Friday the 13th: Bloodbath #1
Friday the 13th: Bloodbath #1
Written by Brian Pulido
Art by Mike Wolfer
Released: 2005
Publisher: Avatar Press
Premise: In 2005, Avatar Press began releasing titles from New Line Cinema’s “House of Horror” license, which includes A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, and Platinum Dune’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. To kick off their titles, Avatar released one-shot “special” issues serving as an introduction to the New Line characters and premises.
On the shore of pristine Crystal Lake lies the long-neglected Camp Tomorrow, badly in need of rehabilitation. Charged with reforming the camp, ten teenagers have come to the site with the hopes of earning a quick paycheck and partaking in the most decadent party-filled weekend of their lives. But as their first night of debauchery commences, they begin to learn, one by one, that their surprisingly common family backgrounds are a little too coincidental… And that their presence has reawakened the curse of Jason Voorhees! Striking forth from the shadows in an unrelenting orgy of blood, Jason will defend his territory at all costs, but is he truly the hunter or actually the prey in a much larger and more sinister plot?
Plot Breakdown (spoilers): Two hunters are killed by the monstrous Jason Voorhees, their bodies disemboweled and hung from a tree. Six months later, at “Camp Tomorrow”, a group of new camp counselors are going through orientation. The project manager, Kevin Carny, briefs the group on when repairs to the neglected grounds will begin and covers job expectations. Carny is also quick to announce that though there is a lot of work to do, the night is theirs to do with as they please. While the counselors pair off for the night, Carny is joined by Johnny “the handyman,” and the two monitor the group’s interactions. As time passes, the counselors find out from one another they have a great deal in common, one of which is they are all orphans. It isn’t long before Jason appears however, slaughtering the couples one by one. Carny and Johnny watch Jason from afar, pleased he has finally revealed himself. After visually confirming Jason’s appearance, Carny contacts a mysterious business woman, who praises Carny on his work and refers to him as “Mr. McClintock”. She approves of how “the plan” is proceeding and gives him approval to move forward.
The Good: A simple setup issue, with many familiar Friday the 13th elements. From the two kills at the beginning of the story, to the “campfire” way the counselors discuss Jason’s origin; this issue carries on the Friday slasher tradition – gore, nudity, and violence. Wolfer’s artwork is dynamic and solid, with just the right balance between action and detail. New or casual readers will find this premise easy to follow, effectively introducing comic book audiences to Jason Voorhees.
The Bad: Nothing in this issue really captures the reader’s attention. The story is formulaic and fails to engage the reader for the long haul, even when trying to introduce the “convert operation” subplot. Although Wolfer’s artwork is excellent, his exaggerated body types are somewhat generic, especially since most of the characters have similar-to-same features.
Final Comments: Basic setup issue for this three issue mini-series. Artwork and writing is solid, but overall, not very engaging.
Grade: C-
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