Stillwater elevated what immortality can be with refreshing new horror take

As the first arc of Stillwater comes to a close, readers have gotten a look into how this series defines immortality. There is a huge reason this book has been so successful and created such big waves within the comics community. The creative team has done an amazing job of making this small town relatable and terrifying at the same time. It has approached the common theme of living forever and taken it to a higher level with a new and refreshing take.

Immortality is something that has many stories created around it, any person asked could name at least 5 stories off the top of their head involving the idea. The common tropes are vampires or other mythical beings, alone tortured individuals wishing they could perish, and the cliche women who want to be young and vibrant forever. Stories like these can be fun, however, they are overdone.

For this series Chip Zdarksy is at the helm writing the story, Ramón K Pérez is bringing it to life with his art, and Mike Spicer is responsible for the brilliant color that ties it all together. In every aspect, this book is a win as it’s clear that this team has excellent communication. Each person brings something unique to the table and together they have created something award-worthy. Culturess can think of at least 5 Eisner Awards that Stillwater deserves.

Warning: Spoilers for Stillwater ahead!

What makes Stillwater so special is all the tiny details that go into each element of the book. The colors used reflect the overall tone that has been set by the story with words. Everything is slightly dull and grunge, as the immortality plague affects every aspect of the town. The imagery is also extremely telling. Careful thought is put into each panel to create the feel of the town. Even something as small as a stray cat has painted an entire story with one glance.

The creative team behind Stillwater has taken a worn-out trope and revitalized it with new meaning, causing waves within the horror community.

While being immortal certainly has a supernatural element to it, this story so far contains no ghouls or mythical beings. The only truly horrifying thing hiding around the corner waiting to pop out are the humans. Arguably the fact humans can be so twisted is scarier than any fictional creature waiting to grab a character in the dead of night.

Immortality is woven into every aspect of this town. The crops can regrow themselves and not die, and what is one of the most twisted things to come out of horror is how this town treats the livestock. In this town, any physical ailment can heal itself. If a character is shot, they do feel the pain but they regrow whatever was damaged. So unfortunately this town rips the meat off any animal they want, year after year, as a source for food.

The people of Stillwater have been cut off from the world, any contact with the outside is strictly monitored in fear of their secret being found out. For them, this means being stuck, where they live, who their friends can be, and also stuck in their own bodies. While their minds mature, their body doesn’t. So theoretically a 20-year-old can be stuck in a 5-year-old’s body.

The higher-ups in the town run things in a very specific way and violence is not shied away from. In the first arc, readers have seen some brutal forms of punishment, which include being shot at point-blank range as well as being buried alive. Since their bodies can handle anything thrown at them, nobody holds back.

There is no denying that Skybound hit a home run with this series. It certainly has the chance to be the next big thing for them and everyone involved. While many comics and books hope for the chance to become adapted to television, there is no doubt that Stillwater should jump to the top of anyone’s list. This series has truly redefined what immortality can mean for future generations.

Have you gotten a chance to read the Stillwater comic series yet? If so what do you think of the first arc? Are you excited about future issues? Tweet me your thoughts @Mamadeadhead on Twitter!