Deron Generally
Deron Generally
House of Whispers #1
DC Comics/ Vertigo
Written by Nalo Hopkinson
Art by Dominike “Domo” Stanton
Colors by John Rauch
Letters by Deron Bennett
A lavish party is being thrown in a realm of dreams reminiscent of the bayou of the deep south and the deity known as Erzulie is holding court and delivering blessings on the faithful as the music plays, the drinks flow and everyone enjoys themselves in the presence of beings of dream and shadow. Erzulie grants them their heart’s desire, even when she knows what it will cost them in the world and her visitor Uncle Monday decides to join in the celebration and revels.
In the real world, the four young women who found the mysterious book find themselves engaging in a classic game of telephone, not knowing that this game is what allows for another spirit to come forth into the real world. A spirit with both a connection to Erzulie, but also to the book itself and meddling in these affairs causes another mystery in the land of dreams.
I like that there is an ethereal feel to this first issue. Everything in the issue works to both build the mystery in the story, but also to engage the reader in a new world filled with interesting and exciting characters. I really want to know what is going to happen next in this series and that is a testament to the writing. There are so many different new and strange things at play in this world and none of them feel wasted or out-of-place for the narrative. I want to see how this series connects more deeply with the Dreaming, but at the same time, I want it to stand on its own and develop.
Stanton does an excellent job with the art in this issue and every page is lavish and detailed. I love the composition of the panels and the way that the angles used for many of the scenes put the reader into the action of the moment. I love the immersive feel of the art in this issue.
House of Whispers #1
