Dusk One Shot

Dusk: One-Shot Special
Written by David Doub
Illustrated by Jolene Houser & Jerry Gonzales
Lettered by Jaymes Reed
Self-Published
http://www.duskcomics.com

the three cents:
This brief follow-up to the Dusk graphic novel introduces several new characters while casting a different light on Eve. There is a secretive cell of magic-users determined to halt the practices of magic-abusers, one miscreant at a time, and they are on Eve's trail. And does the emotionally unstable heroine even have the right to defend herself, with her own actions clearly being in the wrong? A definite new wrinkle in the ongoing story of the vampire thrall.
While the plot does quite a bit in expanding the world of Dusk that much more, with plenty of droplets of healthy character development, there were some annoying errors- misspellings and improper grammar and out of place words. Really, almost every single page had an obvious mistake, which was highly distracting. However, the addition of the mystic vigilantes was a great device, opening doors for a variety of plot points later on. It just could have used some serious proofreading. I like this crew, so it is awkward having to point out such a thing, but then I take pride in some measures of honesty. I see what they're trying for, but mistakes are mistakes are mistakes.
The art was attractive, with Houser drawing some solid layouts that may have faltered somewhat as the story progressed- the first few scenes were certainly the best- but her skill at storytelling is the best I've yet seen from this publisher's bullpen. And Dusk mainstay Gonzales rounding out the team allowed for this chapter to remain well inside the confines of the company's house style. Houser and Gonzales make a good tagteam, and I'd like to see them have the chance to grow together, like a one-two punch.
I think Doub is putting more and more thought into defining the world of Dusk, and this special would serve as a good starting point for new readers. The stage is being set with many players now, and things are building to a fairly cumbersome boiling point for both Eve and her Ash, undoubtedly. For some vampy action without the sparkle or anorexia, Dusk: One-Shot Special is now available for free download at their website. Free download, he wrote!