There is a scene in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. It’s a 5 minute scene of two people talking in a diner. Watch it. Then read The Closet #1 from James Tynion IV. I found similarities in their contrasting style. They are on two different wave lengths when it comes to media, writing and purpose. But where they relate is from the beginning to the middle, and then to the end, there is an unmistakable, uneasy feeling both will give you. The best kind of feeling.
Image Comics
Written By: James Tynion IV
Art By: Gavin Fullerton
Colors By: Chris O’Halloran
Release Date: June 1, 2022
Story
Simple wins the day for the story. Husband and wife at odds. Son who sees monsters in his closet. Where the story leads is the intriguing part. As a result on the surface wondering whether this is a sci-fi story, a horror story or a story of mental health and addiction? Wondering that might be fruitless. Tynion unfolds the story from different angles, which is why the first issue of The Closet is so good. Tynion is known for his horror comics. On that alone The Closet will be thought of as a horror comic. I think it’s much more than that. In praising the story-telling. Nothing much happens in this first issue. Talking at a bar. Arguing at home. Monster in closet. Its a slow burn that burns dread. With only 3 issues solicited the ease of read is high.
Art
The first issue is broken into 9-10 page segments. Three different settings. Artists Gavin Fullerton and Chris O’Halloran tell the story in three parts. In the story telling of The Closet #1, the art stays profoundly eerie. Whether it be people talking, arguing or shivering in fear. The art tells its own tale. One of desperation, one of anger and one of fear. The first issue is almost too dark in its shading. At times the characters feel like they are in the background. Character designs are an acquired taste in this first issue. More of a personal preference. One thing the character designs get right are the expressions. Emotional and terrifying. Sadness. Fear. Anger. The entirety of The Closet is held in its smallest of moments. It’s simplest of page layouts. Its precise panels.
Overall Enjoyment
Think of David Lynch. Think of The Closet. Then think of what is hiding the dark, in the corners of your room, of you mind. The Closet from James Tynion IV and crew is incredible. Its eerie and emotional. Pay for it on Tynion’s Substack or at your LCS.
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