Dead Men Tell No Tales #1-4

While pirate comic books are not a complete rarity, I doubt they have ever been done as well as Dead Men Tell No Tales. The work is complex, original, and thoroughly entertaining. The exciting yet dangerous world of the pirate is oftentimes hard to depict. If it’s too serious you lose the sense of adventure. If it’s too raucous it just becomes campy. Dead Men Tell No Tales is a mix of faithful pirate history, supernatural pirate lore, and just plain good storytelling.

#1 Cover

The plot is an intricate interweaving tale involving a cursed treasure map that leads to nothing other than the lost Relics of Christ. It is a prize that anyone would do anything to possess, especially heartless cutthroat pirates. From it’s origins with the Knights Templar all the way through the hands of three of history’s most nefarious pirates the map drives all who touch it mad with the desire to possess the treasure even after death. The writer is definitely to be commended for even among this immense plot he was still able to throw in interesting details about the day-to-day life of the pirate which gives the work such an authentic feel.

#2 Cover

The pace of this spanning story moves along briskly and the brief flashbacks to the Knights Templar cement a fascinating backstory that adds all the depth and sense of scope needed. The supernatural zombie/ghost angle is underplayed and most of the evil actions are left to the whims of mortal men. Violent battle scenes abound and are a real highlight as the action jumps right off the page with their ferocious portrayal.

#3 Cover

The amazing storyline is not the star of the show however; the biggest strength in the work is the characterization. All three of the historically infamous pirates depicted where unique and full of complexity. From the uncompromising cold-hearted savagery of Captain Kidd, to the humorous sociopathic antics of Blackbeard, and finally to the aristocratic elitism of Black Bart, their motivations were suitably portrayed and quite believable. The supporting characters were equally as colorful, from treacherous first mates, to mutinous crewmen, to beleaguered cabin boys.

#4A Cover

The art is suitable to the subject matter, dark and atmospheric with thick inks and vibrant yet muted colors. There is a certain murkiness to it that draws you into the desperate shadowy world of the pirate. The pencil work is outstanding, with great detail and touches that highlight each individual’s qualities.

#4B Cover

So many good things are crammed into these four issues it’s hard to disclose them all in this simple review. Suffice to say, the work is one of dedication and great enthusiasm for the subject matter. I thoroughly enjoyed the books and give them the highest recommendation I can.

Publisher: Arcana Studio
Story: Dwight MacPherson
Pencils: Fernando Acosta, Mike Fiorentino
Inks: Tony DeVito
Colors: Michael DeVito, Jon Conkling

Review by !Vision! (Brandon Begley)