If you ever believe that toxic black mold is dangerous or in the least presents some kind of potential health problems, then the new series premiere, Rivers of London by Titan Comics, introduces a completely new form of holy moldy.
Writers Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel create a story around Policeman Peter Grant and new partner, Sahra Guleed. Let’s just say that Peter isn’t your typical officer. Well, actually he isn’t your typical person, period. His mystical powers are made apparent during this first issue, as he assists Sahra with an alarming discovery she makes during a home investigation.
It’s one thing to see fuzzy, black mold in the corner of your home. It’s a completely whole other thing to see it grow in front of your eyes and reach out to try and grab you. Based on Sahra’s reaction to this “Black Mould,” I doubt the intentions of this extended reach was to only establish first contact. It definitely seems like a hostile reason for anyone to run for the hills.
Fortunately, she’s capable enough to escape from this infested house and call for backup. In the cover, created by Claudia Caranfa, you’ll get an idea on how capable both of them are in sticky situations. Sahra is handling a police baton, while Peter has fiery blue flames emanating from his hand. Furthermore, this bluish power seems to creep into the background, creating a wave of smoke behind the two partners.
Artist Lee Sullivan creates detailed illustrations, along with vivid expressions among characters, showcasing the visual effects that help guide this mysterious goo-oriented story. Colorist Luis Guerrero has a distinctive flare through these pages, with the ability to highlight everyday objects, from clothing to kitchen backsplashes to the overall darker tones. These tones further help to establish the one thing that comes with stringy, black mould and evil pink and white ice cream trucks. That one thing is the simple fact that normal things, which should seem ordinary in nature, turn out to be creepy and somewhat terrifying when they turn around and chase you.
It’s safe to say these characters are easygoing at heart, but are wrapped up in supernatural events that can’t be explained, at least not in this particular issue. It’s hard to decipher how deadly these supernatural events actually will be if they wrap their moldy hands around someone, or run them over with a moving vehicle, but it’s safe to say the main characters have some kind of experience dealing with this problem. Whether or not Peter’s powers will be enough has yet to be determined.
If you’re interested in finding out how to escape this black plague, Rivers of London: Black Mould #1 is currently available in print and digital form.
