Bone Orchard Mythos: Tenement #2 a review in one word “confusion.” That probably sums up Tenement #2, there are more questions than answers, and feels a bit like a broken puzzle at the moment. Yet within the broken pieces of this puzzle lies the brilliance that is Lemire and Sorrentino.
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Andrea Sorrentino
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Letters by: Steve Wands
Review:
The opening panels of Tenement #2 unveil the contents of the envelope left by Felix for Isaac. Inside there is a single key and a note. Not sinister at all, one could say receiving a letter is typical. What’s not so normal is the key and the single cryptic word US’UUUL. We gather from the dialogue that it’s the day after Felix sudden departure. The tenant’s dealing with the aftermath of the loss in their own way. Suddenly there is a shift and the power goes out, Isaac goes missing and his mother is frantically looking for him. Meanwhile the rest of the cast and crew attempt to decipher the reason behind the sudden power outage. What they discover is both unsettling and otherworldly. They find themselves transported to a hellish realm filled with bizarre structures and terrifying creatures.
The Art:
As always, Sorrentino’s artwork goes above and beyond, providing an amazing visual experience. The panel layout effectively creates a delusional world, capturing the drowning feeling experienced by most, if not all, of the characters. Stewart’s skillful coloring complements the narrative, enhancing the eerie atmosphere and reinforcing the overall mood.
Final Thought:
Tenement is an otherworldly creepy and eerie experience, with relatable characters dealing with both realistic situations and an extremely paranormal one. The latest issue might not provide any answers to any of the questions so far, but that’s to be expected in a horror story. Tenement being part of The Bone Orchard Mythos offers a slow build, setting the stage for what promises to be a tremendous and horrifying journey, drawing readers further into its enigmatic depths.