I love my science fiction with a dose of horror (and vice versa) -a marriage of weird minds that fits perfectly into my repertoire. Storm King Comics continuously publishes new quality content for fans of both.
This made for an easy and enjoyable read when it comes to my newest comic book endeavor. John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction – Interference Pattern is a perpetual mind warp, a tale of multiple universes and alternate versions of one’s self.
Astrophysicist David Peeler is recruited after a failed attempt to space at “faster than light” speed returns a dead pilot. His expertise is requested by his friend/colleague Nestor, to fix what was started. This brings an adjustment to the technology that goes beyond space and into alternative universes. But at what cost?
Brilliance and discovery lead to a successful voyage, but when David comes back something feels… off.
What Came Back?
Another David soon emerges, and with this, a load of questions; moral, existential, and theoretical. Both of these versions of the same man want their life, and one will get it by any means necessary.
From its opening teaser page to the first set of panels, Interference Pattern wills you to pay attention. Dennis Calero writes thought-provoking concepts, deftly capturing theoretical physics with an intriguing perspective.
Calero also does the artwork, which is moody and gorgeous. It’s a beautifully designed comic that captures the wonder and terrifying expanse of space travel. The visuals are dark and heady, capturing the unknown here on Earth, which is just as terrifying.
Some of the transitions are jarring, a quick rip of a blindfold to the next section of panels, but each time you’re dropped into the abyss – you’re immediately sucked in.
“We just perceive time separately.”
With vibes that occasionally remind me of Event Horizon or my favorite The Thing, (and many others) there’s still a unique voice that gives you a lot to think about.
The scares are ratcheted up slowly, but the story itself moves briskly, never breaking the creeping inevitability to come. It hangs on to each intricately drawn page, creating an emotional tether with the characters while the scope of the proposed consequences echo loudly.
Sometimes it’s not the “if we can”, it’s about: “should we?“
An intellectually stimulating yet sneakingly eerie story, Interference Pattern is high concept, science fiction horror that’ll dig in deep, and hold on.
John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction – Interference Pattern is currently on sale. For more information visit here.
Wonderfully Weird & Horrifying 