Pine and Merrimac #1 combines the right amount of humor and suspense in a single story. Written by Kyle Starks (I Hate This Place, Where Monsters Lie) with the stunning artwork of Fran Galan, Pine and Merrimac is a tale that follows the former homicide detective, Linnea Kent, and her husband as they confront a dark secret in a small town.

One of the key aspects of Pine and Merrimac is the gripping storyline that Kyle Starks has crafted. The story follows the protagonist, Linnea Kent, a former homicide detective, who has moved away from the city to establish a quiet detective agency with her husband. The story starts off simple, but it soon becomes clear that there is more to the small town of Pine and Merrimac than what meets the eye. With a dark, sinister force lurking in the shadows, the story is unpredictable, and the readers are kept on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Fran Galan’s artwork is another aspect that deserves special mention. The artwork is stunning and captures the mood and tone of the story perfectly. Galan’s visually compelling illustrations are detailed and add depth to the story. Galan’s artwork is, without a doubt, a perfect fit to Starks’ writing, elevating the overall visual appeal.

Despite the serious and suspenseful storyline, Pine and Merrimac manages to keep its readers entertained with the perfect amount of humor, not surprising for a Kyle Starks comic. The humor adds an enjoyable levity to the story, making it a refreshing break from the usual dark and gritty nature of detective comics. The quips and one-liners keep readers engaged and are a testament to Starks’ excellent writing style.

In addition to the writing and artwork, the characters in Pine and Merrimac are likable and well developed. The main protagonist, Linnea Kent, is a strong, independent woman. She and her husband make an excellent “detective duo” with an endearing chemistry that keeps readers hooked. The supporting characters are unique and add depth, making it more immersive.

In the end, Pine and Merrimac #1 is a stunning detective story that combines humor and suspense in a way. With great writing by Kyle Starks, excellent artwork by Fran Galan, and an intriguing storyline, Pine and Merrimac is undoubtedly worth the read.

Pine and Merrimac #1 hits local comic shops on January 3, 2024 from BOOM! Studios.