Graphic Novel Review: HAUNT Vol. 1

I almost didn’t pick up the first volume of the graphic novel HAUNT because it so reminded up of the character of Spawn, which I hate to say I really never cared for. The series even has two of the people behind Spawn attached – Todd McFarlane, inker and co-creator, and Greg Capullo, layout artist. What finally convinced me to pick up the first volume of HAUNT (which collects the first five issues of the series) was that Robert Kirkman was writer and co-creator. I’m a huge fan of his THE WALKING DEAD and CAPES series, among others, and so I decided to take a chance (the book is less than $10.00 so that’s also a plus). I’m glad I did.

This first volume of the series presents a conflicted priest (Daniel) whose brother (Kurt, a Special Ops with the military) is killed by a clandestine group who want some Top secret info that they think he has. Kurt finds himself trapped between the world of the living and that of the dead and only Daniel can see him. Daniel and his dead brother’s ghost Kurt also have an uncommon relationship as Kurt has the ability to inhabit his brother’s body and transform them into a supernatural entity who is virtually indestructible. Things get more complicated when the clandestine group who killed Kurt go after his widow forcing Daniel (with Kurt’s help) to protect her at all costs.

Like most of Kirkman’s work the story stays character oriented and is always fast paced leaving little space for fluff. Kirkman & McFarlane did a great job crafting the background and universe of the characters which a lot of it finds its way into these first five issues (graphic novel). The artwork is also top notch.

Although there are the obvious Spawn influences, the book stands on its own and is a great addition to both Kirkman and McFarlane’s repertoire. I just hope that any follow up series/volumes are as good.