The Belfry #1

The Belfry is a killer (you'll see what I did there) one-shot book from a stellar comic book creator. Gabriel Hardman is a top-tier talent, and this was a nice deviation from what you might normally see from him. It's eerie, creepy, bloody, and brutal; it just might be everything that you'd want in a one-shot horror comic.The Belfry is out February 22nd and if you already like Hardman's work, or even if you're new to it, this is an absolute pick up. Very little investment for a very cool comic. Now to plan my next trip on a bus, because forget airplanes. Read Full Review

Hardman delivers good old fashioned fear, deftly, with this story. Read Full Review

The Belfry is the terror and intrigue I had hoped to get from Lost.  It delivers tension-filled scares that will stay with you long after you put the book down.  It's horror that will get under your skin in the most chilling ways possible.  Do not miss this comic. Read Full Review

Perhaps the only major issue with The Belfry is that there simply isn't enough of it, ripping us out of the world as quickly as it thrust us into it. In the short time that we spend with Hardman's creations, we get the sense that we have seen the tip of the iceberg of a much larger story. It's a deep guttural scream from the pit of the stomach, or the place under the bed where the really nasty monsters hide. In other words, it's a terrific example of what happens when the language of comics is used to maximum effect in close quarters. Read Full Review

The Belfry #1 is a fantastic one-shot from writer/artist Gabriel Hardman. This is a comic that absolutely should not be missed. Horror comics don't get much better than this. When you're done reading, you're going to crave more. Read Full Review

The artwork is very dark and rugged, much like the story. There were even times where what's going on in the comic is a bit hard to follow but the writing swiftly comes in and keeps the reader honed in on the rough path through the island. The artwork isn't too far removed from what we've seen from him. It's still heavily inked, but Belfry is much darker and full of grit. Although I initially didn't take to the artwork, a shift from Hardmans usual style, it served a purpose and fully complemented the story like all great comic books. Read Full Review

This is a great horror comic that's all about shock as it develops a frightening vampire world you'll want more of. Much like those who fear flying, the story is all about losing control in the most haunting of ways. Read Full Review

In today's multi-part, built for the TPB stories that seem to require more and more of my hard-earned cash, its great to see that there are still quality one shots being produced that encapsulate the mixed media that are comic books. Read Full Review

Maybe it’s a commentary on some dark primal fear of extinction forcing literal fight or flight tactics. A Van-Helsing-esque self-preservation. Maybe it’s just a horror one shot. Whatever its themes, messages, meanings may be, the issue is a good one. Short, straight to the point and expertly done. A good pickup for those interested in the genre being done right. Read Full Review

Hardmans artwork, with its scratchy pencil work and dark inks with the occasional contrast of bright red, shrouds the world of Belfry in a mysterious deep darkness, beckoning readers to question if Bills bat winged abductors are the worst on the island. The only shame is the length of the one-shot, for its brevity it is a frightening read but would have been more suitable in a collected anthology than a stand alone. This is not a complaint due to its $3.99 pricing but more so for the missed opportunity to compare and contrast Hardman's unique take on the iconic monsters against other talented Image creators. Read Full Review

Although not his typical genre, it is one he took to like a bat in The Belfry. This book is definitely a page-turner and a great addition to any horror fans collection. Read Full Review

A fun, scary thrill ride providing real moments of horror through truly visceral imagery. Read Full Review

The Belfry well done story with visceral, engrossing artwork. The plot moves well and is well paced, but does leave you wanting more. Read Full Review

Overall, Belfry is a good book and it's definitely worth checking out when you head down to your local comic shop this week. A must for fans of horror, Gabriel Hardman and the one-shot comic format. If none of that floats your boat, get it on a whim and you're bound to find something you like within its pages. But, if you're like me, you'll probably be left wanting more of it. Read Full Review

Ultimately, The Belfry is about the fears we have about the extent of our own capabilities to inflict pain to the ones we love. It's the rare comic that uses its non-linear structure and opaque storytelling to focus on character and relatable human fears. Like those dreams it draws its structure from, the horror of The Belfry is derived not from the recounting of the nightmare but the recognition of the fears deep within ourselves. Read Full Review

For a first foray in the horror genre, this was a pretty impressive debut, and I will definitely keep Hardman on my radar now. The Belfry manages to subvert expectations, despite being in a well-trod section of the genre, and should highlight Hardman for bigger and better things. My major issue with the book is that editorial should have stepped in and mandated an original graphic novel, giving this story room to breathe would have created one hell of a comic. I think this book is worthy of a purchase, if only to see the art and the promise of Hardman's concept.Hopefully his next horror outing is a return to The Belfry with a little more depth to it. Read Full Review

pocketmegar

Feb 23, 2017

Definitely a very interesting one-shot! The art is tremendous. It's dark and creepy, but at the same time perfectly readable and the action is always clear. I particularly love the hand lettered sound effects. The story is also excellent, with an unexpected twist at the end.

Spock's Brain

Mar 08, 2017

Dark, weird, eerily creepy book. It's a one-shot, but it felt a bit like part one of something. But any one-shot that leaves the reader wanting more has done its job.

Nobodyisemo

Mar 10, 2017

Gloomy, visceral art and storytelling. A quick read that I wish had a bit more meat to it, and not just the shredded in an aircraft motor kind of meat.