"The Devil's Pool" No. 0: Intense Start!

If you've read lately, you'll know that I published this article on a new graphic series, "The Devil's Pool". The project was funded through KickStarter, and today, I logged in to email to find...No. 0! How exciting! Of course I immediately opened and absorbed the intensity that No. 0 is! The story opens with an introduction of the area, the weather, and lore. Benton Carver (so you discover his name to be later) runs through the forest, and it's very obvious that he's being pursued (maybe all the bullets? Hmm...). The narration offers some insight into what's going on, and what we can determine is that Carver's messed with the wrong dudes. The chase continues and becomes a confrontation in a clearing. Personally, it really makes me sick when, in graphic works, the "good guy" is outnumbered by a slew of "bad guys". That's what happens here. You can't help but feel anxious for Carver as you watch the scene unfold. Just as the group is about to finish him off, Carver reveals that he has fight left in him yet.






Unfortunately, he's even more outnumbered than he expected, and in the end, he's tossed into the Devil's Pool, minus one eyeball. The story ends here, but not to me, as a reader. I almost want to turn this into a whine about how it's such a cliffhanger, but I know the guys have much more intensity coming! No. 0 was intense, exciting, and...most of all...a tease! I think it's an excellent opening to a series, as it leaves SO many unanswered questions. What did Carver stop the mob from doing? Why are these men considering themselves to be above the law? What happens to Carver? Sure...he's shot in the hand and he's lost an eye, but is there a possibility that he could be alive in the Devil's Pool?? Or does the line "So end the days of Benton Carver" tell us that he's just...gone? Who are the men in the mob? Why would a "preacher" be chasing a man through the woods with a gun and witness his murder(?)? And what about the last line?? "In the depths of the Devil's Pool...you are not alone"? WHAT? Who's golden eyes are those?

There's so much I want to know!

All I can say is...

I can't wait! Bring on more Devil's Pool, guys!