Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino are back with another entry into the spine-chilling shared horror universe The Bone Orchard Mythos with their latest project Tenement. If you are a fan of sleepless nights or psychological horror this is one franchise you can’t afford to miss.
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Andrea Sorrentino
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Letters by: Steve Wands
BACK TO THE ORCHARD
What connects strangers? From the most mundane to the most extraordinary, people intertwine through the most random of events. Without knowing we become part of other’s lives. This is the mysteriously haunting tale that comes to life in Tenement. A seemingly ordinary apartment building binds a group of tenants together in a chilling event. What awaits the seven unsuspecting victims of Tenement?
The first issue introduces us to the seven tenants at the heart of the story: Isaac, Amanda, Justin, Felix, Tanya, Bob, and Gary. Blissfully unaware of the sinister evil lurking around the corner, except for Isaac and perhaps Felix. Each character receives an introduction that unveils their unique circumstances and daily struggles. Justin deals drugs to take care of his mom. Bob fights to keep things together with a sick wife and a mountain of bills. Tanya is an artist who plays guitar in a band. Gary is a security guard annoyed by the noises from his neighbor craving some sleep. Felix is an enigmatic old man who knows more than he is letting on. Finally, there is Isaac an observant young boy living with his mother Amanda, who possesses an uncanny sense of the impending evil that awaits the tenants.
The narrative of the story seems to come from Felix and Isaac. Felix the elder gentleman seems to serve as the narrator, while we, the readers witness the world through Isaac’s eyes. This unusual choice of protagonist contributes to the creation of an uneasy and ominous atmosphere, often evoked by the perspective of children. Within Isaac’s room, an easter egg awaits fans of the Bone Orchard Mythos. A certain book by the protagonist from Ten Thousand Black Feathers makes a cameo appearance. Additionally, the mysterious black hole featured in Tanya’s artwork serves as a connection to the wider universe.
The Art of Tenement
Sorrentino skillfully captures the emotions of each character, driving the narrative forward and creating a horrifying and unsettling atmosphere. Stewart’s coloring breathes life into the panels, infusing them with a sense of realism. This not only conveys that the story goes beyond the pages of a comic book but also suggests that it could easily unfold in our own reality on every page.
Final Thought
As the chilling tale of Tenement unfolds, Lemire and Sorrentino weave a web of terror that lingers long after the final page is turned. With its well-developed characters, haunting atmosphere, and masterful artwork, the creative team immerses readers in a world where ordinary lives collide with supernatural horrors. While eagerly awaiting the next issue, Tenement stands as a testament to the enduring power of psychological horror and the seemingly boundless imagination of its creators. So, brace yourself, for a nightmarish journey that will leave you questioning the darkness that may dwell just beyond your own doorstep.