Crush depth, also known as collapse depth, is the point at which a submarine implodes due to water pressure. In the case of the upcoming series from Mad Cave Studios, Crush Depth is a riveting horror comic in the vein of The Thing or The Abyss.
Written by acclaimed writing duo Tim Daniel and David “DB” Andry, with artwork by Alex Sanchez, colors by Kurt Michael Russell, and lettering by Justin Birch, Crush Depth is stunning from the first page, which is a full-page splash image. What other way would you choose to start an underwater comic than with a splash?
Immediately, we’re introduced to Liana Pearson, the science officer of the research vessel Absolution as she’s crawling through a very tight space. Accentuating the feeling of claustrophobia and pressure, earning its title, and taking advantage of its setting ensures the team buys a lot of trust from the reader immediately.
My problem with a lot of stories that are compared to the likes of The Thing and Alien is the casts are disposable. They are going to die, so why not just get on with it already? Another stellar choice made by this creative team is the scene in which we meet the rest of the disposable cast. They are playfully tormenting Liana on her birthday. There’s a warmth here that I’m not sure I feel in a lot of similar stories, which makes the cast of characters immediately feel alive and I immediately don’t want any of these people to get picked off by whatever is waiting around the bend.
This scene also allows Sanchez enough room to really spend some time with these characters so I can remember their faces. It’s just a well-done opening that is beyond impressive and the best thing a team can do to win me over is make me trust them immediately. These folks manage to do that. Add in the great cliffhanger ending of this first issue and I’m HOOKED.
I’ve also had the immense pleasure of reading an early version of the second issue, and without going into too much detail… come for the familiar but different take on classics like The Abyss and stay for the way the team completely blows the roof off. Part of the initial pitch for this series involves body horror, and while the first issue is light in that department, they more than make up for it in #2.
If you’re a horror fan, this series is a must-have. You might not know these creators by name, but you will after this.
Let your shop know you want this comic, because chances are you won’t be able to get it on release date without preordering it.
Final Order Cutoff is Feb 24. Release date is March 19.
