Before Baltimore and company set out for Constantinople to hunt the Blood Red Witch, old friends are buried and they prepare to face their own graves in their hunt for the Red King.
This issue is a solemn ode to beloved characters. A philosophical pause in the action of the story, it feels very much like the series is gearing up for an almighty battle. The time taken to reminisce and explore each ensemble character in detail before the altercation asking why they fight – guarantees a richer and more affective experience for the audience. This very human heart of the story also makes the horror much more harrowing. Excellent stuff. Read Full Review
The art by Peter Bergting fits the natural darkness of Mignolaverse. Bergting does an excellent job blending in backstories, with the present as they bury empty coffins. Despite the tragedy throughout the issue, the comic is well drawn. It showcases the light of life, and the darkness of death. Read Full Review
This issue isn’t much more than exploration of the characters. There isn’t a lot of action and, when there is, it is only in a flashback. It’s a quiet issue with a lot of information to take in. Even so, I think it is a necessary issue to the series. From here, things are going to get a little more dangerous as they leave the graveyard. Until issue #3, there is much to think about after reading this one. Read Full Review
This issue is a quiet character study. I could go on about what I see in each of the characters, but ultimately I think that defeats the purpose. This is really about what you, the reader, see in the characters, and how much you enjoy exploring them will ultimately determine how interesting you'll find this issue. If you're more action orientated, this one may leave you cold. For me, this is the sort of thing I enjoy. Read Full Review
On one hand Empty Graves is definitely a waiting period before we get back to the main plot. Normally these slower issues don't offer much in terms of expanding the plot, and are just filler until the next story arc. Here though they serve a much bigger purpose. Mignola and Golden have introduced quite a few new characters and this is our opportunity to learn about them. Not only that, but they give us a glimpse into the dark folklore-inspired mythology of this horror filled world. Read Full Review