REVIEW CORNER: Mine Is A Long Lonesome Grave # 1

Writer: Justin Jordan

Artist: Chris Shehan

Colorist: Alessandro Santoro

Letterer: Micah Hayes

Cover Date: February 2025

Rating:

This week, I will examine issue one of “Mine Is A Long Lonesome Grave” from Oni Press. It tells a story of revenge and horror drawn from the forgotten corners of Appalachia, where magic and murder go hand in hand. The series introduces us to Harley Creed, a violent ex-con with a history of brutal crimes. He only wanted one thing when he finally walked free from prison: to leave Briar Falls, WV, behind and disappear forever. However, Harley’s hometown has a peculiar way of consuming people whole due to the low-level folk magic that has steeped its darker corners for generations. Now that Harley has returned, pent-up vengeance for his past crimes is about to resurface. Someone has put a hex on him, and Harley has seven days before he dies in twisted, screaming agony. He must find and kill his unseen enemy to reverse it before their curse can lead to a terrible end. But in Briar Falls, there is no shortage of suspects, and Harley is coming for them all.

This series brings a dark tone that instantly hooks you while allowing you to digest the trials and tribulations that Harley endures. It should be noted that the plot flows effortlessly, enabling readers to experience the strange inner workings of Briar Falls. The combination of horror and magic presents an intriguing concept, suggesting that Justin Jordan was influenced by some of the best horror movies in crafting this story. While such a concept has been explored repeatedly, the drama presented in this issue works within the confines of the story. This elevates the serious aspects, even though the pacing tends to move quickly. The last page hints that things are about to get even grimmer and darker. If you want to experience a title that’s “Preacher” meets “Something Is Killing The Children,” then “Mine Is A Long Lonesome Grave” will undoubtedly leave you terrified while you await the second issue to see what unfolds next.

Well, that’s it for me. Thanks for sticking around and I look forward to seeing you next time.