
Overall, another ok, and really quick, read.
May 27, 2010
comics,horror
January 20, 2016
Weird, oddly lovely, awkward, but somehow still intriguing enough to want to keep reading even for the larger flaws. I am so confused and fascinated by my interest in this book.
July 26, 2011
Still hard to follow, but I like the character of Simon Dark.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews