Fatale: The Dark Jewel of Horror Comics

Welcome back to The Longbox of Darkness, fear friends. Today I’m diving deep into a chilling comic series that blends the shadowy allure of noir with the brain-bending terror of cosmic horror. If you haven’t stumbled upon Fatale by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips yet, you’re in for a treat. Strap in, because this series takes you on a Lovecraftian trek through decades of cursed immortality, eldritch cults, and a femme fatale whose power is as frightening as it is captivating.

Unpacking the Origins and Themes of Fatale

Before we plunge into the dark abyss of the plot, let’s talk a bit about where Fatale came from. Launched in 2012 and running through 2014, this series is a product of the dynamic duo Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, who’ve previously wowed us with Criminal and Incognito. Initially conceived as a 12-issue series published by Image Comics, Fatale expanded to 24 issues due to its resounding success, allowing us to savor twice the amount of its dark, twisted narrative.

At its core, Fatale reimagines the classic noir themes with a supernatural twist. We follow Josephine, or Jo, a femme fatale with otherworldly powers, as she battles against a cult worshipping cosmic entities straight out of Lovecraft’s worst nightmares. The story spans multiple timelines, exploring Jo’s perpetual struggle for survival, her manipulation of men caught in her deadly charm, and the sinister forces that haunt her existence.

The Femme Fatale Reimagined

Jo is no ordinary femme fatale. She’s cursed with immortality and an uncanny ability to enthrall anyone who crosses her path. But make no mistake—Jo’s allure is less a gift and more a curse. It binds her to a life peppered with loss, violence, and the ever-present shadow of a cult that will stop at nothing to capture her. Through Jo, Brubaker and Phillips dive deep into themes of power, autonomy, and survival, giving us a protagonist who’s both the predator and the prey.

Volume 1: Death Chases Me

Let’s start with where it all begins. In the present day, we meet Nicolas Lash, a journalist whose godfather, Dominic H. Raines, has recently died. At the funeral, Nicolas encounters Jo, a meeting that sets off a chain of violent events, drawing him into her chaotic world. Flashbacks thrust us into 1950s San Francisco, where Jo is entangled with Hank Raines, a corrupt journalist, and Walter, her cop husband who’s made a fatal deal with the cult to cure his cancer.

Walter’s desperate pact with the cult has devastating consequences. Jo manipulates Hank to help her escape the cult’s clutches, leading to explosive confrontations. By the end of this volume, we understand that Jo’s connection to the cult and her struggle for freedom is not just a personal battle but a cosmic one, causing immense collateral damage to those around her.

Volume 2: The Devil’s Business

Fast forward to the 1970s in Los Angeles. Jo is now a recluse, hiding in an old Hollywood mansion. Enter Miles, a fading movie star, and his girlfriend, who are fleeing from the cult. Jo’s attempt to live in isolation crumbles as she finds herself entangled with Miles. The cult, relentless in their pursuit, brings tragedy in their wake. Despite her best efforts, Jo’s newfound relationship with Miles ends in disaster, underscoring the relentless nature of her curse and her inability to protect those she cares about.

Volume 3: West of Hell

Volume 3 takes a unique turn, offering us a series of standalone stories that delve into Jo’s elongated and tormented history. We travel back through centuries, meeting historical figures who share Jo’s curse. There’s Mathilda, a medieval woman whose beauty and power lead to her persecution, and “Black” Bonnie, a Wild West outlaw endowed with Jo’s immortality.

These vignettes not only flesh out the timelessness of Jo’s struggle but also highlight the universal fear of powerful women across different eras. Through these stories, Brubaker and Phillips craft a meta-narrative of female autonomy and the perennial battle against patriarchal forces, both human and cosmic.

Volume 4: Pray for Rain

The 1990s Seattle grunge scene sets the stage for Volume 4. Here, Jo is hiding among a group of musicians who quickly fall under her spell. The atmosphere of the grunge scene, with its raw and rebellious energy, perfectly complements the darker tones of Jo’s existence. One band member, unable to control his obsession, attempts to assault Jo but is compelled to kill himself instead. Enter Wulf, a sadistic killer connected to the cult with an obsession of his own. Wulf’s pursuit ends in bloodshed, leaving Jo to flee once more. The relentless pattern of attraction, violence, and escape continues to torment her.

Volume 5: Curse the Demon

Everything comes to a head in the climactic final volume. Nicolas Lash’s continued search for answers entwines with Jo’s final stand against the cult. Together, they hunt for an artifact—the eyes of the cult leader—that promises to end their torment. Their journey is fraught with peril, culminating in a ritualistic showdown. In a desperate act, Jo transfers all her anguish into the cult leader through a kiss, triggering a ritual that allows her to age and die as a mortal.

This bittersweet conclusion brings Jo a semblance of peace, but the cosmic horrors that plagued her life remain, indifferent and eternal. The finale underscores the series’ exploration of existential dread and the Sisyphean struggle against forces beyond human understanding.

Artistic Brilliance: Sean Phillips and Dave Stewart

A significant part of what makes Fatale so striking is its visual storytelling. Sean Phillips’ mastery in blending noir and horror shines through every panel, with his use of chiaroscuro lighting and jagged panel layouts evoking the classic noir films while amplifying the horror elements with grotesque renderings of cultists and Lovecraftian entities. Dave Stewart’s colors are no less vital. He uses warmer hues to depict Jo’s scenes, starkly contrasting with the oppressive, muted tones of the world around her, highlighting her dual role as both a beacon and an omen.

Critical Reception

Fatale received widespread acclaim, securing its place as a modern classic in the realm of horror comics. It earned five Eisner Award nominations in 2013, including “Best Continuing Series” and “Best Writer” for Brubaker, and an Eisner win for Dave Stewart’s phenomenal coloring.

The series’ impact goes beyond comic book circles, drawing comparisons to TV shows like True Detective for its shared themes of cosmic nihilism. Academics have praised Fatale for its feminist reinterpretation of noir, positioning Jo as a defiant counterpoint to the passive female victims often seen in horror.

The Enduring Brubaker-Phillips Partnership

Fatale further cemented Brubaker and Phillips’ reputation as trailblazers in the graphic storytelling world. Their subsequent works, including The Fade Out and Reckless, further showcase their ability to blend noir themes with innovative narratives. The 2024 Fatale Compendium, collecting all 24 issues, is a tribute to the series’ lasting appeal and critical success. Worth picking up for sure!

Why You Should Dive into Fatale

So, why should you, dear reader, pick up Fatale? For one, it’s a masterclass in genre-blending, seamlessly integrating the gritty realism of noir with the spine-chilling elements of cosmic horror. Brubaker’s writing is rich with thematic depth, while Phillips and Stewart’s art creates an immersive, haunting atmosphere.

But beyond its technical brilliance, Fatale resonates on a deeply human level. Jo’s journey, marked by fleeting alliances, devastating losses, and moments of hope, mirrors our own existential struggles. It’s a narrative that makes us confront our fears of powerlessness, desire, and the unknown.

In Fatale, the femme fatale archetype isn’t just a trope; it’s a profound exploration of female agency and survival in a world rife with threats both human and otherworldly. Jo’s story is one of resilience and defiance, making her a memorable and tragically heroic figure.

The Wrap-Up

Fatale is not just a horror noir comic; it’s an existential journey that challenges our perception of fate, free will, and the cosmic forces that govern our lives. It’s a must-read for fans of horror, noir, and anyone interested in stories that delve deep into the human psyche.

So grab yourself a copy of Fatale, digital or other wise, dim the lights, and prepare to be ensnared by a tale that’s as beautifully tragic as it is terrifying. Trust me, this is one series you won’t be able to put down until the very last page.

Pleasant screams, and may your nights be filled with just the right amount of terror, horror hounds.

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