FANTASMAGORIA #1 (SBI Press / Starburn Industries, September 26, 2018 release date). Created by Eric M. Esquivel and James A. Fino. See story credits below . . . . . . .
In what looks to be a quarterly publishing schedule, the subtitle of FANTASMAGORIA promises “Spooky Stories Based On Real Myths From Mexico & The American Southwest.” Utilizing the TALES FROM THE CRYPT template of having a horror host introduce each story, FANTASMAGORIA delivers some spicy Southwest-flavored tales of terror. Reasonably priced at $1.99, there’s a lot of entertainment value in this first issue.
“Bruja Intersitials” Scripts by Eric M. Esquivel and James A. Fino. Art and color by Trevor Richardson. Letters Henry Barajas
From The Witches’ Market in Los Diablos, New Mexico our wizened witchy host engages visitors with legendary tales and commentary before and after each story. The pages really pop, as these contain the best art and colors of the issue.
“El Corazon Negro” Script by Eric M. Esquivel. Art by Fernando Pinto. Colors by Kote Carvajal. Letters by Henry Barajas.
Upon learning that his body is riddled with cancer, a professional wrestler wants to tangle with Death (La Santa Muerte) per Lucha Libre U.W.A. rules to decide who gains control of his soul. What he didn’t know is that Death was an expert at The Crucifix Power-Bomb.
“The Flying Coffin” Story by James A. Fino. Script by Eric M. Esquivel and James A. Fino. Art and color by Victor Moura. Letters by Henry Barajas.
In a dusty desert town, a shrewd businessman takes advantage of immigrant labor. Not satisfied with his profits, he bargains with EL Diablo to get what he wants in exchange for his eternal soul. Hoping to outsmart the devil he decides to surround himself with religious objects and thereby transform an area into sacred ground that the devil cannot enter. It’s hard to outsmart a devil.
“Put A Little Chile On It” Story by James A. Fino. Script by Eric M. Esquivel and James A. Fino. Pencils by Julieta Colas. Inks by Beli De La Torre. Colors by Kote Carvajal. Letters by Henry Barajas.
Mariposa has eyes for Cruz, but he’s attracted to spicy food and even spicier women and never looks her way. Mari visits grandma’s garden and a special blend of chiles designed to make her the sole object of Cruz’s desire. When Cruz asks for more spice on the enchiladas she cooked for him, she forgets grandma’s warning and adds more of the chile. Things heat up quickly after that.
This is a fun, engaging 26-page comic. The stories are short, make their point, and deliver the anticipated twists. I’d give this a full recommendation if the art were a little more consistent and a bit more detailed. Still, it’s a great beginning. WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION.
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