By Benjamin Morin — Round 3 of TKO’s shorts has arrived this month. Much like their previous rounds, they have released 3 original, self-contained single issues from top comics talent. This short brings the fresh creative combination of Alex Paknadel (Redfork), Ian MacEwan (MCMLXXV) and Hassan Otmane-Elhaou (The Blue Flame) for a gripping one-shot. Roofstompers blends a captivating horror set-up with fantasy elements for a brilliantly engaging short story.

The narrative follows surgeon Carrie Thurston as she seeks to unwind from her stressful job through a spontaneous hunting trip. What follows is anything but relaxing, as she’s shortly assaulted by a wild bear and taken in by a kindly family in the woods. The elderly Adelai and Seraphine take it upon themselves to help mend Carrie’s wounds, but as time goes on Carrie begins to suspect they are not what they seem. While this may seem like a generic captivity setup, Paknadel’s story subverts expectations in the best possible way.

Roofstompers honestly kept me guessing after every page turn. I don’t want to give too much away about the twists that play out across the short’s 20 pages, but the tale takes several turns that one would be hard pressed to see beforehand. This works to the issue’s benefit as it keeps the narrative taut and engrossing from page to page. While some stories that rely on narrative turns lose their intrigue after the initial reading, Roofstompers does exactly the opposite. After my first read, I immediately re-read it and found myself enjoying the experience even more so.

MacEwan’s art style is the other key aspect that makes this short work so well. Prior to this, I was unfamiliar with his artwork, and this issue served as a fantastic introduction. Everything from the linework and inks to the exceptional coloring brings the world to life. In particular, the shading he utilizes on each page gives the book a unique texture that creates a believable world. The creative layouts also work to give the issue a distinct flair.

The use of colors is also a standout. One page in particular that leaps out is the same the cover art pulls from. Through a clever use of coloring, MacEwan is able to convey the passage of time almost purely through the colors. His colors capture the essence of each season and allow one page to pass through an extended period of time. Creative visuals such as this make up the whole short and help to set it above the average comic.

The top-notch lettering that conveys the story makes up yet another aspect that works in the short’s favor. Otsmane-Elhaou’s distinctive approach to lettering lends itself to the story being told and allows for an easy visual flow. One of the coolest bits of lettering is how the balloon tails sometimes curl around objects in the environment. It’s just a small touch but one that creates a distinct reading experience.

Overall: On the whole, Roofstompers knocks it out of the park in practically every aspect. It delivers a fresh story told with creative visuals into one complete package. Especially considering the price point of $2.99, this short is well worth picking up. 9/10

REVIEW: Roofstompers (TKO Studio)

TKO Shorts: Roofstompers
Writer: Alex Paknadel
Artist: Ian MacEwan
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher: TKO Studios
Price: $2.99
Far away from the pressures of being a surgeon in New York City, Cassie decides to take a solo hunting trip to Wyoming. There she is attacked and luckily rescued by a middle-aged couple living in an isolated cabin with their son. After weeks, she isn't getting any better and begins to question the couple's motives and the strange nightly visits that they dismiss as the “Roofstompers".
Release Date: June 1, 2021
More Info: Roofstompers (TKO Studio)

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Ben is a comic buff and film fanatic. A journalism major by day and a comic reviewer by night, he avidly consumes all forms of sequential art. On Twitter, he goes by @BiglikeBen.