The Legend
There was a legend. It told about a former hunting lodge that had burnt down. It had been rumored that there were evil things going on at the lodge, and that it’s incineration was the work of the devil. Time moves on and an Elementary school now resides on that space. The ground that once was home to the “cursed” lodge. But that is not all. Later on there is another story. A tale about a young man who had apparently dared to enter a dark, ominous crawl space in the school auditorium and never returned. He just disappeared. Some have tied it to the previous tale. But not everyone believes these legends. In fact, for some, they are like stories told to scare children. At least that is what newcomer Cormac thinks. And that is where Scarenthood begins.
As told and drawn by Nick Roche with colors by Chris O’ Halloran, Scarenthood paints a picture of a group of parents. They live in a small town and their lives seem to center around their young children. Which it does, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have some free time. All except maybe the new guy, Cormac. He appears to be busy with work a lot. But while waiting for his daughter, he happens to over hear local favorite Flynno tell about the legends that surround the school and it’s former host. Cormac scoffs at the idea, perhaps a little too loudly, which doesn’t go over very well. Not the best way to make friends when you’re the new guy. And especially when the missing kid from the story was Flynno’s brother. Well THAT’S awkward.
An Offer He Can’t Refuse
So what’s the new parent in the town to do to makeup for his faux pas? How about agree to check out the aforementioned crawl space himself? That would prove once and for all that not all the stories are true. And if not, maybe he would earn points for bravery. As for Flynno, he feels like Cormac is somehow mocking him and let’s him know in no uncertain terms and storms off. Upon his departure, Cormac believes he has escaped from his offer.
Not so fast my friend. The others in the group feel Cormac should put up or shut up. So it’s into the crawl space…the results of which I leave for you to discover. Needless to say there is more to Flynno’s story than Cormac had believed and together, Flynno, him and his new group of friends would have get to the bottom of it. As long as they were free to pickup their kids after school. Such is the challenge that is Scarenthood!
Thoughts
Story
One of the tests I have for new comics is can I follow what is going on with very little prompting. In the case of IDW Publishing’s Scarenthood, the answer is yes. Although, like all new stories, there are some questions that need answered. Such as where is Cormac’s wife and what happened that placed him and his little girl in a new community? What happened at the lodge that caused it to burn down? How does it tie to the crawl space in the auditorium? Whats the significance of the statuary, especially the missing one? These questions just add to the intrigue and no doubt will be explored as the series continues.
Another plus is as I read Scarenthood, I could easily see it adapted into a television series, even though it just started. It’s story would play well into a NetFlix style adaptation i.e. Locke and Key or The Umbrella Academy. Just saying, NetFlix. Nick Roche has created a supernatural tale that he had previously compared to the Goonies in reverse. This time, it’s the parents doing the exploring. But their not looking for “rich stuff.” They are looking for answers. The question is…will they like what they find? Thus far, I like what I have found.
Artwork
Nick Roche pulls double duty as writer and artist on this story and is more than up to the task. Along with colorist Chris O’Hallaran, he creates likable characters and some of the cutest kids you’ll ever see. The first scene of them leaving their classroom is classic for a number of reasons. The looks on the aides faces are looks I have seen myself from teachers after a long day at school. Also, it contains one of my new favorite lines. As an adolescent in an adult body, I leave it you to decide which line I’m referring to.
But when it’s time to get with the scary, Roche handles that part well too, with O’Hallaran supplying the mood through his pallet. Just like any scary segment, it is the reactions of those effected that carries the scene, and Roche nails that. Good stuff.
So if you’re looking for a suspenseful, trip into the supernatural where the adults are the ones making the bad choices instead of the kids, Scarenthood is your ticket. It will be released on November 4th and will be available where all great comics are sold. I, for one, look forward to seeing what IDW Publishing, Roche and O’Halloran have in store for the next issue.🖖🏻
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Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
