Man-Eaters: The Cursed
Writer: Chelsea Cain
Artist: Lia Miternique and Kate Niemczyk
Publisher: Image Comics
‘Man-Eaters’ (2018) was a hugely successful title, easily accessible for new comic book fans and offering so much for seasoned readers.
It struck a perfect balance between light-hearted silly horror fun and the perils of puberty and necessity of feminism.
Humorously funny and beautifully drawn and coloured, the action moved at a clip and delivered tight storylines that begged for repeat readings. Where ‘Man-Eaters’ really shone was its exceptional and unique graphic design. It featured new techniques and creative elements interspersed throughout the standard text-and-image of a comic, doing so in such a way that it evolved the comic book as a form.
If you enjoyed ‘Man-Eaters’, then pick up ‘The Cursed’ immediately. The driving creative combination of Chelsea Cain and Lia Miternique - hot off the back of 2020’s incredible ‘Spy Island’ - pair once again with Kate Niemczyk to deliver something above-and-beyond the quality of nearly all comics released in 2021.
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As ‘The Cursed’ begins, we’re reunited with Maude, who is now 15-years-old, and wants nothing more out of her summer vacation than to binge-watch ‘Hannibal’. However, her parents are adamant it’s more important that they get their own holiday, to recuperate from the efforts of being parents. With almost no deliberation, they enroll Maude in the supposed craft camp (actually a witchcraft camp) that she attended as a very small child, far away from civilisation on the remote Oregon coast. And while Maude’s legendary camp status has her seemingly set for a smooth and enjoyable summer break, things go wrong almost immediately. As campers disappear and torrential storms hit, faeries make their presence known, while something more sinister lurks in the shadows.
If that sounds dark and mysterious, it’s not – not even remotely. The story that ‘The Cursed’ tells lands commendably, a breezy pleasure of dramatic tension. Maude is as delightful as ever, her increased age seeing her operating with increased agency and confidence. Trailing after her is her endearing new helmet-wearing friend Burt, a clueless worrier sent to craft camp by his mothers to avoid the unavoidable concussions that come from attending football camp.
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Miternique’s design work once again lifts the whole of the book into something incredible, whether supporting the core artwork and narrative, telling the story itself, or through supplemental design elements that deliver intriguing depth for the ‘Man-Eaters’ world.
Niemczyk’s highly emotive character expressions are delightful, and her excellent line definition is something to behold, whether capturing the nature of people and animals, or creating fantastical environments.
All of this quality is supported by Joe Caramagna’s perfect letter work (showing why he’s one of the best in the business), beautiful colouring by Rachelle Rosenberg, and an ensemble of contributors offering additional creative material.
There’s not a cape in sight, so this book might not land for some more close-minded big-two diehards. For champions of ‘Man-Eaters’, it’s very likely to be their favourite book of the year, and rightly so. It’s also an immensely worthwhile read for any comic book fan excited to see the technical aspects of the medium pushed further.
Want more of 2021’s greatest comics? Visit Amazon to purchase the full length ‘Best Comic Books of 2021’ book or eBook. It contains 45 detailed essays reviewing the year's best comic book titles.
After more comic book news and reviews? The Sea Shell mobile app is available worldwide as a free download on the App Store and the Play Store. Download it today.