Friday the 13th: Abuser and the Abused #1
Friday the 13th: Abuser and the Abused #1
Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov
Art by Andy B.
Released: April 2008
Publisher: Wildstorm Publishing
Premise: Wildstorm Publishing continues their “House of Horror” titles based on New Line Cinema characters. A special one-shot! Maggie’s life was never easy, but her abusive new boyfriend has pushed her over the edge. As her life spirals out of control, she hits upon the solution to her problems: use the local urban legend to “solve” the problems in her life. But what happens when she learns there’s very little “legend” in the reality of Jason Voorhees?
Plot Breakdown (spoilers): Maggie, an abused teenage girl, begins a descent into madness, after the latest beating suffered at the hands of her boyfriend. The episode begins a downward spiral for Maggie, in which she murders her abusive parents and manipulates her boyfriend into driving her to Camp Crystal Lake. Once there, she plans on killing him, however Jason Voorhees arrives and does it for her, leaving her enraged. Maggie battles Jason; stabbing him repeatedly and using whatever is at her disposal as a weapon. It isn’t long before Jason gains the upper hand however, leaving Maggie at his mercy. In a desperate attempt to save her life, Maggie tries relating to Jason by telling him of her woes. Unfazed, Jason decapitates her, ending her murder spree and her life.
The Good: A simple tale, with many Friday elements; including brief nudity, bloodshed, and intense violence. The story is well written and pacing is acceptable, especially for such a short one-shot. Unlike previous Friday specials, this issue takes a chance with different artwork, primarily inspired by a 1950’s pop art style.
The Bad: Typical of Wildstorm’s Friday the 13th short stories, this issue is filler only – something to be read once and discarded. Although well written, it is much too difficult for the reader to care about Maggie or her situation, as the page length limits any kind of quality character buildup. The change in artwork manages to bring a fresh approach to the material; however this alone isn’t enough to justify buying the issue. Also, those who appreciate intense detailed artwork might be put off by the style used.
Final Comments: A filler issue, easily read and discarded. Artwork is solid, as is the writing – however nothing here offers anything of substance, especially for non-Friday fans.
Grade: C
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