The Price is a new mystery by Glenn Arseneau. Admittedly, the cover intrigued me instantly and the enticing preview that spoke ominously about characters discovering their inner evil, successfully made me pick up this comic. However, despite definitely not being a bad comic, The Price left me desiring more.
The artwork, done by Allen Byrns, makes drastic changes from the remarkable cover to the more whimsical story art that starts once you turn the page. By no means did I dislike either style, but the cover made me anticipate more action with it featuring who I believe is our main character, Erin, in a strange get up that looks like she’s ready for some butt-kicking. It gives it a very serious impression, but once you get to this very blue, almost dream-like, supernatural start to the story it sort of just takes off as an introductory issue. You are very blatantly being introduced to characters, what kind of realm we are in, et cetera.
Simply put, it’s a slow build.
But! It does take us somewhere!
Our main character Erin gets a better, more formal introduction to a truck driver named Marcus after getting in a horrific car accident that has left two people dead. He takes her back to a diner where they originally met right before the accident. Once we are back at the diner there is a very strange, supernatural like tug of war with Erin on whether or not she belongs in this place. Certain people in the diner become ghoulish and persistently tell Erin she does not belong. The constant push from these people to make her leave starts to get her and she is confronted by a few things: 1) This place is a dark place, 2) she’s not going anywhere, and 3) Marcus insists she is meant for something. We don’t know what that something really is.
Honestly, this issue is very vague. If I were to rate it it’s about a 3 out of 5 because it just passes that qualifying point for intrigue and curiosity. I’m not biting my nails going “BUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!!?!?!” but I do plan to find out. I’m hoping that the next issue is more straightforward with answers on what is going on. The cover and the preview leave me feeling deceived and that I was supposed to know more by now. I’m hoping the next issue can turn my feelings around.
Story: Glenn Arseneau
Art: Allen Byrns
