Alabaster Shadows by Matt Gardner and Rashad Doucet

Oni Press, 2016

ISBN: 9781620102640

Available: Paperback,  Kindle edition, comiXology

In this all-ages graphic novel, the Normandy family moves to a new neighborhood. The children, older brother Carter and little sister Polly, are nervous and excited about their new place. Upon arriving, they are welcomed by Mr. Randolph and Miss Crowe, his receptionist. Miss Crowe, who is clearly unenthusiastic about children, is also the head of the Community Council. Mr. Randolph, who seems to know there is something odd about the neighborhood, pointedly asks Carter and Polly to let him know if they see anything strange.

Carter is the first one to notice something out of place: a mysterious leak in the basement. The leak is walled up by the Community Council in his absence,  but Carter, returning before the mortar has fully dried, pulls a few bricks out of the wall to discover a giant water droplet hovering in the air: a portal to another world.

Carter is joined by Polly and a group of neighborhood kids on his journey to discover what is going on in his crazy neighborhood, Harley is the Mulder for the group; her brother Warren, is a devoted skeptic; and Dudley is a shy boy who sits at the back of the classroom, where he draws a mythical creature on his desk that he claims lives under his bed. Together, they solve problems through the dreamscape, decipher an ancient language with the help of a mysterious ring, and face shadowy monsters along the way.

The story has numerous Lovecraftian elements to it, which made it very enjoyable for me. The fact that it’s a great story for multiple age and reading levels is a bonus. I’ve been hunting for horror-themed graphic novels in particular for my youngest nephews, and this one fits the bill perfectly. The artwork is bright and colorful, without being garish, and the monsters are pretty great. This book also offers some needed diversity in graphic novels as Carter and Polly’s parents are a biracial couple.

Polly quickly became my favorite character when she faced one of these monsters after earning a separate detention from her brother’s, but I’ll leave that for you to find out what happens. I’m looking forward very much to the next book.

Highly recommended

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker