The Red Mother #11 is published by BOOM! Studios. It comes from the creative team of writer Jeremy Haun, artist Danny Luckert, and letterer Ed Dukeshire. The issue opens with Daisy and Cordelia at the market. Daisy remains unaware of Cordelia’s true intentions as a member of the cult of the Red Mother. The two meet up with Daisy’s therapist, who pulls her aside to talk as they continue through the bustling stalls.
The two discuss Daisy’s mental health and growing anxiety about the gallery opening featuring her work. Daisy explains her struggles but does not mention the Cult of the Red Mother. The two part ways, and Daisy returns to her flat only to be struck by another painful headache. But the headache will not be the final problem that faces her tonight. Soon, she will find herself confronted with horrors beyond imagining.
With The Red Mother #11, I can safely say that I was shocked by the ending. Never before have I desperately swiped at my screen, hoping for the story to continue, as I have with this issue. This series has always been about moments of building tension and horrific release, but I am awestruck at how it was pulled off here. The key to this outstanding finale lies in how predictable everything before it felt. The rest of the issue felt very monotonous. Daisy spends time with her friends, she has an attack or vision, she becomes distressed, sleeps, and repeats. But Haun cleverly uses his own formula to subvert expectations and deliver a haymaker of an ending.
Luckert’s art and colors are phenomenal once more, and the insidious lurking presence of the color red remains. This time my personal favorite inclusion is with Daisy’s therapist. While she is usually clothed in light or white colors that seem to signify neutrality, this time, her fingernails are painted red—a subtle hint at her true allegiance. Luckert also shows some pretty graphic violence here that is equal parts horrifying and compelling. You can’t help but look on in horror as the events unfold in all their gruesome beauty.
Dukeshire’s letters, once again, tie everything together in a clean and easy to read package. By the back-end of the issue, he doesn’t have as much dialogue to work with, but there is never a moment when it is difficult or frustrating to read what is being said.
The Red Mother #11 shocked me, which is not an easy feat to accomplish. I was lulled into a false sense of security and then floored by the ending. This stands as one of the most satisfying and engaging payoffs of any comic series I have ever read. I’m chomping at the bit to find out what happens next, and I have to wait a full month before I’ll know. If you are a fan of horror, it is absolutely crucial to give this series a read. I can’t imagine there will be many more issues after this one, so pretty soon, you’ll have no excuse.
The Red Mother #11 is available now wherever comics are sold.
The Red Mother #11
TL;DR
The Red Mother #11 shocked me, which is not an easy feat to accomplish. I was lulled into a false sense of security and then floored by the ending. This stands as one of the most satisfying and engaging payoffs of any comic series I have ever read.
