Bloodborne: The Bleak Dominion #1 is published by Titan Comics, written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Piotr Kowalski.
Issue #1 is available 13th September 2023 either directly from Titan Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
In the plagued city of Yharnam, hunters Gretchen and Abraham search for their missing protégé. Under the blood moon, a scourge of beasts stalk the streets, and a new threat lurks around every corner. The duo must venture deep into the depths of the chalice dungeons in order to find Lucien, but malignant and ancient horrors await them. Will they find them? And what terrifying surprise awaits them if they do?
Review
Hunters Gretchen and Abraham have returned to the plagued city of Yharnam searching for their protégé, Lucien. They are not alone as the blue moon has brough out the worst beasts evil could imagine, with these lurking around every corner the hunting duo must take their hunt underground through the Chalice Dungeons in the hope they find him first. Lucien is on a mission himself, he wants to prove he is ready to be a hunter, he feels ready to show that his youthful frame can handle the horrors that await, but can he? Deep in the Chalice Dungeons await Lucien’s toughest test, now is the time for fight or flight Gretchen and Abraham must find Lucien before anything else does, time is running out.
I could read Cullen Bunn’s stories all day everyday and never get bored, he has a unique was of writing horror that isn’t just about jump scares there is a deeper intensity to his stories that grips you in leaving you fixed to each page and begging for more at the end.
This particular story arc feels like you’re riding a bike up hill, starting off slow but gradually you begin to gather pace which is the style of this arc with the intensity cranking up slowly to a point at the end when you just say “wow” as you reach the end. Being a fan of the games I’m pleased I can now follow the stories of Gretchen and Abraham in more depth and delve deeper into the plagued city of Yharnam.
Fan favourite Piotr Kowalski again brings his unique style of artwork to the illustrations injecting power into each panel, there are moments of nil biting tension paired with blood thirsty action each given and stronger depth thanks to Piotr. I couldn’t think of a more perfect duo I would want to create this masterpiece and that is truly what we have here.
Verdict
A masterpiece of writing and illustration, if you are a fan of the game series then you will definitely love this. Cullen Bunn and Piotr Kowalski are at their very best , this is one not to be missed
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
