The Grave Doug Freshley

Mixing the western and living dead genres, Hechinger has created a graphic story that is not simply the clash of two genres but something altogether different. The story follows Doug Freshley, hired by his good friend, Shane McNally, to be a teacher and mentor to a young lad named Bat. When Freshley witnesses the murder of Bat’s parents at the hands of the Delanceys—a vicious family of thugs and lowlifes—he vows to fulfill Shane’s dying request to take care of Bat. The strange bit, of course, is that the attack on the McNally’s appears to result in Freshley’s death as well—except that it... doesn’t. As the living dead, Freshley does not conform to our expectations. He is not mindless or grotesque or terrifying (except to the Delanceys) but thoughtful and determined and of a mind to see that Bat’s well-being is looked after. The artwork by mpMann accompanies the narrative perfectly, capturing both the enigmatic character of Freshley and his relationship with Bat. Although there were many ways for Hechinger to steer the narrative toward a predictable ending, he manages to provide us with a resolution that is both satisfying and original. (Dec.)