Baltimore: The Widow and the Tank #1

Writer: Mike Mignola Artist: Ben Stenbeck Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Release Date: February 20, 2013 Cover Price: $3.5 Critic Reviews: 9 User Reviews: 3
7.8Critic Rating
7.8User Rating

Eisner Award–winning horror master Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden present this horrific double feature about a widow with a not-quite-dead husband and a child-killing vampire taking refuge from something even worse.

  • 9.0
    The Weekly Crisis - Grant McLaughlin Feb 24, 2013

    The creative team of Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, Ben Stenbeck, and Dave Stewart has worked on every single issue of Baltimore, and it shows. These men have built up some ridiculous chemistry with each other that they unleash to make these small looks into Lord Henry Baltimore's life come alive. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Feb 28, 2013

    Baltimore isn't a character that jokes around.  He's very serious when it comes to vampire slaying.  His entire life is dedicated to finding Haigus and exterminating him.  Despite this one-track goal, his conscience constantly pulls him to help others and stop monsters that are lurking nearby.  In that respect, he's a reluctant hero but still somewhat noble.  This is what draws me to the character each time and leaves me wanting more.  I want to see Baltimore reach his goal and finally get some closure but all he knows is suffering so I don't think it will ever happen. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics Bulletin - Zack Davisson Feb 19, 2013

    I think The Widow and The Tank will work great as short interludes in a collected edition (Still crossing my fingers for Baltimore Library Editions). I love this kind of work in Mignola's Hellboy collections, where short pieces punctuate longer story arcs. But as a stand-alone issue" just great, not amazing. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Edward Kaye Feb 21, 2013

    These aren't essential chapters in the saga of Baltimore, but they are definitely worth checking out, and subtly add to the rich tapestry of the ongoing tale. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal Feb 20, 2013

    If you’re a fan of the series you’ll definitely want to grab the issue. I know it’s just a one-shot, but it’s an incredible addition to the franchise. I want another mini-series as much as the next fan, but as long as quality one-shots like this are produced I’ll manage just fine. If for some reason you’ve never read Baltimore, then this is a great issue to jump on to as it actually does a good job of recapping his journey so stop missing out. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Ryan K. Lindsay Feb 20, 2013

    "Baltimore: The Widow and the Tank" is a horror comic fan's dream with smart tension and slickly delivered chills. These tales are also punchy enough to know they should do what they do best and then end. Nothing is overdrawn here. If you like classic horror pulp literature anthologies, then this comic is a must buy. It does what many modern horror comics attempt to do and fail at, it brings a sense of wonder and joy at new ideas that make you think while also feeling the hairs on your neck move a little. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Bloody Disgusting - ShadowJayd Feb 21, 2013

    In terms of the visual aesthetic of the one-shot, the dark and chilling atmosphere, common in most gothic horror tales, is presented perfectly through Ben Stenbeck's pencils, as he provides a stylistically old-fashioned take on Mignola and Golden's world, evoking the somber tone of the story. He draws early 20th century era demons and vampires in a way that is unique to his creative style, which is only enriched by Dave Stewart's colours. The latter's use of dark tones and ashen hues fits the overall feel of the series remarkably well, but his best panels are arguably the ones which feature the rare splashes of overpowering reds. Read Full Review

  • 6.8
    Multiversity Comics - Mark Tweedale Feb 20, 2013

    All in all, these aren't stories that advance the plot, but they're good little vignettes. I feel like they'll read better in the eventual hardcover collection alongside A Passing Stranger and The Play. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comics Crux - Wesley Messer May 10, 2013

    I wish I could give this a higher rating than what Im giving it. Baltimore: The Widow and The Tank should have done more to grab the attention of a new reader. Note this though, I didnt hate this one-shot, overall they are both solid stories and if youre an established Baltimore fan, youre going to end up loving it. New fans be forewarned, but to established ones, dive in, the water is fine. Read Full Review

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