Francesco Francavilla’s art is so great. A noir sensibility with a heavy dose of Mazzucchelli style line/shadow work, his covers look straight out of 60’s film posters and pulp novels. This is the first dedicated title for The Black Beetle, a character created by Francavilla. He handles all aspects– writing, directing, artwork, colouring– only lettering is done by someone else. It’s an impressive undertaking previously showcased on his Pulp Sunday blog and in issues 11-13 of Dark Horse Presents. His approach is retro but refreshing as evidenced by the cover credits: The Black Beetle in Night Shift, A Mystery Novellette by Francesco Francavilla. It’s a comic book spin on classic pulp stories and the first issue delivers murder, intrigue and over the top villainous deeds.
