The Damn Tragedy - Comic Book Review

      Andrew Newton reviews Oni Press’ new one-shot comic The Goddamn Tragedy…

      Oni Press’ The Goddamn Tragedy lives up to its title, offering a slow-building, sorrowful Western that remains in the mind long after the final page. Chris Condon (known for That Texas Blood) introduces a unique form of bleakness to this narrative, swapping sun-baked crime for frigid despair, while Shawn Kuruneru’s watercolor illustrations create a haunting, emotive backdrop that aligns perfectly with every grim moment.

      The narrative begins with a furious Ellen Jones, now aging and the last survivor of the notorious Janson party, confronting an author regarding his sensationalized portrayal of her tragic history. What ensues is a rendition of her story—raw, personal, and terrifying. As a child, Ellen, alongside her parents Leo and Irene, deviates from a wagon train to take a shortcut through the mountains. This decision, like many classic tragedies, serves as the spark for all the ensuing anguish.

      What makes The Goddamn Tragedy particularly compelling is its nuanced approach to emotion. Condon avoids grand, dramatic moments or exaggerated dialogue to convey the horror of the events. Instead, the story progresses with a quiet, intense focus. The themes of heartbreak, madness, hunger, and isolation are present, yet they are conveyed in a manner that feels sincere and unforced, never overly dramatic. This restraint strengthens the story’s impact, allowing readers to absorb the weight of each moment without being told how to feel.

      Kuruneru’s artwork is striking, employing watercolors not only for visual appeal but also to echo the emotional rhythms of the tale. The journey across the plains is illustrated in dusty browns and earthy hues, capturing the arid, exhausted vastness of the frontier. However, once the family is ensnared in the mountains, the color scheme changes dramatically—cold whites and icy blues dominate, reflecting the harsh, unyielding nature of winter. When emotions escalate into anger, violence, or fear, the colors shift to deep reds, bleeding dramatically across the panels. This style is simple yet profoundly effective. Many faces are rendered in shadow, creating a sense of mystery or emotional detachment, whether the memory struggles to surface or something darker is left unspoken. Conversely, certain faces are depicted clearly, anchoring the narrative with moments of genuine human expression amidst the gloom.

      With a notable lack of Western-themed comics these days, The Goddamn Tragedy feels like a refreshing breath of cold air. It’s a bold and harrowing narrative that doesn't romanticize the frontier but instead serves as a stark reminder of its harsh realities. Here’s hoping to see more from this creative duo in the future; Condon and Kuruneru make for an intriguing team.

      Rating: 7 out of 10 — A chilling Western that distinguishes itself in a genre that deserves more recognition.

      Andrew Newton