Scowlin’ Mad With Tim

Scowlin’ Mad with Tim

Review #2
Hillbilly #1 June 2016
Writer: Eric Powell
Artist: Eric Powell
Colorist: Eric Powell
Letterer: Eric Powell
Editor: Tracy Marsh
Albatross Comics

If you know Eric Powell’s previous works like The Goon then you wouldn’t be too surprised by how odd of a story line this book should possess. And I mean that as a good thing! This book has that classic Powell grittiness and dark imagery. The story focuses on a mysterious man who saves a young boy from being killed by a witch in the forest. While walking the boy home safely he recalls his origin to the boy. The Hillbilly was born out of incest and wedlock and thus born without eyes as punishment. As the town outcast he lived on the outskirts of town. Through several events he happens upon a witch stuck in a trap set by a rival witch. Upon freeing her he is marked as an enemy of that rival witch. The “good” witch provides Hillbilly with a cleaver loaded with dark magic that is highly effective against witches. Without giving away too much plot the character is set up to wander the vibrant world Powell has created slaying any witches he can. Powell handling every aspect of this book makes it a more intimate experience. The art is dark and gruesome as always which paints a clear picture of any dread and struggles within. Powell hasn’t lost a step and this book is highly enjoyable. Hopefully it will continue this way. Hillbilly is the kind of book that would more likely appeal to those readers of books like Hellboy and RPG Manuals. It is also nice to have the added bonus of supporting small press in Albatross Comics. I always enjoy Powell’s work and this comic was no different.

I give Hillbilly #1 a 7 out of 10.