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A review by otterno11
The Bloody Cardinal by Richard Sala
3.0
Like The Chuckling Whatsit, the Bloody Cardinal is a macabre crime caper that draws on the tropes of a convoluted, deliciously noir murder mystery. As always, Sala’s work is stylish and with a distinctive angular flair, his writing witty, making an enjoyably spooky read. Showcasing these talents for tongue in cheek, moody set pieces peopled by creepy weirdos and spunky ingenues, this is classic Sala. The Bloody Cardinal begins with a gloriously over the top poem written by the titular Cardinal, a mysterious masked(?) avenger and promises much intrigue and mystery as we follow various character’s quest for the truth about this dark figure.
On the other hand, it's not quite as tightly plotted as The Chuckling Whatsit, though, as most characters are offed within five or six panels of being introduced, we find ourselves a little less invested with the who-done-it aspects or the mystery of the Bloody Cardinal himself. Also, it ends just when the story seems to have been taking off, though perhaps there will be more?
I reviewed this and other Halloween theme comics at Reading Rainstorm, here . Check it out!
On the other hand, it's not quite as tightly plotted as The Chuckling Whatsit, though, as most characters are offed within five or six panels of being introduced, we find ourselves a little less invested with the who-done-it aspects or the mystery of the Bloody Cardinal himself. Also, it ends just when the story seems to have been taking off, though perhaps there will be more?
I reviewed this and other Halloween theme comics at Reading Rainstorm, here . Check it out!