I was excited to have an opportunity to write a review for Comics Beat of the new graphic novel Stagtown, which collects the opening act of Punko’s popular horror webcomic.

I’ve been a fan of Punko’s work since her debut manga-style graphic novel Bizenghast, which takes place in an isolated small town perched above a giant crypt. Stagtown is a return to a similar setting, but it’s a much more nuanced and mature piece of storytelling graced with remarkably confident and atmospheric art.

Just as I’m comparing Stagtown to Bizenghast here, I make a number of connections in my review of the graphic novel, including comparisons to The X Files, The Magnus Archives, and Stephen King – who coined the phrase “peculiar little town” that I use in the review title. I’ve pointed out these connections not because Stagtown is derivative. In fact, Punko’s art and writing are quite distinctive, as is her particular take on small town horror. Rather, I make these comparisons to emphasize how deeply Stagtown is connected to some of the primary roots of contemporary American Gothic. As I write toward the end of my review:

Underneath its elements of supernatural horror, Stagtown is a story about young adults who are stuck in place. The characters feel fresh and contemporary, but the setting is haunted by the analog horror sense of being cut off from the broader culture and society. Frankie and Felix are doing their best to overcome a less-than-ideal situation, but their efforts have depressingly few tangible results. Stagtown is small-town gothic horror that would make Stephen King proud, but it’s also a cautionary tale about economic recession, suburban stagnation, and a younger generation trying to survive in a world that has no place for their dreams or energy.

You can read the full review on Comics Beat here:
https://www.comicsbeat.com/graphic-novel-review-stagtown/