In comics, there’s no such thing as a sure thing. That said, anything written by Robert Kirkman is sure to generate some buzz, and his newest imprint, Outcast , is no exception. Joined by artist Paul Azaceta, the latest book from Image Comics’ ever growing stable is dark, scary, and just plain cool.

The first thing you’re likely to notice is the sheer heft of issue #1 – this book is beefy, a 44 page robbery at the $2.99 price tag. Kirkman and Azaceta make the most of their added page count, delivering a thoroughly engrossing and genuinely creepy affair that’s sure to have even the most hardened horror fan reaching for their night light. Set in the picturesque farm lands of West Virginia, Outcast follows one Kyle Barnes, a self imposed shut-in with a fair amount of supernatural baggage. He’s not the most likable character ever to carry a story, but as the hints to his troubled past begin to surface its tough not to sympathize with his general curmudgeonly air. When we say troubled, we don’t mean picked last for the kickball team – we’re talking full on neck twisting, bile spewing, demonic possession troubled. His past is littered with supernatural occurrences, the emotional scars heavy and deep. When a local child begins to exhibit the same familiar symptoms Kyle knows all too well, he agrees to aid the town pastor in ritual exorcism. As is most often the case, things don’t necessarily go well.From the book’s opening, unnerving scene, Kirkman makes it clear that he’s aiming to up your heart rate. The writer does a great job pacing his debut, his world building and dialogue just as well constructed as his frights. It's clear that Kyle wants nothing more than to steer clear of the reminders of his past, yet we realize as much as he does that he's fated (or cursed) to relive them. Given the title's obvious supernatural bent, its amazing just how grounded it all feels. Obviously a book featuring levitating children is a bit off the beaten path, yet it never feels impossible, the story flowing in an eerily realistic way. The best thing about the book's oversized load is the added look we get at Kyle's history. His dealings with possession are well chronicled, but the more personal aspects, such as his relationship with his wife and daughter, are merely touched upon, giving just enough to allow us to fill in the melancholy blanks. Also brief is the book's title meaning -- a quick mention is all we get, but it serves to open up a wide array of possibilities.If you weren’t familiar with Paul Azaceta before, it’ll be tough to forget him now – his work is mesmerizing, so tonally tuned to the script that it’s hard to tell where the line between writer and artist begins and ends. He brings a true real world vibe to the proceedings, his Kyle a seemingly ordinary Joe living less than ordinary circumstances. This bears mentioning, as his understated approach makes the book's possession scenes all the more harrowing. Little kids are creepy enough, but possessed kids are the absolute worst -- Azaceta ratchets up the level of unease to an uncomfortable degree, his demonic Joshua a literal terror. As Kirkman mentions in the book's epilogue, creepy in comics isn't easy. Well, Azacets finds a way, his twisted stylings sure to find a hiding spot deep within your subconscious. Further adding to your sleepless nights is the exceptional color work provided by Elizabeth Breitweiser. Her muted hues and deep shadows are the final cherry on the creep cake, making Outcast a horrific yet wonderfully drawn read.Whether you're a fan of things that go bump in the night or just someone who likes good comics, you can't do much better than Outcast. Kirkman and Azaceta prove a dynamic and disturbing pairing, crafting a riveting story that's sure to possess your very soul. Now where'd we put that holy water...

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