If you combine David Cronenberg’s body horror, John Constantine’s supernatural mysteries, and Hellboy’s demonic monsters, you’d have something close to Otherkin. Independent comic book writer Marco Vitto Oddo and artist Victor Costa combine to deliver an exciting supernatural thriller, filled to the brim with occult magic and quirky characters.
Otherkin #3 is the strongest issue yet, sending the protagonists through the wringer while peeling back the layers on their origins.
What is the Plot of the Otherkin Comic?
The story follows Alex, a mysterious shape-shifter, as they hunt down a secret society. Along the way they meet Lorelei, a sharp-tongued librarian who unwillingly gets caught up in the conspiracy. It’s a classic odd coupling, but Oddo wisely uses their distinct personalities to create an easy chemistry between the two. Their search eventually leads them to Damian Sterling, a successful entrepreneur with darker machinations hidden beneath his charming facade.
How Does Otherkin #3 Handle Supernatural Action?
This issue opens with Sterling siccing his demons on Lorelei. The monsters attack her in a dark alley before Alex arrives, using mystical powers to fight back. Their battle is expertly portrayed by Costa. He bathes the alleyways in deep blues and ominous blacks, as hulking demons tower over our protagonists with razor-sharp teeth and blank eyes. A golden goo forms Alex’s body, allowing them to create shields and change form. Puddles of this goo fall to the ground as the monsters sever Alex’s limbs, giving Sterling an opening to collect some of our hero’s body before making a quick escape. Alex can reform, albeit in a shorter stature, but still has to face the horror of having part of themselves stolen.
Self-identity is one of the major themes Oddo is exploring in this book. Using a shapeshifter as the main character is a clever lens, allowing the reader to visualize how identity can change. Seeing an old picture can cause you to get disoriented with your appearance; imagine seeing a different reflection every time you look in the mirror. Alex reveals they don’t even know if they’re human. It’s heart-wrenching to see their distress as they confess this, and even more tragic knowing that they’re now literally missing a piece of themselves.
Why Lorelei is a Breakout Character
Lorelei is my favorite character in this issue though. She doesn’t flinch when she’s ambushed, instead brandishing a pair of brass knuckles and turning on her would-be attackers. Costa sets a look of grim determination on her face. She may not have magical abilities, but she’s not a victim. Oddo uses her sarcasm and quips to bring her to life, making her the perfect foil for the less emotional Alex.
Is Victor Costa’s Art Style Good for Horror?
Costa’s talent comes alive on page sixteen as Alex describes the complexities of the human body and how many pieces combine to make it work. Vivid panels of a runner’s movement and vital organs sprawl across a dark red background filled with flowing blood and stretchy tissues. Intestines bulge, jaws widen, and lungs fill with air. It’s beautiful and gory all at the same time.
Final Verdict: Should You Read Otherkin #3?
Oddo and Costa understand what makes horror work by showing what we have to lose. Alex has a piece of themselves stolen, while Lorelei gets thrust into a strange world she never asked for. The deeper themes of identity show how scary exploring our true selves can be. Otherkin #3 proves that if you’re not reading this series, you should start now.
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‘Otherkin’ #3 Review: One Part Cronenberg, Two Parts Constantine, and a Dash of Hellboy
Oddo and Costa understand what makes horror work by showing what we have to lose. Alex has a piece of themselves stolen, while Lorelei gets thrust into a strange world she never asked for. The deeper themes of identity show how scary exploring our true selves can be. Otherkin #3 proves that if you’re not reading this series, you should start now.
