Published On: 2022-07-21 by Boom Studios
Artist: Jonas Scharf
Colorist: Alex Guimarães
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Catch-up on Last Issue
Last issue Hannah and Regan made a run at Vanessa and failed. The Faithful attacked Vanessa and failed. Now Vanessa has returned to full strength. Can anything stop her?
In This Issue of Basilisk #9
Vanessa returns to the mountain camp where it all began. She’s met by clones of the Chosen. Turns out the clones are psychically connected to one of the originals. Regan’s clones have seen what she did. It’s unclear if Cara’s clones remember Vanessa killing Cara in Basilisk #8.
Regan admits to killing Hannah’s family. Their partnership doesn’t survive the admission of guilt.
Having abandoned Vanessa (turned on her), Barret and the Faithful track down Regan with an offer she may not be able to refuse.
What Else Happens in this Comic?
The Chosen were created to be the senses of the Chimera. There are many copies of each Chosen, but they don’t all appear to be completely sentient. There’s still something funny happening at the Clone camp.
We always knew Hannah was tough. In Basilisk #9, we see what Hannah went through to prepare for her attack on the Chosen. It is definitely a Captain America “I could do this all day” moment.
The Comic's Themes
Will power and fate. Hannah’s willpower saw her through the death of her family. Vanessa’s willpower has given her an edge over the other Chosen. Who’s force of will will carry the day?
Wear the horror
How's Basilisk #9's Writing?
The Dialogue
The dialogue moves the plot along. Each of the characters has a distinct voice, but there isn’t a lot of panel time for that to come across.
Showing Versus Telling
One of the strengths of Basilisk is the flashbacks. Instead of filling pages with endless word balloons, the flashbacks show us what happened. They also build a bigger world for Basilisk.
The Vibe
Cullen Bunn is crafting a horror-comic, cinematic, Stranger Things-esque masterpiece with Basilisk. I could easily see Netflix taking Basilisk and turning it into a multi-season show.
Comic Art Review
Jonas Scharf takes a talking-heads comic and makes it a solid read. The fight scene with Hannah is intense. The facial expressions throughout the issue tell the story without words. Look at the Cara-clone. She’s so sweet, and we get that just from a facial expression in one panel.
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- Basilisk 9 Cover A Main
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- Basilisk 9 Cover B Variant
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- Basilisk 9 Cover D Variant
On the Cover
Our primary cover is by series regular Jonas Scharf. It brings us up to speed on the current status of the comic.
Ryan Sook shows us Vanessa, with her damaged hand. She has the strongest will among the Chimera and now has all of their powers.
Christian Ward’s close-up on Jimmy-Boy eating is wonderfully gross.
The Comic Panel by Panel
Alex Guimaraes is doing amazing things with color and flashbacks. This issue we have two flashbacks from different characters. Each one is painted in the Basilisk flashback style but looks very different in presentation. This feature of Basilisk has always been a good one and I’m glad to see it expanded upon in Basilisk #9.
Ed Duckshire uses a variety of word balloons through Basilisk #9. We have standard word balloons, screaming word balloons, psychic thought balloons, and regular thought balloons. Pay attention to font sizes and weights. You’ll see bold emphasis, smaller font whispers, plus a lot of scene sounds.
World Building
We have several scenes in the clone camp with the path to the Chimera.
Live the horror
Wear the horror
Who's In This Issue of Basilisk #9
- Regan (sight/hearing)
- Barret
- Hannah
- The Faithful
- The Chosen Clones
The Big Question for Next Issue
How will Hannah survive the attack of the Faithful?
The touch of the Chimera would kill her.
Who Will Like Basilisk #9?
If you enjoy horror, X-men, or Battlestar Galactica, you should be buying Basilsk. Everytime I think I know what genre we’re pulling influences from, Basilisk mixes in something new. Add to all those influences a standard mix of rage and revenge, and the creative team of Cullen Bunn and Jonas Scharf are crafting a masterpiece.
I Need More Content like Basilisk #9
You can find more Jonas Scharf artwork on Marvel’s King in Black #3.
Should You Buy This Comic Book?
Basilisk #9 was a mostly talking heads issue. It moved the story forward. It filled in some missing back story. I'm expecting the action will ratchet up again with issue #10. Buy this issue so you don't miss the important clues.