The Texas Chainsaw Massacre #2

So far, I’d say I’m enjoying the Texas Chainsaw Massacre book the most out of Wildstorm’s three New Line Cinema horror titles.  This arc, “Americarnivore”, is a direct sequel to the Texas Chainsaw remake.  It’s actually coming along quite good.  The FBI team sent to track down any loose ends after the Hewitt Family case come across a tunnel at the Sheriff’s station which leads to the Hewitt home, filled with dozens of corpses.  Meanwhile, a news crew do a story at the local meat packing plant and are introduced to some of the Family.

I really like Wesley Craig’s artwork.  It’s certainly indy, no doubt about that, but with a really eerie style to it.  Not as abstract as say, Ashley Woods, but certainly very dark and creepy (I particularly like his effect of turning “overflow” artwork around the edges into a “negative” style).  The story is working very well as a sequel, and even makes use of the 1970’s setting (the Watergate fiasco is hindering the FBI team’s resources).

There are a few complaints, though.  There’s a bit where the news woman recites, verbatum, John Lariquette’s prologue narration from the original film.  I like in-jokes as much as anyone, but this was a little too blatant.  Also, there’s no Leatherface in this issue.  Lots of gore and a few members of the Family, but no Leatherface.

Aside from that, though, this looks to be a decent follow-up to the film, and might actually work as a movie sequel, some day.