Here to add some of Poe’s influence into modern comics, a new issue of Ahoy Comic’s Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Terror has arrived. In this issue: Tom Peyer re-imagines Poe’s The Conqueror Worm into a shocking sci-fi adventure. Mark Russell’s cereal mascot parody Monster Serial returns with The Leprechaun King. Katerine Babcock expresses some criticism about higher control in Poems, with an illustration by Carol Lay. Scott Morse has a short story about a person dealing with the mindless monotony of being with other people in Like Lambs To The Slaughter, featuring art by Greg Scott. And lastly, Hunt Emerson shows how Poe and the Black Cat turn to dirty tactics in Poe and the Black Cat.
The Conqueror Worm was inspired by Poe’s poem of the same name. The poem dealt with the themes of mortality and death, and how the worms played a role in the cycle of life. Tom Peyer takes Poe’s concept and adds in some 50’s sci-fi flair to it. The Conqueror begins with Donna and Serena, a couple on their way to get the blessing of marriage from Donna’s eccentric scientist grandfather Linus. Just when the couple talks about their future plans, Linus reveals his big discovery and truth about the purpose of human life.
This version of The Conqueror Worm uses the original themes of the poem and turns it into a delightful B-level sci-fi tale. The story also borrows classic elements of “big bug” flicks, such as the giant size creatures, military involvement and someone with a tobacco pipe. Greg Scott’s detail figures and frenzy expressions give this story a great sense of realism and with a side of silliness. The worms attacking is pretty intense and destructive. The pacing moves pretty quick and gets to a fun level of melodrama and cheesiness.
Overall, this is a great homage to Poe’s original work and offers some fun variety of content to keep the readers entertained.
