By T.W. Worn — You've been called to babysit your friend's son as they go out with their romantic partner for the evening. It has been about two hours since you've arrived. Outside, rain beats against the walls and windows of the house as the wind howls through the fireplace. You reach out to grab one of the comics sitting on the coffee table when the phone rings. You answer. 

"Have you read TKO Studios’ new short?" The voice asks, in a scratchy whisper. You ask who is on the other line. They ignore your question and say, "The bottom of the stack in front of you. It should be Kelly William's (A Letter to Jo, Errie) RIVER OF SIN." You slide the other comics over revealing the issue just like the voice had said. You hang up and call the police. In a panicked breath you explain to them what just happened and they say not to worry, it could just be a prank. Or, for all you know, they remind you, it could have just been your friend calling to check in on the baby, and maybe just having too much fun with it. 

It has been a half hour since you have gotten off of the phone with the police. You have been too frightened to read any of the comics. The phone rings again, the same scratchy voice from before picks up from where he last left off. "It's pretty creepy. Williams brings his A-game. Right off the bat, the characters have a clear agenda. Stop the witch that is killing their kids. The art, both distant and visceral, shows the fog of fear that clouds their brain." You hang up and call the police again. As you explain to them that he just called back, the call waiting tone goes off. The officer tells you to take the call, they will try their best to trace it.

You swap over to the other line. The voice continues, "my favorite thing about this comic is it bleeds with the same atmosphere as some of the best EC Comics. True terror wrapped in a blanket of humanity. The cold colors that shift into warmer tones fit so well with the story. You should read the copy in front of you." You stare down at it. Your hand trembles as you reach for its cover. "Did I mention Chas! Pangburn (Ninja Nuns, The Neighbors) did the letters? In fact, these two have worked on projects before. I feel it brings the comic to a new level. I mean, sure, it relies a little too much on traditional horror tropes, but that doesn't mean it isn't a fun read. At the end of the day, horror is more about how you resonate with it. Does the story relate to you? Does it fill you with fear? Read it. Read it. Read it." The repetition of the last line becomes more and more angry. "Read it. Read it! Read it!"

Your fingers land on the cover. As you begin to grasp it, the call waiting tone goes off again. In fear fueled adrenaline, you answer the line. "Get out of there! Now!" Screams the voice. It's the officer from earlier. Before you can even ask why, the officer already answers. 

"The review is coming from INSIDE the house!" 

Overall: River of Sin is a fun little read that carries on the spirit of silver-age horror comics. 7/10

REVIEW: River of Sin (TKO Studios)

River of Sin (TKO Studios)
Writer: Kelly Williams
Artist: Kelly Williams 
Letterer: Chas! Pangburn
Publisher: TKO Studios
Children are being found dead and mutilated in the woods. Alonso fears this might be the fate of his daughter. In a desperate hunt for answers, he and the other grieving parents must take matters into their own hands. Could it be the suspected Bruja, hungry for young blood, or is there a bigger secret among the townsfolk?
Release Date: June 1, 2021
Price: $2.99
More Info: River of Sin

Read more great comic book reviews!

I'm T.W. Worn (@twworn) and so are you!