WOLF MOON review

(Review by Melody Werner)

"Wherewolf"

Wolf Moon is a 2015 miniseries published under DC's biggest imprint, Vertigo. It's written by Cullen Bunn with art by Jeremy Haun. It's an interesting take on the werewolf mythology, with a stellar twist. The gimmick is that werewolves don't transfer through infectious bites, rather the werewolf changes bodies every month, and there's no easy way to pinpoint determine exactly who it is, and the only way to know where they are is for them to attack on the first day of the three day span they can turn into the wolf. So does it live up to it? It's fucking Cullen Bunn, people. Of course it does.

The art of the series is solid. It definitely fits the tone, kind of ugly and thoroughly grotesque. If you're a fan of gore and the like, then I suspect you'll get a kick out of this series, since guys get gutted and their heads torn off with reckless abandon left and right. It's great. The action is, like the art would suggest, very brutal, though it's not necessarily focused on. The coloring by the ever terrific Lee Loughridge elevates the artwork and atmosphere.

I absolutely love the concept here, as one who read my supposed-to-be-objective-and-tone-setting-until-the-end-bit-opening paragraph. It makes a fantastic qualm within both the characters of the story and the reader--it poses a moral question of "What would you do in this scenario?" while also setting up a firm foundation for a strong story, as well as the setting. The plot is very well executed, with some great twists and turns. It's well paced; never boring, not unfulfilling, and never outstays its welcome.

The characters aren't particularly amazing, but they have their depth and aren't bland. They're serviceable. The dialogue's good, but it can be a little sloppy when giving exposition at times. There is some mystery, and it's well told and kept me guessing quite a bit. The conclusion is both satisfying while it also opens the door for a sequel series--though I wouldn't hold my breath on that one, seeing as Bunn has parted ways with DC and Haun has already moved on to greener pastures too with his work on The Realm.

All around, Wolf Moon's a great read with a lot going for it. For it's six issue run-time it manages to keep the reader's attention the entire time. While it has some flaws, none of them are too crucial to condemn it or keep it from attaining greatness. It works incredibly well as a hybrid horror-thriller. Wolf Moon's been called a "different werewolf story", and I happen to agree as I give it an 8.5/10.

Great

Summary:
A strong series with solid art, an excellent concept, a page-turning and compelling plot, great pacing, adequate characters, and nice, if sometimes a little hammy dialogue.