When Corey Haim declared that he “didn’t like horror comics” back in 1987’s classic The Lost Boys, I couldn’t help but agree with him. Apart from a few standout classics such as Tales From The Crypt, Preacher, and Hellboy, lazy horror cliches usually take precedence over a good story.

The next classic to join that illustrious list is the nasty, gory, and downright depraved The Many Deaths Of Barnaby James. The title character is under the employ of the mysterious Black Top Circus, which is run by an assortment of undead ghouls, unwillingly brought back into the world, by Azlon the hedonistic ringmaster, whose magic cane has the power to bring the dead back to life, with various catches. Barnaby has long requested that Azlon bring back the love of his life, the beautiful Delilah, but Azlon’s continued refusal causes the young gravedigger to take matters into his own hands. Stealing his cane, he sets off to be reunited with his love, whilst being pursued by the mysterious ‘Fiddler’ a classic horror character in his own right.

The action takes place in the creepiest and sleaziest of settings, but with a timeless feel where it could be set in the 50’s or even Victorian times. It explores the most depraved parts of the human psyche with Kowalski’s jarring artwork bringing Brian Nathanson and Neil Gibson’s brilliant script to full fruition. It doesn’t shy away from the sex, violence, and gore and puts it front and centre, giving the book a shock value that backs up an amazing story. There are no real good guys to root for here, just less bad guys, which will have you questioning your ethical judgement before you’re ten pages deep, but if you aren’t one to shy away from such moral conundrums, then pick up The Many Deaths Of Barnaby James and immerse yourself in the best slab of four-colour horror that’s hit the shelves in a long time… Chris Andrews