Crowdfunding is one of the best ways for indie comic creators to get their work in front of readers. It’s a great platform, but some titles may be overlooked due to oversaturation. Luckily, I didn’t miss out on The Family Man from indie publisher Pork Chop Express. The Kickstarter campaign wraps up in two weeks, and although I received a digital copy for review, I proudly backed it. I need this gorgeous book in my collection.
The Family Man follows a group of teenagers who break into an old, abandoned house only to find out it isn’t as empty as expected. While the story has fun with genre tropes and isn’t entirely original, its “silent-horror graphic novella” presentation is unique.
Silent comics can be a beautiful thing when executed well, but they also present challenges. Crafting a layered story with few or no speech bubbles requires the writer and artist to rely heavily on one another. If one falters, the comic is destined to fail. From the very first page, it is evident that creators Nate Price and Max Flowers embraced this challenge.
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Flowers’ beautifully hand-painted cover art features an ominous figure looming behind the old mansion. The vibrant green, orange, and teal color palette contrasts sharply with the terror depicted in the figure’s grin. This cover would stop me in my tracks if it were on a shelf at my local comic shop. It’s one of the most memorable indie covers I’ve seen in a while.
The color scheme remains consistent throughout the graphic novel, amplifying the brutality and suspense. Price plunges the reader into the chaos with minimal setup, unnamed characters, and no backstory, and it all works impressively well. Every panel serves a purpose, with no wasted space in its 48-page run.
While the protagonists are prominent, the antagonists truly shine. Each one has a unique villainous appearance that leaps off the page. These characters balance sympathy and cruelty, adding much-needed complexity. There are signs of a larger story unfolding behind the scenes that could lead to an exciting horror anthology. I would love to learn more about the mysterious government agency at work and other killers from across the country.
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Fans of slasher films like The Strangers, You’re Next, and Haunt will have a great time with The Family Man. Those who appreciate striking comic art will find plenty to love.
If you want to see more, make sure to check out the Kickstarter campaign and grab a copy while you can.
