What would you wish for if you had a pair of x-ray glasses that could make said wish come true? This is explored in the Specs miniseries along with the wishes you decide not to make.
Imagine a small town in Ohio, back in 1986. It was a time where the world was simpler, yet filled with some of the same struggles that teenagers face today. Two misfit teens named Kenny and Ted were just like any other outcasts – they longed for acceptance and just wanted to fit in. That is until a pair of X-ray glasses mysteriously appeared and changed their lives forever! These seemingly magical specs opened a world of possibilities for Kenny and Ted. They could finally make their wishes come true! But things aren’t always what they seem, and their wishes come with far darker consequences than they ever imagined.
Written by David M. Booher (Canto, Killer Queens), illustrated by Chris Shehan (House of Slaughter, The Autumnal) with colors by Roman Stevens and letters by Jim Campbell, Specs teaches us about the power of our choices.
The story starts out simply enough – two outcast teens, a pair of magical X-ray glasses, and the power to make their wish come true. At first, the boys are cautious in their wishing. However, as the story progresses, the boys’ wishes take a dark turn. When they wish for their bully to disappear, they unwittingly set off a chain of horrifying events that neither of them could have foreseen. It’s a cautionary tale, reminding us that we need to be careful what we wish for, as our desires could come at a terrible cost.
David M. Booher’s storytelling is exceptional, and Chris Shehan’s artwork is a perfect match for the story’s eerie tone. The pacing of the story is well thought out, and the characters’ development is satisfying. We’re drawn into their world, and we genuinely care what happens to them. Overall, it’s an engaging and emotional journey that is both thrilling and moving.
The X-ray glasses add an extra layer of mystery and intrigue, evoking memories of childhood when we truly believed in magic. The idea of a magical object that can make our wildest dreams come true is a powerful one, and Booher and Shehan use it to great effect. The glasses and their connection to the boys are an integral part of the story and add a depth that would have otherwise been lacking.
Specs is a wonderful horror story that captures the essence of nostalgia and fills it with an air of mystery and fantasy. The pacing is excellent, the character development is satisfying, and the artwork is stunning. While the story is a complete tale on its own, we can’t help but wish it had been a longer series or a continuing comic.
The Specs TP, collecting all four issues, hits local comic shops on August 16, 2023 and bookstores everywhere on August 22.
Be sure to check out when David M. Booher was on the Capes and Tights Podcast for Episode 75 and subscribe today so you don’t miss David’s return to the podcast with illustrator on Specs, Chris Shehan, this July 26 for Episode 122.
Specs TP Preview
