Phantom Road by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Gabriel Hernandez Walta is an action-packed story about two strangers, Dom, a truck driver, and Birdie, a woman who recently got into a car crash. The duo manage to salvage an artifact from the wreckage that turns their lives upside down as they find themselves dealing with monstrous creatures in their bid to survive. The Phantom Road is a harrowing tale of survival, hope, and redemption, and it will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end.

The first volume is relatively quick to read, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not a well-written story. Jeff Lemire (The Bone Orchard Mythos, Little Monsters) and Gabriel Hernandez Walta (The Vision, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D: Old Man Whittier) have done a commendable job crafting the plot, characters, and pacing of the story. The comic follows a dark and dreary world that is both terrifying and fascinating.

One of the standout qualities of the comic is the art style. The visuals draw you in and make you feel like you’re watching a horror film. The color palette is dull and simple, yet striking, with various shades of tan and grey that create an eerie atmosphere and make the supernatural elements stand out. As the story unfolds, the artwork becomes more chaotic, matching the tension and fast-paced action set pieces.

Besides the horror themes and supernatural elements, the comic also delves into the themes of grief, loss, and redemption. Dom has experienced tragic events in his past, and must overcome them if he hopes to survive and move on. The writers have done an excellent job of humanizing the characters, making us care about them and their fates.

One aspect that makes the comic so interesting is the partnership of Dom and Birdie. They are both strangers forced together by circumstances. Their distinct personalities and perspectives allow for exciting character dynamics and plot twists. Dom is a tough truck driver who has seen his fair share of troubles, while Birdie brings much-needed optimism and ingenuity to the table.

The Phantom Road Vol. 1 trade paperback is an wonderful comic series that combines multiple genres, incredible art, and compelling characters to tell a thrilling story. If you’re a fan of horror, supernatural elements, or comic books, this is a must-read. You’ll find yourself entranced in the world created by Lemire and Walta, experiencing the heart-racing action scenes, and rooting for Dom and Birdie to survive.

The Phantom Road Vol. 1 trade paperback hits bookstores everywhere on October 3, 2023 and local comic shops on October 4. The second volume begins with the sixth issue dropping on November 8.