Gear up for a gut-punching journey into the shadows of the American West with Storm King Comics’ “Long Haul.” This isn’t your typical cowboy yarn – it’s a brutal and gripping graphic novel that exposes the darkest corners of the highway. A place where monsters lurk in sun-bleached 18-wheelers and missing person cases pile high.
Fuelled by the unyielding fire of vengeance, Danny and Carl Blake embark on a twisted odyssey: finding their missing sister, Sarah. She has disappeared in the sinister underbelly of America’s interstate highways. Writers Cullen Bunn and Heath Amodio craft a narrative that pulsates with raw emotion, weaving a tragic family story into a tapestry of bone-chilling suspense.
Andrea Mutti’s gritty pencilwork, complemented by Gigi Baldassini’s inky shadows and Valerio Alloro’s haunting colors, paints a landscape of desolate highways and blood-soaked back alleys. “Long Haul” doesn’t shy away from graphic violence. But it’s not mere shock value. It’s a visceral depiction of the brutal reality hidden beneath the American dream’s sun-kissed veneer. It brings to light a true dark secret: an estimated 700 people vanish along their asphalt ribbons each year. Some vanish to start new lives, and some end up victims of serial killers who prowl the roads in search of victims.
Beyond the adrenaline rush of bloody confrontations and high-octane chases, “Long Haul” delves into the psychological depths of desperation and rage. It explores the twisted motivations of “The Nine,” a convoy of serial killers who prey on the unsuspecting.
“Long Haul” is a dark and unflinching exploration of the human capacity for both good and evil, set against the stark backdrop of America’s forgotten highways. For those who dare to venture into its shadows, it offers a gripping narrative, beautifully rendered artwork, and a stark reminder that the road to justice can be paved with blood.
“Long Haul” will be unleashed on February 21st, 2024, from Storm King Comics. Prepare for a white-knuckled ride. You can find more great comics here.