Basilisk #11: Remembering

In my previous review of the last issue, I might have mentioned I am not usually one for horror comics. That said, I am enjoying this one more than I originally anticipated. Continuing Vanessa’s journey, the remaining four members of The Chimera are planning their next survival moves. Who needs to die, and how can they outlive the battle?

Regan is determined to see that The Chimera is never resurrected and knows she will not be the sacrificial lamb for The Chimera. Each of the four members, Hannah, Vanessa, Barrett, and Regan, can communicate with telepathy as they are connected. But only when they want to or are near to each other. Vanessa narrates to Regan throughout this issue that she is retracing the steps of their first encounter, becoming a part of The Chimera. She discusses her intentions to complete and remember everything that happened so she can transform into The Chimera herself.

Usually, all these cults worship a higher power no matter the cost. But when you believe you are that higher power, what lengths will you go to display your power? Vanessa’s choice is usually death and massacre.

The book’s intensity is a credit to Cullen Bunn. He can hold you in even when you need to look away—a true master of horror. Cullen Bunn hopefully will continue with this series. I am invested in this particular issue has altered my previous view of the series. But where would any writer be without their artists to capture their view and bring it to life?

Jonas Scharf has moved forward with Bunn’s vision of the series, and you can feel The Chimera forming on the page. Each panel, though dark at first glance, presents a shadow realm feeling. For the most part, Darkness shrouds every inch of The Faithful. The Chimera is a bringer of death and fear. Shadows encompass you, and every panel is amplified through Scharf’s’ artwork. Well done job, indeed.