From Image Comics and the brilliantly creative mind of Jeff Lemire comes Fishflies, originally serialized on Substack now finally receiving a printed run. A one-of-a-kind small-town horror story, that will leave you wanting more. It bids farewell to logic and takes you on a terrifyingly surreal journey.
IMAGE COMICS
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Jeff Lemire
Colors by: Jeff Lemire
Lettering by: Steve Wands
Review
Fishflies #1 opens with three kids making their way to the local minimart, during Fishfly season. They accidentally interrupt a robbery in progress and this has dire complications for one of the boys. The perpetrator flees the scene and runs into a nearby field. Seeking refuge and covered in fishflies he finds his way into a nearby shed, where he collapses. He is then found by a little girl named Franny. Franny takes him to her secret hiding place where she shelters him away from prying eyes and her dad. When Franny goes back to check up on her “friend” she discovers a horrifying creature.
Jeff Lemire’s story is truly intriguing and captures your interest from the first panel. The art is perfectly suited for the tale woven in the pages and adds a factor of realism. This is found in the unique settings and facial expressions of the characters. The book has an authentic feel to it, using scenarios we can easily relate to, as we’ve encountered similar settings before. However, it’s in this ordinary familiarity that the surreal elements creep in, intensifying the overall sense of horror.
Final Thought
Jeff Lemire’s harrowing tale of a small town infested by fishflies is brilliantly crafted. Giving us relatable characters with unique circumstances. The writing and artwork reflect the author/artist’s enjoyment in creating this meticulously crafted universe. Eerie and Creepy till the final page, Fishflies is an absolute must-read for all fans of comics.
SCORE: 9