I’m am getting so much joy out of reading Nailbiter Returns, and issue 6 only adds to it.

There is a world out there of people who not only have a fascination with serial killers, but are so keyed into them that they want to marry them. Remember the woman who visited Charles Manson in jail? There are people buying artwork by serial killers for record-breaking amounts of money. The fascination grows into an abstract love, if you could call it that, and a weird addiction.

Welcome to Nailbiter Returns, where every issue gets a little more surreal, hilarious, and dangerous as it satirizes serial killer lovers while telling a story about wonderful characters. Like those jugglers that somehow keep a dozen sharp-edged knives in the air, creators Williamson and Henderson are balancing the tone of this series so casually and working wonders. I don’t know how to describe it other than saying it’s a wild romp.

In its characters, you have: the original Nailbiter and now a copycat Nailbiter who can take more than a few bullets; Shannon Crane who was the Nailbiter’s wife and has gone full Darah Connor in the best possible way; Alice Crane, the daughter of the Nailbiter and Shannon who is all grown up; Nicholas Finch who thought he was over this shit; and a new FBI agent. All are heading back to Buckaroo, or at least what remains of it, to uncover who has taken up a drinking game that the Nailbiter and Shannon started when they were young and in love to gory new heights!

Considering Fanbase Press’ #StoriesMatter initiative this year, I think it’s safe to say that, when considering Nailbiter Returns, humor can be a productive way to look at the violence and the need we feel for it, whether it’s getting addicted to serial killer podcasts or wanting to marry Charles Manson. It is a weird part of our society that I think needs to be reflected on… especially when we’re so afraid of things like… sex.

This series doesn’t care how much you may have fawned over the dark, mysterious, and serious serial killer tone of the first series. They are simply telling a story and having a great time, and it easily rubs off on this reader.

Creative Team: Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson (story and art), Adam Guzowski (colors), John J. Hill (letters and design), Rebecca Taylor (editor)
Publisher: Image Comics
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