By Ariel Baska — The dark shadows of this horror story threaten even the most innocuous of frames as a loving couple stumbles back drunkenly to their Filipino home. Even as they fool around, the divisions between the two women are subtle but immediately apparent, as one remarks disparagingly, “Americans!” and the other indicates expressions of jealousy. 

The inky void invading the corners of the frame heightens the tension and anxiety to every interaction in their relationship. Maan House’s expressive line art conveys both the warmth of their love, and the smile that cuts like a knife in the shadows. Together with Dee Cuniffe’s gorgeous purples and blues, they bathe the jealousy and despair of the writing with an eerie twilight just this edge of hysteria, bringing to my mind at least, the most powerful scenes from Zulawski’s Possession (1981).

Stephanie Phillips’ script is no less remarkable for the interwoven elements that disorientate while enriching the mystery. Switching between perspectives proves extremely effective here, as does the linguistic perspective switch, where she includes panels in Cebuano, one of the languages of the Philippines. The choice to keep these few panels untranslated creates a cognitive dissonance and discomfort that further draws the reader into the world. The unraveling of the plot happens in fairly straightforward ways, but these devices kept me engaged throughout.

In the world of fiction, to find a work including a relationship where two women happen to love each other, is still fairly rare. This could work as a story about a heterosexual couple, but the choice to include without making the inclusion the story matters. 

Overall: A thoroughly creepy tale of secrets and jealousy, part mystery and part horror, but something wholly wonderful. 9.5/10

TRADE REVIEW - The Devil Within

The Devil Within
Writer: Stephanie Philips
Artist: Mann House
Colorist: Dee Cunniffe
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Publisher: Black Mask Studios
Paranormal entities. Demonic possessions. Or is it madness? When newly engaged Michelle and Samantha move into an old house, Michelle starts experiencing disturbing events... rogue reflections in mirrors, strange apparitions, and an eerie voice only she can hear. Samantha doesn't believe in ghosts, but the alternative might be even more terrifying in this hauntingly paranoid thriller from writer Stephanie Phillips (Butcher of Paris) and artist Mann House (Witchblade).
Buy It Digitally: The Devil Within

Ariel Baska pretends to know many things. And yeah, she has a pop culture podcast, Ride the Omnibus. Which may or may not be exactly as pretentious as you think.