Route 666 # 16 Review

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Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: N/A

Written by: Tony Bedard
Pencilled by: Karl Moline
Inked by: Drew Geraci
Colored by: James Rochelle
Lettered by: Troy Peteri
Editor: N/A
Publisher: CrossGen

Hang by your neck, until dead, dead, dead!

CrossGen cancelled nine books last week; amazingly, all of the ones I read survived the hangman’s noose. I’ve been with Route 666 from the beginning, and it has never faltered, thus remaining one of my favorites, every month. Over the last couple of years, Tony Bedard’s work has been some of the finest in the comic industry. Negation is a spectacular sci-fi experience each month, and Route 666 is the best horror experience available in comics.

Cassie Starkweather, the protagonist in Route 666 continues her crazy journey across the world of Erebus, which is inspired by 50’s Cold War America. Bedard keeps the reader guessing, and the book fresh using a variety of storytelling methods. There are stories that fit into the main storyline, of Cassie’s battle against soul stealing demons, but also side supernatural thrillers that don’t necessarily relate back to the larger story. Route 666 has never wavered from it’s focus, which continues to be a coming of age tale of sorts, developed over a road trip from hell, in many inspiring locales.

Down on the farm.

Cassie’s journeys have brought her under the circus big top, to an insane asylum, and now to the farmland of the Amish inspired Reapers. As the story begins we are introduced to the “Grim Reaper” of the Reapers, the ghostly form of Elder Dyzan. Two Reaper youths are listening to music, and getting a little too friendly with one another, when the ghost shows up. Dyzan’s flame red eyes, black outfit and creepy pilgrim hat may just send a shiver down your spine, and that’s not taking into account his weapon of choice, a branding iron. The story jumps back four hours, and we see how Cassie and her traveling companion, Cisco, get mixed up in the business.

If you haven’t already, this is a really good point to jump on. There’s a great scene with Cassie and Cisco that explains her powers and overall goal. The story works on it’s own merit though, is utterly engrossing, and with Halloween around the corner what better time for a bit of a scare.

Rural farmland is a perfectly moody setting for a horror tale, and Tony Bedard with the aid of Karl Moline and Drew Geraci’s fantastic artwork captures this brilliantly. The art embellishes the creepy mood of the frightening cornfields, and barns, not to mention the horror of a branding iron to the face. The entire team has once again created a fine synthesis of writing and artwork crafting a wonderfully scary experience.

I feel your pain!

I know how difficult the cancellation of favorite titles can be. It seems like a book I enjoy gets cancelled every month. I’ve never had nine books get the axe in a single month though. I’m happy that Route 666 made the cut! Whether you read CrossGen books or not, if you’re not reading this title give it a shot. There’s a reason why this book is still around; there’s simply no other comic experience like it. Try it now, before it too vanishes!