Monstrosity from Zak Simmonds-Hurn is here to answer the age-old question, What happens when you get blasted with weird bright coloured energy during a Ninja, Demon death match?

Publisher: Monstrosity
Writer: Zak Simmonds-Hurn
Artist: Nikki Dyson
Price: Available from Zak at a Convention near you! Find out more www.monstrositycomic.co.uk

Our rating: [star rating=”3.5″]

Daigo and Joe are two normal inner city kids, both are into hip-hop, girls, fashion, oh and one of Daigo’s arms is possessed by a demon after he got caught up in an other worldly battle and caused an explosion in his apartment block and hospitalised himself, you know normal teen stuff.

It’s an interesting story mixed with incredibly vibrant art from Nikki Dyson that pops on every page in every single panel and is consistent throughout all issues. The opening issue details the events of how Daigo came into possession (pardon the pun) of his demon arm and we also get a first-hand showing off what he can do with it if needs must. There is a lot to take in early on but it doesn’t feel crowded or rushed, everything works itself out and any questions are answered. The plot is well written throughout the first three issues and obviously well developed and thought out, it flows naturally and at a good pace and feels well suited to Dyson’s larger than life art style. As far as origin stories go this one works well and doesn’t go overboard with the setup, we know what we need to know and have good faith the rest will follow. The origin is then built on steadily and evolves into a fully fleshed story arc with a lot to offer.

More information about the background of the world is drip fed as the books proceed making it a more interesting environment with every page turn.This really comes into fruition in the third act where we see an extended look at the events that lead to the city being hidden behind a shield wall and we learn more about the demonic presence that finds itself now trapped in Daigo’s arm. The overall design of the books so far has a somewhat manga or cartoon feel to it, bold and over the top characters which are all a pleasure to drink in, the backdrop of a nondescript time in the future works well and gives the art direction some room to play with.

There are some really bold panels produced throughout the books especially within the action sequences that lend impact, everything pops and leaps off of the page and by the time it’s all over you are already waiting for more. A glimpse into the power of Daigo and his vengeance-fueled limb is all it takes to get the reader interested in seeing just how far this can go especially as Zak hints at a larger world he is building here.

Monstrosity is a light-hearted and at times humorous take on a story that could have all too easily taken itself way too seriously.