GVN Talking Comics Review: ComiXology Originals ‘Beneath’ by Steven S DeKnight and Michael Gaydos – “skillfully balances social commentary with the timeless storytelling of myths and monsters”

Lore and legends often hold that, regardless of the passage of time, prophecies will ultimately be realized. This theme is echoed in the latest ComiXology Original release, Beneath, by writer Steven S. DeKnight and artist Michael Gaydos. Set in the desolate expanses of Texas close to the Mexican border, the story starts out with a common theme: a small group of immigrants, attempting to cross over into the US.  They are immediately surrounded by a group of border vigilantes who make it their business to do the job that the border patrol is failing at. At least, that was their plan. But the ground thought otherwise.

Underneath the Ground

One by one something underneath the ground grabs anyone who is standing on the sand. Whether it be vigilante or immigrant, the results are the same, a dragging down below and a painful, bloody death. Among those in the vicinity, only a small Mexican girl named Mirella escapes the carnage. She is found the next morning on a rock outcropping, obviously scared within an inch of her life and in shock. This lays the foundation for a story of horror, evil and cruelty…and that may not even include the monster’s underground.

Demanding Answers

The arrival of local Sheriff Curtis Jackson and his deputy Jess Delgado introduces more questions than answers. They are met with a gruesome scene: holes in the ground filled with body parts and a silent witness, presumably in shock. As Jackson and Delgado grapple with their grim discovery, Prichard Cole, the father of one of the missing individuals arrives, desperate for answers. He demands to talk to Mirella about the events that transpired, particularly concerning his son.

Jess keeps him from confronting the small girl, especially considering the mood the angry man is in. A mood that didn’t get any better when they found his son’s vehicle, also buried in the ground. It was pulled out with the windshield smashed and blood all over it. No body was found. The sheriff decided that it would be best to put some distance between Prichard and the little girl. It was decided to take her to the soon to be closing CoreCivil. A for profit holding facility for undocumented immigrants. It had been shut down due to massive protests against the facility and their treatment of those kept there.

CoreCivil

In concept, taking Mirella there was a good idea. They DID have a medical professional there, Isabella “Izzy” Ramirez. But in reality, the people at CoreCivil, those that were left, were not very receptive of taking on another “illegal.” Especially since they all just lost their jobs. By the morning, the few remaining detainees would be shipped off and the facility closed for good. All because of a few “bleeding heart” liberals. At least that is how Frank Jenkins, the head of CoreCivil sees it.

Surviving Until Morning

Ultimately, Frank consents to the temporary arrangement. However warning that by the time they release the last detainees in the morning, Mirella must have departed, or she will be dispatched with the remaining populace. The issue for the group is that the entity abducting people from beneath has no such schedule. Gradually, facility members are being drawn underground. Their sole defenses are flashlights and firearms, as the creatures are vulnerable to light. The rationale behind this vulnerability unfolds as the narrative progresses as do the questions. Why are some victims just consumed while others are transformed? Where can they find safety? Above all, can they survive until morning?

Thoughts

At first glance, “Beneath” seems to echo the film “Tremors” atmosphere, with an unseen entity hunting in a desert-like setting. However, the plot takes a significant turn as writer Steven S. DeKnight weaves a subtle critique of humanity into the horror narrative. This is especially evident in the portrayal of border issues and the perception of refugees. The story is driven by the fear of the unknown and entrenched myths. Throughout the progression, DeKnight skillfully balances social commentary with the timeless storytelling of myths and monsters lurking in the darkness.

Michael Gaydos

Another compelling aspect of this narrative is the artwork of Michael Gaydos. His initial foray into the horror genre complements Steven DeKnight’s story exquisitely. His distinctive blend of grim hues, unsettling illumination, and visceral gore propels the plot with meticulously crafted characters. Gaydos consistently intimates that something ominous is concealed in the shadows. (Explore Gaydos’ character designs and DeKnight’s commentary in our exclusive feature here). Be sure to check out this intriguing story, courtesy of ComiXology Originals and the team of DeKnight and Gaydos.

ComiXology Originals ‘Beneath’ by Steven S DeKnight and Michael Gaydos is available now on ComiXology.